Implementing Highly-Efficient Power Delivery for Data Centers and Comments on Undergraduate Research

Josiah McClurg
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Abstract:
The application of series-connected voltage domains in the area of data center power delivery represents the potential for order-of-magnitude increases in the data center efficiency. By intelligent power distribution, conversion losses between bus and server can virtually be eliminated. We have implemented a proof-of-concept design using network servers and software-based load-side voltage regulation techniques (power aware computing). This design is shown to provide adequate voltage regulation for a cluster of four web servers, and shows only a minor reduction in net throughput.

Undergraduate involvement continues to be a key component of this research. This presentation will discuss the experiences of undergraduate student research assistants based on collected practical observations. The key elements needed to maintain the vibrantly collaborative research environment with my undergraduate assistants are described.