PS Lee’s Post

Transforming Data Centres with Hydrogen Fuel Cells: A Sustainable Future Introduction Data centres, consuming 1-1.3% of global electricity, are expected to double this by 2026. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a transformative solution to decarbonize these infrastructures. 🌍💡 The Need for Sustainable Solutions Driven by AI and cryptocurrency workloads, data centres' energy consumption could exceed 1,000 TWh by 2026. New regulations mandate emissions reporting and efficiency improvements. Hydrogen fuel cells present viable alternatives to traditional power sources. 📊🔋 Hydrogen Fuel Cells: An Overview Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water and heat as byproducts. 🔬⚡ Benefits of Hydrogen Fuel Cells Hydrogen fuel cells provide consistent power with minimal environmental impact. Using green hydrogen results in zero emissions, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of data centres. Their scalability suits both small and large-scale operations. 🌱🔋 Dual-Fuel Fuel Cells Dual-fuel fuel cells initially use natural gas or biogas and transition to green hydrogen as it becomes available, reducing initial investment costs and ensuring energy security. 🔄🟢 High-Temperature SOFCs SOFCs operate at high temperatures, utilizing various fuels and offering higher electrical efficiency, integrating well into existing data centre infrastructures for CHP applications. 🌡️⚙️ Waste Heat Utilization SOFCs' waste heat can drive absorption chillers, providing efficient cooling for data centres and enhancing overall energy efficiency. ❄️♻️ Case Study: Microsoft Microsoft's hydrogen fuel cell project demonstrated high efficiency and reliability, powering a data centre for two days. 💼🔧 Economic and Environmental Impact Hydrogen fuel cells offer long-term economic benefits with lower operational and maintenance costs. Government subsidies and incentives for green energy solutions reduce financial burdens. They significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with sustainability goals. 🌍💸 Challenges and Solutions Challenges such as hydrogen storage and infrastructure must be addressed. Advancements in hydrogen production and storage technologies, along with supportive policies and regulatory frameworks, are crucial. 🚧🔧 Future Trends and Innovations Emerging technologies and ongoing research are improving efficiency and cost reduction. Advances in hydrogen production methods are making green hydrogen more accessible. Market predictions indicate growing adoption of fuel cells in the data centre industry. 📈🔬 Conclusion Hydrogen fuel cells can significantly reduce data centres' carbon footprint. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate, pilot, testbed and adopt these technologies for a sustainable digital future. 🌱🔋 #Sustainability #HydrogenFuelCells #DataCenters #GreenEnergy #Innovation #CleanTech #EnergyEfficiency Image credit: DALL.E

Sustaining Leadership Amid Political Shifts: The U.S. Model of Innovation and Resilience Innovation and Entrepreneurial Spirit The U.S. excels in innovation and entrepreneurship, supported by top universities like MIT and Stanford, and tech giants like Apple and Google. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy underscores the nation's commitment to technological advancement. Economic Dynamism and Market Economy The market-oriented U.S. economy encourages competition and investment. A robust financial system provides venture capital, allowing businesses to adapt swiftly to changes, maintaining economic leadership. Institutional Stability and Rule of Law Stable institutions ensure continuity despite political changes. The separation of powers among government branches provides checks and balances, maintaining a stable environment for business and innovation. Global Influence and Soft Power The U.S. wields significant global influence through its diplomatic, military, and economic power. Its extensive network of alliances and leadership in international organizations help shape global norms and policies. Additionally, U.S. cultural exports like media and education reinforce its leadership position and attract global talent. Diverse and Inclusive Society The U.S. is a melting pot of cultures and ideas, fostering creativity and innovation. This diversity encourages a broad range of perspectives and solutions, driving progress in various fields. Inclusive policies and practices that attract and retain global talent significantly contribute to the U.S.'s leadership in science and technology. Flexible and Adaptive Policy Frameworks The U.S. system is inherently flexible and adaptive. Policies can be quickly reformed or repealed in response to emerging challenges and opportunities, allowing the U.S. to stay ahead of global trends. The federal structure also enables states to experiment with different policies, creating a dynamic laboratory for innovation. Private Sector Leadership and Investment The private sector in the U.S. plays a pivotal role in driving growth and innovation. Companies often lead in adopting new technologies and business models, influencing global standards and practices. Significant investment in R&D by private enterprises ensures continuous advancement and competitive advantage. Collaboration between the private sector and government on key initiatives further strengthens the nation’s leadership. Conclusion The United States' ability to maintain leadership despite political shifts is rooted in its culture of innovation, economic dynamism, institutional stability, global influence, and adaptive policy frameworks. These dynamics provide valuable insights into the strengths and challenges of sustaining global leadership. #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #USLeadership #EconomicDynamism #InstitutionalStability #GlobalInfluence #Diversity #AdaptivePolicy #PrivateSector #ResearchAndDevelopment Image credit: DALL.E

