Spatio-temporal load migration potential of data centers: Evaluation and application

Abstract

The wide distribution of data centers and the delay tolerance of computing tasks endow data center loads with adjustable characteristics in both temporal and spatial dimensions. Due to the characteristics of abundant spatiotemporal flexibility, data centers can participate in the optimization of power system operation and regulation. To quantify this flexibility, this paper proposes a spatiotemporal load migration potential evaluation model. Meanwhile, a data center energy management strategy is combined with the characteristics of spatiotemporal load migration, which deeply exploits the migration potential through the spatiotemporal redistribution of delay-tolerant tasks, as well as server ON/OFF scheduling and CPU operating frequency scaling across different spatial locations. A case study demonstrates that adopting the proposed approach considering an energy management strategy can effectively improve the load migration potential of data centers. The migration characteristics of data centers have great application prospects in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing operational flexibility.