Problem Statement
Computers have made our lives easier and we use them a lot in our everyday lives making them important devices in our modern society for our work. Every day, most computers in Limkokwing University are left on while not in use. This is because certain people don’t want to spend an extra 5 minutes turning off the computer. The downside of doing this is, it wastes lot of power generating high electricity bills. The problem with the computers is that they consume a lot of power. This loss comes about when using older versions of computers that consume more power and generate more heat compared to newer computers which are light, slimmer, better design, create less heat and consume less power. Our case study is on the university's library where the PCs need updating to save on energy consumption .
Problem Solution
With technology going green, there are many new ideas coming up daily on how to save energy. Software to schedule shutdown, PCs built from environment friendly materials and that consume less power are just but a few. New ways of handling E-waste have also been fathomed over.
Objectives
- To create a system that reduces the amount of energy consumed and in turn the carbon footprint by using green technology.
- To create awareness of green computing for everyone.
- To develop and to find proper solutions for handling e-waste.
- To give information on the benefits of green computing
Scope
- Proposing the use of HPs new multiseat solution.
- Blog - to create awareness of green computing
- Techniques to manage e-waste.
- Benefits of green computing
Technology to Implement
Shutdown Software
There are a lot of solutions to solve the shut down to save energy problem. There are a lot of free software that work. Most of the software can be easily found in the internet.
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| Shutti 2010 |
Shutti is a freeware shutdown utility. It is 100% based on power tools. There are many types of shutdown tools in the software. You can have a Shutdown Timer, Shutdown booster, and other supportive tools that makes you easier to shut down your computer system fast and safely.
Unique thing about this software is, it have slightly more extra function than what you expect in a shutdown timer. It will allow you to schedule your shutdown, restart and log off which is basic function of shut down timer but the extra function which allow you to eject CD, lock workstation, standby, turn monitor on and off is a great additional to the software
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| Shutdown Timer This is another alternative to the Shutti 2010. It works the same as Shutti 2010 but personally we think this is better but its not a free software but its worth every cent to pay for it. Its not just a shutdown timer, it allow you to :
Another extra features for Shutdown Timer is it has the ability to execute the power saving feature under :
The last feature of Shutdown Timer is the ability to wake the system up from sleep. You can also add similar tasks to Shutdown Timer, the program will now add a list of task you want to do and will execute them when the situations are met. HPs new multi-seat solution |
This solution could easily replace the one in the library.
Table of comparison between the current system and the proposed system.
Table of comparison between the current system and the proposed system.
One round table for four users | ||
Current System | Proposed System | |
1st Section | 2nd Section | |
· Consists of 4 tower PCs HP Compaq dc 5100M. · 4 Monitors HP L1706. · 4 sets of mouse and keyboard. | 4 HP touchsmart 300-1000 touch screen desktop PCs. | · One (1) HP Compaq Multiseat ms6000 preferebly ms6200 · four (4) HP t150 Zero Clients for multiseat · four (4) HP LE 1851 wt monitors · standard PS/2 keyboards and optical mice |
· Runs on Windows XP · Intel Pentium/Celeron processors · Max memory upgrade is 4GB | · Runs on Windows 7 · Athlonll X4 600e processor · Max memory upgade of 8 GB | · Runs on Windows Multipoint Server 2011 · Intel Core i5-2400 processor · Max memory upgrade of 16 GB |
One PC’c Heat Dissipation can be up to a max of 1575 btu/hr (397 kg-cal/hr) | The server’s Heat Dissipation can be up to a max of 1025 btu/hr (258 kg-cal/hr) | |
· Monitor Input power 100~240 Vac frequency 50~60 Hz · Consumes 33 watts of power | · Monitor Input power 100~240 Vac frequency 47~63 Hz · Consumes 22 watts | |
PC consumes 300 watts of power. Power usage= (33+300)/1000 =0.333kW*4 users =1.332 kW | Consumes 200 watts of power. Power usage= 200/1000 =0.2kW*4 users = 0.8kW | PC consumes 240 watts. Zero Client consumes 2.5 watts. Power usage = [(4*2.5)+240+(4*22)]/1000 =0.338kw per 4 users |
Cost of running taking library working hours to be 13 as it opens from 9:00AM to 10:00pm Cost per kWh = RM 0.393 | ||
1.332kW*13hrs = 17.316 kWh 17.316*0.393 = 6.8051 = 6.81 ~ RM 6.80 /day | 0.8kW*13hrs = 10.4 kWh 10.4*0.393 = 4.0872 = 4.09 ~ RM 4.10 /day | 0.338kW*13hrs = 4.394kWh 4.394*0.393 = 1.7268 = 1.73 ~ RM 1.75 /day |
The 2nd section of the library consumes less power than the first. The touchscreen screen PCs however, are mostly inconvenient for typing as one gets tired quickly. This problem can be fixed by using USB keyboards with the PC if the management is to keep the touchscreens.
Benefits of the proposed system
Benefits of the proposed system
- The simple plug and play USB connectivity of the thin clients make it a convenience in that there is no need for networking or technical knowledge to set up saving on cost.
- The system results in reduced environmental heat and noise as compared to the current one. This is mainly because the Zero Clients do not have movable parts such as disk drivers and fans.
- Reduce cost and energy consumed by 74%.
- The Zero clients can be mounted to the back of Monitors to save space preventing clutter. One plug per station will be used. Fewer plugs means reduced cost.
- The Windows Multipoint Server 2011 OS comes with numerous features such as:
o Domain join capability.
o Split screen allowing 2 users per monitor.
o Manage more than one system from a central console.
o Workgroup control features built in.
o Separate IP addresses for each station.
o Ability to use private USB.
Budget Comparison
Hardware | Price as of 1 October 2011 |
HP ms6200 Desktop | $ 669.00 ~ RM 2087.30 |
HP t150 Zero Client for Multiseat (QM177AT) | $ 89.00 ~ RM 277.80 * 4 |
HP 18.5” LE 1851 WT Widescreen LCD | $ 172.68 ~ RM 538.80 * 4 |
Total cost for one table of four (4) users is ~ RM 5353.70 | |
Dell XPS 8300 Midsize-Tower Desktop | $ 799.99 ~ RM 2496.0 * 4 |
Total cost for one table of four (4) users is ~RM 9984.0 | |
Benefits of Green Computing
- Reduced energy usage from green computing techniques translates into lower carbon dioxide emissions.
- Stemming from a reduction in the fossil fuel used in power plants and transportation.
- Conserving resources means less energy is required to produce, use, and dispose of products. Put simply, saving energy and resources saves money.
