Browsing by Subject "Data center"
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Item Open Access BUSINESS MODELS FOR EXTRACTING MORE USEFUL LIFE FROM LITHIUM ION BATTERY SYSTEMS(2017-04-25) Bartlett, Dennis; Herman, Ted; Klinkman, AndrewDemand for new lithium-ion battery (LIB) systems is forecast to double between 2015 and 2020. However, current battery disposal practices mean that by 2020, tens of GWhs of still-useful lithium ion storage capacity could be directed towards landfills. While automotive companies are actively engaged in “second life” concepts for their electric vehicle batteries, it is not apparent that non-automotive batteries have similar applications. Non-automotive batteries have many different chemistries and form factors, and suffer from weak economics in the recycling process. This project explores the entrepreneurial viability of finding a “second-life” for non-automotive LIB systems. Specifically, we explore (1) capturing this low cost “waste” stream from primary users of batteries, (2) diagnosing and refurbishing used LIB systems, and (3) selling these systems to secondary users. Environmental benefits are quantified via (1) mineral conservation and (2) avoided emissions attributable to further unlocked levels of renewable energy supported by increased storage levels on the power grid.Item Open Access Carbon Free Data Centers Through Solar Photovoltaic Generation, Battery Energy Storage, and Medium Voltage DC Power Distribution(2024-04-26) Biehl, Kevin; Drewyer, HenryUtilities, grid operators, corporates, and other stakeholders are tasked with meeting carbon emission reduction mandates at a time of rising electricity demand. Data centers are a significant driver of load growth, as they are expected to triple as a share of U.S. electricity consumption to 7.5% by 2030. Advances in direct current (DC) circuit breakers and converters enable a medium voltage direct current (MVDC) data center architecture that can take advantage of efficiency gains from DC solar-photovoltaic generation and battery storage. This study quantifies the primary benefits of co-locating these technologies, incorporating efficiency gains along with capital cost savings of MVDC power distribution relative to conventional low voltage alternating current (LVAC) systems. By quantifying these system benefits, this study highlights a cost-efficient path to meet growing data center load, particularly for data centers attempting to demonstrate 24x7 clean energy use.