Initial tests show that the system in Bath emits approximately half as much energy as heat than the previous AC powered system while running much faster. This results in a double energy saving – initially from energy efficiency rather than emitting heat, and secondly in avoiding the need to power the fans in machines or utilise air conditioning units.

The new DC network also offers greater security. DC power supply units have a simpler design, with fewer parts that could fail and need replacing. The system at the University also charges a number of batteries when usage levels are low to allow the system to run independently from the grid for up to eight hours should a cut in power be experienced.

In commercial settings where electricity is billed at a higher rate in the day than during the night, companies running a large computer network could also benefit from significant cost savings by converting AC power and charging the batteries at night, and running the network independent from the grid during the more expensive peak daytime hours.

Not content with lowering power usage and reducing energy loss, the University hopes to extend the environmental credentials of the new network by installing mini wind-turbines or solar panels, both of which output a DC current and therefore don’t require inefficient conversion from AC to DC.

The project is funded by the University’s EPSRC Knowledge Transfer Account, matched by RWE npower.

A new converter has been installed in the library to convert AC power into DC to run the computers

“Installing the new system was not a small task, with fifty new DC adapted computers installed overnight to reduce disruption on campus, while the project team moved the one tonne AC converter through the University library and into the roof space, removing and rebuilding walls to transport it,” said Benjamin Williamson, Knowledge Transfer Fellow for the project. “Our team’s hard work paid off however, with the new network now operational and seeing high usage among students and staff.”

Chris Harris, Head of Retail Regulation at RWE npower said: “Projects such as this are vital to the success of finding ways to manage our electricity. Decarbonisation will increase electricity consumption by 2030 and possibly more than double it by 2050.

“The great work and expertise of Bath University is already starting to attract attention, this can only be good news for the project and the opportunities that local DC networks are able to offer.”

“The University library has provided us with an invaluable test-bed to establish if DC supplies can offer advantages for our current electricity demands,” said Miles Redfern, Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering. “We have already received interest in the project from a number of corporations running large-scale computer networks who could benefit greatly from installing a similar system. Our role now, at the University, is to undertake an in-depth examination of the new system and produce quantitative data to demonstrate the energy and cost savings achievable.”

The assessment of the new network starts this month with the use of specialised monitoring equipment. Results demonstrating the feasibility and potential energy, financial and environmental savings of such a DC network compared to AC networks are expected by summer.