The Wellcome Sanger Institute has partnered with Schneider Electric and EfficiencyIT to drastically reduce energy consumption within its data center. This initiative emphasizes the Institute’s commitment to sustainable operations and cutting-edge research in genomics and bioinformatics. By implementing advanced data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software and custom-designed hardware solutions, the Institute achieved a remarkable 33% reduction in energy use. This transformative project aligns with the growing trend of digital transformation in data-intensive environments.
Harnessing Advanced Digital Technologies
Integration of EcoStruxure IT Advisor
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT Advisor played a pivotal role in this energy-saving endeavor. The software provided real-time insights and comprehensive visibility into the data center’s operations. By monitoring and managing energy consumption at an intricate level, the Institute was able to optimize resource usage and reduce operating expenses significantly. The EcoStruxure IT Advisor’s capabilities include sophisticated data analytics and machine learning, which helped pinpoint inefficiencies and potential areas for energy conservation within the facility.
The on-premises DCIM software, integrated with over 300 custom-designed Rack Power Distribution Units (PDUs), enabled the Wellcome Sanger Institute to achieve a synergy of hardware and software solutions. This integration was essential for maintaining operational reliability and ensuring that ongoing genomic research was not disrupted by power issues. The data center team leveraged these insights to project future energy requirements and plan for sustainable expansion. This comprehensive approach underscores the critical role of intelligent power monitoring in achieving energy efficiency in high-demand computational environments.
Custom-Designed APC Rack PDUs
Alongside the software, over 300 custom-designed APC™ Rack Power Distribution Units (PDUs) were integrated into the data center. These PDUs allowed precise metering and monitoring of energy consumption at the rack level, providing the granularity needed to make informed decisions. This intelligent power monitoring system ensured an efficient and reliable power supply, crucial for uninterrupted research activities. The custom-designed PDUs were tailored to meet the specific needs of the Wellcome Sanger Institute’s data center, adding a layer of precision and customization that generic solutions could not provide.
These amendments in the power distribution systems played a significant role in enhancing the facility’s operational efficiency. By having real-time data on power usage at the rack level, the data center operators could dynamically adjust power distribution and quickly respond to any anomalies. This precise monitoring minimized energy wastage and contributed to a more stable and reliable power infrastructure, which is vital for sustaining large-scale genomic sequencing and bioinformatics projects. The ability to drill down to such detailed levels has become an industry trend, reflecting an increasing need for refined and adaptive energy management solutions in research-centric data centers.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Nick Ewing, Managing Director at EfficiencyIT, emphasized the long-standing collaboration with the Sanger Institute. He noted that the substantial energy savings validate their vision for innovative and sustainable scientific advancements. The data collected from this project not only contributed to energy savings but also significantly enhanced the operational efficiency and reliability of the Institute’s power systems. The partnership’s success stands as a testament to the potential of integrating advanced technological solutions and collaborative efforts for remarkable sustainability achievements.
The operational insights gained from the energy-saving measures also provided benefits beyond reduced energy bills. They led to improved reliability, reduced downtime, and enhanced performance of the data center’s critical infrastructure. The ability to monitor and manage energy consumption at such a detailed level ensured that the Institute could optimize its resources and maintain uninterrupted scientific research. As the demands on the data center grow, these efficiencies will play an essential role in supporting the Institute’s mission to remain at the forefront of genomic research and bioinformatics.
Boosting Computational Capacity
Advances in Sequencing Equipment and HPC
The Wellcome Sanger Institute has leveraged advancements in sequencing equipment, high-performance computing (HPC), and graphics processing unit (GPU) technologies to increase its computational output by 50%. These enhancements are critical for accelerating genomic research and bioinformatics, enabling researchers to tackle complex scientific projects more efficiently. By upgrading to cutting-edge sequencing hardware and HPC systems, the Institute can process and analyze vast amounts of genomic data more rapidly than ever before.
This boost in computational capacity is not only about speed but also about handling the scale of modern genomic data. With projects that can generate terabytes of data daily, the need for robust and efficient computational power becomes paramount. The integration of advanced GPU technologies has further enabled the Institute to run complex simulations and data analyses that would be unfeasible using traditional computing technologies. This substantial increase in computational power allows for more ambitious research projects and more comprehensive data analysis, ultimately contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in genomics and bioinformatics.
Role of NVIDIA Technologies
NVIDIA’s accelerated computing technologies have contributed significantly to the Institute’s energy-saving efforts. By integrating these advanced technologies, the Institute estimated substantial annual savings in both energy costs (approximately £745,955 or $1 million) and energy consumption (1,000 megawatt-hours). These savings underscore the importance of high-performance yet energy-efficient computing solutions in research-intensive settings. NVIDIA’s GPUs are known for their energy efficiency and performance, making them ideal for the demanding computational tasks required in genomic research.
The implementation of NVIDIA technologies has allowed the Institute to push the boundaries of scientific research while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. This adoption of advanced, energy-efficient GPU computing demonstrates how targeted investments in cutting-edge technology can yield significant returns in both performance and energy savings. As the Institute continues to grow its research capabilities, the use of NVIDIA’s advanced computing resources will be a cornerstone of its strategy to marry high-performance research with environmental responsibility.