Sustainable Air Conditioning: Balancing Thermal Comfort with Climate Care As global temperatures rise, the need for effective cooling becomes crucial. However, traditional air conditioning significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, worsening climate change. Innovative strategies combining technology, policy, and nature-based solutions are essential. Rising Demand Global warming has increased the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, making air conditioning essential. Cooling systems account for 20% of global building energy use, a figure expected to triple by 2050. Urbanization and a growing middle class in developing countries drive this surge, placing immense pressure on power grids and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental Impact Traditional air conditioners use fossil fuels and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases. The waste heat they emit exacerbates the urban heat island effect, creating a cycle of increased temperatures and higher cooling demand. Innovative Technologies Innovative technologies like phase change materials can be used to efficiently store and release heat, leading to air conditioners using alternative refrigerants with lower global warming potentials. Nature-Based and Passive Solutions Urban greening initiatives, such as planting trees and creating green corridors, lower temperatures through shading and evapotranspiration. The use of"green corridors" reduced the city's average temperatures by 2°C. Traditional architectural designs, like wind catchers and louvered shading devices, enhance natural ventilation and reduce indoor temperatures without electricity. Policy and Global Cooperation Over 60 countries have pledged to cut cooling emissions by adopting higher efficiency standards and phasing out HFCs under the Kigali Amendment. Renewable energy integration meets cooling demands without significantly raising emissions. Governments can also incentivize energy-efficient technologies through subsidies and tax credits. Equity and Access Ensuring equitable cooling access is vital, especially in heat-vulnerable regions. Many developing countries lack air conditioning, leading to heat-related health issues. Programs like the U.S. LIHEAP subsidize cooling for low-income households, promoting health and sustainability. Conclusion The air conditioning paradox is a significant challenge but also an opportunity for innovation. Combining advanced technologies, nature-based solutions, and supportive policies can mitigate cooling's environmental impact while protecting vulnerable populations from extreme heat. Sustainable cooling is crucial for tackling climate change and ensuring global health, fostering a future where comfort doesn't compromise the planet. #SustainableCooling #ClimateChange #GreenTech #EnergyEfficiency #UrbanPlanning #RenewableEnergy #GlobalCooperation #Equity #Access #PassiveCooling #NatureBasedSolutions Image credit: DALL.E

🚀 Excited to be part of the Singapore Cloud & Datacenter Convention - Global 2024 (https://lnkd.in/gyHwfDYZ) organised by W.Media - Global this Thursday! Join me for a FOCUS session on Leadership in Green Digital Infrastructure at the Hospitality Lounge. 🌱 As data center design, build, and operation engineers, we have the unique opportunity to lead the way in significantly reducing environmental impact while driving the transition to a sustainable digital economy. This journey begins with a blend of innovative practices, strategic investments, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. 💡 I'm honored to share my thoughts on this important topic: Thought Leadership: PS Lee, PhD, ASME Fellow Executive Director, Energy Studies Institute (ESI) Dean’s Chair Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering, NUS College of Design & Engineering National University of Singapore (NUS) 👥 Eligibility to Attend: On-Invite: Design, Build, Operate 📅 Don't miss out on this chance to engage with industry leaders and explore how we can collectively advance towards greener digital infrastructure. Let's drive change together! #GreenDigitalInfrastructure #Sustainability #DataCenter #Innovation #Leadership #SingaporeCloudAndDatacenterConvention #NUS

