CDCP Energy Efficiency and Sustainability 3

Question 1

Which IT strategy most directly reduces data center energy waste caused by underutilized physical servers?

Accepted Answer

Server virtualization and workload consolidation

Answer

Server virtualization consolidates multiple workloads onto fewer physical machines, dramatically raising utilization rates and reducing total power consumption from idle hardware.

Question 2

What does a data center PUE value greater than 2.0 typically indicate?

Accepted Answer

Poor efficiency where overhead systems consume more power than IT equipment

Answer

A PUE above 2.0 means overhead systems (cooling, power distribution, lighting) consume more energy than the IT equipment itself, indicating significant inefficiency.

Question 3

Which power supply characteristic most directly impacts server-level energy efficiency and is standardized through certification?

Accepted Answer

PSU efficiency rating under the 80 PLUS certification program

Answer

The 80 PLUS certification program rates PSU efficiency at multiple load levels (Bronze through Titanium), with higher-rated units converting more AC input to useful DC output and wasting less as heat.

Question 4

What does the term 'stranded capacity' mean in the context of data center efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Power or cooling infrastructure that exists but cannot be utilized due to physical constraints

Answer

Stranded capacity is power or cooling headroom that exists in the infrastructure but cannot be used because physical constraints such as airflow patterns, cable routing, or floor tile placement prevent its delivery to IT equipment.

Question 5

Which efficiency improvement involves raising CRAC/CRAH supply air setpoints to reduce compressor energy consumption?

Accepted Answer

Operating at higher allowable server inlet temperatures

Answer

Raising supply air temperatures (enabled by ASHRAE's expanded A1/A2 envelope) reduces the temperature differential compressors must maintain, decreasing compressor work and enabling more free cooling hours.

CDCP - Certified Data Centre Professional Practice Test

CDCP - Certified Data Centre Professional Practice Test

CDCP Energy Efficiency and Sustainability 3