Tesla: Energy Optimization System for PCs

In the ICT sector, there is a growing interest in reducing the energy consumption of computer systems in order to reduce their environmental impact. An example of this evolution can be found in the recent appearance of the Green500 list, the motivation of which is to measure the performance of supercomputers using other parameters beyond speed, such as the number of calculations per watt. This pattern can also be seen in Intel’s new range of Core M processors which are not performance oriented but rather aimed at providing low power consumption.

Within the UPC itself, an energy saving plan known as plaestalvi is being implemented. With this program, the university takes advantage of its ability to reach a wide audience from different technical fields and promotes progress within this framework among the centers. In order to succeed with this initiative, energy optimization projects (EOP), investments in energy efficiency and a SIRENA monitoring system, among other actions, have been promoted.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, inLab FIB has created a project with the aim of solving some problems in the energy context that have been encountered in the FIB working environment. One of the problems is machines that stay on all night unnecessarily. The second problem is associated with teleworking personnel who have to leave their machines on because there is no method for remote startup.