China’s robotaxi push sparks concerns about job security for drivers Summary: China's push for robotaxis is gaining traction with consumers but raising job security concerns among taxi drivers. Baidu's Apollo Go, a leading robotaxi operator, has seen rapid adoption in Wuhan, where it began operating fully driverless vehicles 24/7 in certain districts since March. The company plans to increase its fleet in Wuhan from 500 to 1,000 by year-end. Job Security Concerns The rise of robotaxis has sparked fears among taxi drivers about losing their jobs. As of May, China had over 7 million registered ride-hailing drivers, nearly double the number from July 2021. Local governments have started to restrict the industry to manage the influx of ride-hailing drivers and companies. Industry and Government Response Multiple Chinese cities support the development of autonomous vehicles. Beijing, for instance, allows robotaxi operators like Baidu’s Apollo Go and Pony.ai to collect fares from the public, with some vehicles operating fully driverless. The government is also promoting cloud-connected cars and low-speed unmanned vehicle tests in pilot regions. Consumer Adoption and Economic Impact Robotaxis are still subsidized, making them cheaper than traditional taxis, which adds to the pressure on taxi drivers. Despite this, the number of robotaxis remains much lower than traditional taxis. The Apollo Go app, for example, offers subsidized rides, making them significantly cheaper than regular ride-hailing services. Future Outlook China aims to operate the world’s largest robotaxi fleet by 2040, with about 12 million self-driving vehicles. Baidu CEO Robin Li expects Apollo Go to break even in Wuhan soon, with fully driverless rides becoming the norm. While autonomous driving is unlikely to replace human drivers in the short term, the technology continues to advance, prompting cities like Wuhan to position themselves as leaders in autonomous driving. #AutonomousDriving #Robotaxis #SelfDrivingTechnology #Baidu #JobSecurity #TransportationInnovation #RideHailing #SmartCities #FutureMobility #TechAdoption

Driverless taxi accident in China sparks discussions on challenges of autonomous driving tech Summary: A recent accident involving a Baidu-operated self-driving taxi in Wuhan, China, has sparked debates about the challenges of autonomous driving technology, particularly in complex scenarios. The incident, where a robotaxi hit a pedestrian, highlights the ongoing difficulties these vehicles face under unpredictable conditions. Concerns and Challenges The deployment of robotaxis in more Chinese cities has raised job security concerns among taxi drivers, who face increased competition from driverless vehicles. Baidu currently has over 500 robotaxis in Wuhan and plans to expand to 1,000 by the end of 2024. Despite advancements, self-driving technology struggles with unconventional behaviors, like traffic rule violations by motorists and pedestrians, noted Mr. Zhang Xiang, an auto sector researcher. Enhancing safety requires improved algorithms, reduced costs for lidar sensors, and better intelligent transportation infrastructure. Industry and Regulatory Response Ensuring autonomous vehicle safety is a priority. The Beijing government supports autonomous vehicles for public transportation and ride-hailing. Over 20 Chinese cities have introduced policies for autonomous driving tests, with more than 60 enterprises obtaining licenses. However, integrating self-driving vehicles into existing traffic systems presents legal challenges, highlighted by Mr. Huang Jinjing of the Ministry of Public Security. Economic and Social Impact Robotaxis currently pose limited competition to traditional taxis due to their smaller numbers, according to Mr. Pan Helin from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s Expert Committee. The main pressure on taxi drivers comes from private ride-hailing services. Despite concerns, the self-driving industry is expected to drive the intelligent transformation of the auto industry, boost sales of vehicle-mounted devices, and develop vehicle-road coordination systems. Future Outlook BloombergNEF’s Electric Vehicle Outlook report projects China will have the world’s largest robotaxi fleet, with about 12 million self-driving vehicles by 2040. The Wuhan accident underscores the need for continued advancements in autonomous driving technology and regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and address societal impacts. #AutonomousDriving #Robotaxis #SelfDrivingTechnology #Baidu #WuhanAccident #TransportationInnovation #JobSecurity #SmartCities #RegulatoryChallenges #FutureMobility

