Sensor network for DC distribution for energy-efficient data centers and future buildings

Abstract

This paper describes the work carried out on the implementation of a wireless sensor network that was created for a data center using the 6LoWPAN communication protocol which monitors power consumption readings at various nodes in the system. A direct current (DC) network controller was designed to distribute DC energy through the system and provide power to a data center load in future buildings. The controller makes control actions based on sensor network data. An energy measuring accuracy of 98.2% was achieved. A wireless sensor network consisting of a host node and two client nodes was implemented with 6LoWPAN. A DC network controller that provides continuous power to a data center load was implemented with an automated control method. A graphical user interface interfaced with the controller displays power consumption at different nodes in the system, stores the readings in a database and plots power usages periodically. An automated control algorithm with various control actions was developed on the control unit for the user to operate the data center. Such a system is not only limited to data centers, but can also be used in monitoring/control for future buildings. These will become more widespread with the advent of IoT and big data that will be generated from IoT. Figure 7: Power usage reported on the GUI. IV. RESULTSThis section presents the experimental results. A. Wireless communicationAn open area test was conducted to determine the maximum range of the wireless modules. The results show that communication ranges in line-of-sight (LOS) of up to 156 meters are possible.A test to determine the performance of non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communication was conducted by attempting communication through walls. This test resulted in transmission over two walls over a distance of 40 meters. A network recovery time of 3.75 seconds was observed. B. Accuracy of reported power consumptionTo determine the accuracy of the reported voltage and current measurements, the readings reported by the sensor