Sensor network for DC distribution for energy-efficient data centers and future buildings

Abstract

This paper describes the work carried out on the implementation of a wireless sensor network that was created for a data center using the 6LoWPAN communication protocol which monitors power consumption readings at various nodes in the system. A direct current (DC) network controller was designed to distribute DC energy through the system and provide power to a data center load in future buildings. The controller makes control actions based on sensor network data. An energy measuring accuracy of 98.2% was achieved. A wireless sensor network consisting of a host node and two client nodes was implemented with 6LoWPAN. A DC network controller that provides continuous power to a data center load was implemented with an automated control method. A graphical user interface interfaced with the controller displays power consumption at different nodes in the system, stores the readings in a database and plots power usages periodically. An automated control algorithm with various control actions was developed on the control unit for the user to operate the data center. Such a system is not only limited to data centers, but can also be used in monitoring/control for future buildings. These will become more widespread with the advent of IoT and big data that will be generated from IoT.