Green IT

Kingswood TAFE30 June 2011

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

WORKSHOP

Topics include:

1. Powermeter use

2. USB controlled powerboards

3. WiFi energy monitoring

4. Low power motherboards/PC

5. Alternative energy sources - solar and wind

‘THE ONE KILOWATT CLASSROOM’

Low energy

desktop

computing -

achieving less

than 40 watts per PC

SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE

An average modern classroom is equipped with computers, large screen, lighting, heating and cooling and can be quite energy intensive – consuming 5-6 kilowatts of power

Average computer use consuming 150-200W

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_power_consumption_of_a_home_desktop_PC

The challenge is to have modern equipment and facilities to support good learning outcomes, and

Use technology in such a way as to minimise the energy consumed

The goal of the project is a modern classroom consuming only one kilowatt of power – this will require low energy desktop computing, less than 40watts per station.

PROCESS

Researching and learning the basics of ICT Sustainability

Experimenting - setting up a trial, purchasing hardware and software, and getting some hands-on experience

Doing a field trial to identify potential applications, gaining practical knowledge in real-world environments

Developing a feasibility study and proposal, choosing hardware and software vendors

Launching a pilot, to confirm technical operation, correct any problems and prepare for the final deployment and scaling

Presentation of results and review

LOW ENERGY DESKTOP COMPUTING PROJECTS

Thin clients

Atom processor mainboard

Solid state hard drives

Green power supply units

“Light” operating systems

Thin Client

Desktop with Atom Processor Mainboard

Solid State Drive

ACHIEVEMENTS

Thin client desktop:

30 watts under full load to

15 watts on idle

4 watts on off

Desktop with an Atom mainboard (Asus):

34 watts under full load

24 watts on idle

0 watts on off

ACHIEVEMENTS

A typical 2.5” hard drive based on rotating magnetic platters usually requires between -

0.5w and 1.3w when it runs idle

2 w and 4 w when it is under maximum load

Solid state hard drive

2 watts under full load

Less than 1 watt idle

ACHIEVEMENTS

Green Power Supply UnitsAn “80 Plus” power supply can save about 85 kilowatt-hours per PC, per year.

In many ways, it's the heart of a green PC, since it manages the power for all the other components.

It also has the most dramatic effect on your energy bill.

“80 Plus” power supplies are also lead-free and RoHS-compliant.

ACHIEVEMENTS

‘Light’ OS

“Light” operating systems

e.g. Zorin OS 4 lite

Nearly no risk of getting malware

Faster - its tested to be more than twice as fast as normal OS

Free: http://zorin-os.com/free.html

Review:http://gsuryalss.wordpress.com/2011/01/02/zorin-os-a-small-review/

FUTURE PROJECTS UNDER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT INCLUDE:

development of turn-key green ICT solutions

fitting out of a training room

development of multimedia resources in ICT sustainability

THE ONE KILOWATT CLASSROOM

THE BENEFITSLearning for Sustainability

In embracing the ”one kilowatt classroom” concept we have been able to develop strategic skills and knowledge that place us well for future employment in this emerging Green IT area while adding considerable value to our community of knowledge

The low energy desktops demonstrate the theory and practice of Green IT to students – they will become an integral part of semester 2 delivery for the new sustainability unit :

ICTSUS4184A Install and test power saving hardware

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSWe would like to thank the following individuals for their support

Sherrie Haywood and Paul Cheleski Head Teachers and Information Technology Teachers

Kingswood

Catherine Miller and Brian Clarke, Head Teachers, Information

Technology

Jann Dillon, A/Manager Educational Programs

Joanne Saville, Teacher, Consultant for Students with Vision Impairment

George Kemeny, Student