Discover how Webaxys leverages Eaton's energy-storage system to lower its CO2 footprint.
An eco-designed data centre at Webaxys
See how a data centre can become more environmentally friendly by incorporating an energy-storage system that relies on renewable energy.
Webaxys goes greener
Webaxys—a cloud and IT services hosting company in Normandy, France
Emmanuel Assié, CEO of Webaxys
We wanted to develop human-scale data centres that are close to our customers and respond to the societal challenges of energy management and consumption. Eaton was very responsive in meeting our requirements and, along with Nissan, provided the technology necessary to begin this transformation.
Webaxys
Webaxys is a hosting company and telecom operator located in Normandy, France. Since its inception in 2003, the company has pursued a strategy of innovation based on strong values of social engagement and respect for the environment. For its first data centre, Webaxys relied entirely on renewable energy sources. When it was time to design and build its next data centre, the company wanted to go even further to reduce its energy dependence and minimise the environmental impact of its activities. The new site is part of an outreach strategy that aims to create human-scale data centres that are well integrated into the local economy and located close to customers.
Overcoming energy challenges
Renewable energy technologies, such as photovoltaics, are by their nature variable. However, data centres need a constant flow of energy, which can be made accessible via battery storage technology. Furthermore, the management of the different energy sources needs to be integrated into the server and process management hardware and software infrastructure, in order to optimise the use of the energy mix and guarantee the service quality that customers require.
An innovative energy storage system
The integration of Eaton’s UPS technology with second-life Nissan LEAF batteries provides a standardised, industrialised, global energy management solution for data centres. The double-conversion Eaton 93PM UPS, suited to the most modern IT environments (including virtual environments), is specifically tailored for use with a photovoltaic power source. This product enables the integration of local renewable power sources, as well as the storage of energy from the grid or the return of energy to the power grid under a demand-management or rate-optimisation contract with energy suppliers.
An eco-designed data centre
Since its establishment in the spring of 2016, the new Webaxys data centre has demonstrated that it is possible for a data centre to minimise its environmental impact by committing to more autonomous, less energy-intensive operation. This industry validation represents a major milestone and opens up the possibility of large-scale deployment for small and medium-sized data centres seeking to become energy independent.
