Volkswagen AG Computing Center Wins Energy Efficiency Award
A new Audi Computing Center was just completed after three years of construction. The 2,000 sq. m (21,528 sq. ft.) site, which holds 6,000 servers, was awarded a premium certificate -- its highest recognition for energy efficiency -- by the TUV Rheinland inspection authority.
The servers are cooled with indirect outdoor cooling alone when the outside air temperatures are 110C (51.80F) or less. It also uses low-loss transformers and a flywheel energy storage system for backup power.
Despite the fact that the facility is always on, it cuts energy use of Audi IT by one-third. An article by 4-Traders.com notes that the energy reduction reduces CO2 emissions by 9,000 metric tons annually, but doesn't say what percentage of CO2 emitted by Audi cars that accounts for. "Our computing center sets standards in the green IT field," declared Mattias Ulbrich, Chief Information Officer of AUDI AG.
The center processes data for all Audi's computer users, plus Audi drivers who access services such as online traffic information from their cars.