Maintaining Sustainable Science Practices
Simon Binley, Campus Data Center Operation Manager at the Institute, highlighted the importance of maintaining sustainable science practices amid evolving hosting, density, and energy requirements. As genomic research demands increase, the Institute’s commitment to sustainability ensures that it can continue to produce groundbreaking scientific discoveries without compromising environmental responsibility. This balanced approach to innovation and sustainability is crucial for the long-term success and ethical integrity of the Institute’s research activities.
Binley’s insights reflect a broader trend within the research community, where sustainability is becoming as critical as scientific excellence. By incorporating sustainable practices into daily operations, the Wellcome Sanger Institute sets a standard for other research institutions. The careful planning and continuous optimization of energy use reflect a proactive stance towards environmental stewardship, enabling the Institute to support its ambitious research agenda while reducing its carbon footprint. This dual focus on cutting-edge research and sustainability serves as a model for other organizations aiming to achieve similar goals.
Supporting Lifesaving Research
Importance of Reliable Data Centers
The Wellcome Sanger Institute’s seamless integration of data centers, HPC, and AI technologies underscores their critical role in global lifesaving research. From cancer and dementia studies to infectious disease research, these infrastructures are indispensable. Robust high-density storage, comprehensive hosting solutions, and continued advancements in HPC processing capabilities are vital for this research. The data center’s reliability directly impacts the Institute’s ability to conduct its pioneering research, emphasizing the importance of maintaining state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The constant advancements in genomic research require a data center that can handle vast amounts of data with high availability and reliability. The integration of AI technologies allows for automation and more efficient data processing, reducing the time from data collection to actionable insights. This capability is crucial for translating research into real-world applications, whether developing new treatments or understanding the genetic basis of diseases. The robust infrastructure provided by the Wellcome Sanger Institute’s data center ensures that its researchers have the tools they need to make significant contributions to the life sciences.
Safeguarding Data Integrity
To protect against data losses, the Institute has installed APC Smart-UPS systems to safeguard its sequencing machines. These systems ensure an uninterrupted power supply, which is crucial, given that the sequencers can generate up to 4 terabytes (TB) of data per day. The Institute’s focus on data integrity complements its sustainable energy practices, ensuring reliable, high-quality research outputs. In the world of genomic research, where data is invaluable, protecting this information against power outages and other disruptions is paramount.
The redundant power systems provide an additional layer of security for the Institute’s critical operations. Ensuring that the sequencing machines and data storage systems remain operational under all circumstances prevents data loss and preserves the continuity of research. These measures not only protect the valuable data but also ensure that ongoing experiments are not interrupted, maintaining the integrity of the research process. This comprehensive approach to data protection is essential for any institution aiming to lead in high-stakes scientific research.
Broader Industry Trends
The Sanger Institute’s efforts reflect broader industry trends toward implementing energy-efficient technologies to handle growing data and computational demands. Institutions worldwide are enhancing their data infrastructure to support advanced research capabilities. For instance, the Pirbright Institute recently upgraded its computing capabilities with a new modular data center from Schneider Electric and Advanced Power Technology, further underscoring this trend. This reflects a significant move within the research community to adopt innovative solutions for energy efficiency and sustainable development.
As the volume of data generated by research institutions continues to grow, the importance of efficient data management becomes increasingly apparent. The trend towards modular and scalable data centers allows institutions to expand their capabilities without a proportionate increase in energy consumption. This strategic enhancement of data infrastructure ensures that research organizations can keep pace with scientific advancements while adhering to stringent sustainability targets. The developments at institutions like the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the Pirbright Institute highlight the critical role of advanced data center technologies in driving the future of scientific research.
Strategic Partnerships and Technological Integration
Long-Term Collaboration with EfficiencyIT
The Wellcome Sanger Institute’s partnership with EfficiencyIT began in 2019 with the implementation of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT Advisor DCIM software. This collaboration has been instrumental in leveraging AI and machine learning for improved operational visibility and decision-making. The success of this partnership highlights the value of strategic collaborations in achieving sustainable and efficient data center operations. EfficiencyIT’s expertise and innovative solutions have significantly contributed to the Institute’s ability to manage its resources more effectively and reduce its environmental impact.
The long-term collaboration between EfficiencyIT and the Wellcome Sanger Institute exemplifies how strategic partnerships can drive technological advancement and sustainability. By working closely together, these organizations have been able to identify and implement solutions that address specific challenges faced by the Institute. This collaborative approach ensures that the best possible technologies and practices are in place to support the Institute’s mission. The ongoing partnership indicates a continued commitment to exploring new ways to enhance data center performance and sustainability, setting a precedent for other research institutions to follow.
Future Directions and Innovations
The Wellcome Sanger Institute has teamed up with Schneider Electric and EfficiencyIT to significantly cut down energy consumption in its data center. This collaborative effort underscores the Institute’s dedication to sustainable practices and its leading role in genomics and bioinformatics research. By harnessing advanced data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software and specially tailored hardware solutions, the Institute achieved an impressive 33% reduction in energy use. This groundbreaking project not only illustrates their commitment to sustainability but also coincides with the broader trend of digital transformation in environments that handle vast amounts of data. Such initiatives are crucial as they address the high energy demands of modern data centers, making operations more efficient without compromising performance. Implementing eco-friendly measures in data management, the Institute sets an example for other research institutions to follow, ensuring that the technological advancements in genomic studies are supported by responsible and sustainable infrastructure. This effort signifies a milestone in aligning scientific progress with environmental stewardship.