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Data centers may soon recycle heat into electricity

Rice University researchers are developing a system that converts waste heat into light and then that light into electricity, which could help data centers reduce computing costs.

By Patrick Nelson

Jul 24, 2019 3 mins

Data Center Data Center Management Sustainable IT

An eco-friendly internet of disposable things is coming

Researchers are creating a non-hazardous, bacteria-powered miniature battery that can be implanted into shipping labels and packaging to monitor temperature and track packages in real time.

By Patrick Nelson

Jul 3, 2019 3 mins

Internet of Things Sensors Sustainable IT

Will 5G be the first carbon-neutral network?

Increased energy consumption in new wireless networks could become ecologically unsustainable. Engineers think they have solutions that apply to 5G, but all is not certain.

By Patrick Nelson

May 16, 2019 4 mins

5G Small and Medium Business Sustainable IT

Running LEDs in reverse could cool computers

The miniaturization of electronics is reaching its limits in part because of heat management. Many are now aggressively trying to solve the problem. A kind of reverse-running LED is one avenue being explored.

By Patrick Nelson

Apr 4, 2019 3 mins

Data Center Data Center Management Sustainable IT

Poor data-center configuration leads to severe waste problem

Old servers don’t just burn electricity; they contribute heavily to toxicity of the environment.

By Andy Patrizio

Jan 4, 2019 3 mins

Data Center Sustainable IT

Computers could soon run cold, no heat generated

Transistors, superconductors, and chip design have all seen efficiency breakthroughs this year. So much so, that we may see the cold-running computer before too long.

By Patrick Nelson

Dec 12, 2018 4 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Sustainable IT

Data centers are set to grow and become more complex, survey finds

Companies will invest more in building and renovating data centers and will look to alternative energy sources to power them, a new AFCOM survey finds.

By Andy Patrizio

Nov 27, 2018 3 mins

Data Center Data Center Management Sustainable IT

Wave energy to power undersea data centers

Ocean Energy's ability to create electricity from seawater may prove to be the most efficient and eco-friendly way to bring edge computing to coastal population centers.

By Patrick Nelson

Oct 17, 2018 3 mins

Data Center Sustainable IT

Excess data center heat is no longer a bug — it’s a feature!

A small town in Norway is experimenting with using heat generated by a new data center to warm homes and businesses.

By Fredric Paul

Aug 27, 2018 3 mins

Data Center Sustainable IT

Solar power costs half what coal costs

One megawatt-hour of solar-produced electricity in North America currently costs $50, compared to $102 for coal-originating power, according to new analysis.

By Patrick Nelson

May 10, 2018 3 mins

Data Center Sustainable IT