Power consumption: Residential vs. Commercial

In summary, the conversation discusses the power consumption of data centers and server farms compared to residential and commercial use. It is estimated that 1-2% of US power is used by computers, but this varies by region and can be offset by more efficient cooling methods. The residential and commercial sectors are increasing at the same rate, while data centers and server farms have minimal impact compared to other industries.
  • #1
AverageJoe
14
0
Just a hypothetical question here. It's just a thought that popped into my head that I thought was an interesting topic.

Seeing as many companies now have data centers and server farms, what would to say consumes more power overall?

All of the technologically superior countries' companies' IT, or the residents of those countries?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Residential use consumes 21% of US power generation, Commercial 17%
Estimates are that 1-2% of the US power is used by computers

It varies a lot by region - in the south most (electrical) power is used for AC
since AC is inefficient for every watt of energy you use in an appliance you need 2-3Watts of AC to remove the heat.

It's a little better in a large purpose designed facility like a server farm - but they still use more energy for cooling than powering the machines.
 
  • #3
I'm sure those numbers have vastly changed since 2004.
 
  • #4
If anything they will have got worse.
Lots of big screen plasma TV's at home and a lot of cost cutting at work.

Even a big data centre, think of 10,000 machines at 250W each is only 2.5MW even with old style AC that's only about 5MW total - nothing compared to a cement kiln or steel works.

Modern data centres, especially built somewhere cold or with water cooling, get down to only 10-20% overhead on the power used to run the machines.
 
  • #5

1. What is the difference between residential and commercial power consumption?

Residential power consumption refers to the amount of electricity used by households for daily activities such as lighting, heating, and cooking. Commercial power consumption, on the other hand, refers to the electricity used by businesses and industries for their operations and services.

2. Why is commercial power consumption usually higher than residential power consumption?

Commercial buildings typically have larger and more complex electrical systems compared to residential homes, as they often require more power for machinery, lighting, and HVAC systems. Additionally, businesses operate for longer hours and use more equipment, resulting in higher energy consumption.

3. How do residential and commercial power consumption affect the environment?

Both residential and commercial power consumption contribute to carbon emissions and air pollution, but commercial buildings have a larger impact due to their higher energy usage. However, residential power consumption can also have a significant impact if homes are not energy-efficient and use appliances that consume a lot of electricity.

4. What can individuals and businesses do to reduce their power consumption?

Individuals can reduce their residential power consumption by using energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and properly insulating their homes. Businesses can also implement energy-saving measures such as using LED lighting, investing in energy-efficient equipment, and practicing energy management strategies.

5. How does the cost of residential and commercial power consumption compare?

Commercial power rates are typically higher than residential rates due to the higher demand and usage. However, the total cost of power consumption for each may vary depending on the size and energy efficiency of the building or home. In some cases, commercial buildings may have lower power costs due to their ability to negotiate better rates with utility companies.

Similar threads

  • Computing and Technology
Replies
2
Views
986
Replies
22
Views
1K
  • General Engineering
Replies
15
Views
6K
Replies
8
Views
821
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
69
Views
10K
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
19
Views
13K
Back
Top