Energy Efficient and Sustainable Design of a Multi-Story Building Based on Embodied Energy and Cost Summary: RCC buildings significantly impact resource consumption, energy use, and emissions. This study optimizes embodied energy (EE) and cost in multi-story buildings using a multi-objective approach with the BuildingEnergy program. Reference Building A 50-story RCC building with a central core and perimeter columns, having an EE of 19 GJ/m², serves as the reference. Various designs are evaluated, focusing on sectional dimensions, steel rebar, and concrete strengths. Methodology A multi-objective optimization algorithm in Matlab defines design variables such as beam height, width, and areas of shear and longitudinal rebar. Objective functions for EE and cost are subject to safety and serviceability constraints per Chinese design code GB 50010. Results Feasible Design Domains: Lower-cost regions don't always correspond to lower EE regions, with concrete contributing more to cost and EE than steel rebar. Optimized Designs: For a 50-story building with a cost ratio of R = 0.7, EE-optimized sections use more steel rebar and less concrete than cost-optimized sections, leading to different ductility behaviors. Parametric Study: Cost Ratio R: Increasing R from 0.6 to 1.6 decreases EE by about 13% while increasing total cost by 6%. Building Height: EE increases with building height, with concrete consuming more EE than steel rebar. Beam Dimensions: Smaller beam widths benefit both minimum emission and cost optimization. Column Width: Cost-effective sections have minimal cross-sectional areas with fewer steel bars, while EE-optimized sections have larger areas but fewer steel bars. Eccentricity: Lower steel bar ratios benefit cost optimization, while higher ratios reduce CO2 emissions. Material Strength and Load Effects: High-strength concrete and steel bars optimize for minimum emissions. Increasing design load raises costs and emissions, with doubly reinforced beams better for high loads. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Increasing cost by 10% can reduce EE by up to 20% and CO2 emissions by up to 60%, showing significant impact reduction with a small cost increase. Conclusions Optimizing for EE reduces embodied energy by around 12% at a cost increase of about 5%. Minimum cost and emissions are achieved with a beam width of 200 mm, with singly reinforced beams sustainable in severe environments and doubly reinforced beams for high loads. High-strength materials benefit emission optimization, while higher concrete strength suits cost optimization. Increasing steel bars in RCC columns significantly reduces EE and CO2 emissions at a higher cost. Future research should address dynamic and wind loads, incorporating CO2 emissions as an alternative sustainability indicator for multi-story RC and composite buildings. #SustainableDesign #EmbodiedEnergy #CostOptimization #GreenBuilding #EnergyEfficiency #MultiStoryBuildings

Charted: The World’s Top 100 Universities, by Country Summary: This visualization breaks down which countries host the most top 100 universities in the world, according to the World University Rankings 2024 by Times Higher Education. The ranking measures 1,906 universities across 108 countries on 18 performance indicators across teaching, research environment, research quality, industry, and international outlook. Key Findings United States: Dominates with 36 universities in the top 100, including Stanford University at #2. It has 169 universities in the overall ranking. China & Hong Kong: Host 12 top 100 universities, with Tsinghua University ranked highest at #12. United Kingdom: Home to 11 top 100 universities, including Oxford University at #1. Germany: Features 8 top 100 universities, led by the Technical University of Munich at #30. Australia: Has 6 top 100 universities, with the University of Melbourne at #37. Netherlands: Also has 6 top 100 universities, with Delft University of Technology ranked #48. France: Hosts 4 top 100 universities, led by Paris Sciences et Lettres at #71. Switzerland: Has 3 top 100 universities, with ETH Zurich at #11. Canada: Features 3 top 100 universities, led by the University of Toronto at #21. South Korea: Also has 3 top 100 universities, with Seoul National University at #62. Singapore: Hosts 2 top 100 universities, with NUS at #19. Japan: Also has 2 top 100 universities, with the University of Tokyo at #29. Sweden: Hosts 2 top 100 universities, with Karolinska Institute at #50. Belgium: Features 1 top 100 university, KU Leuven at #45. Russia: Hosts 1 top 100 university, Moscow State University at #95. Top 10 Universities U.S. and UK dominate, with the U.S. hosting 7 of the top 10 and the UK hosting 3. Oxford University is ranked #1 overall. Stanford University is #2 and leads in teaching. MIT is #3 and leads in research quality. Per Capita Highlights Singapore has 2 top 100 universities for a population of just over 5.5 million. Switzerland has 3 top 100 universities for nearly 9 million people. South America and Africa do not host any top 100 universities in this ranking. Detailed Breakdown: North America (39) U.S.: 36 Canada: 3 Europe (36) UK: 11 Germany: 8 Netherlands: 6 France: 4 Switzerland: 3 Sweden: 2 Belgium: 1 Russia: 1 Asia & Oceania (26) China & Hong Kong: 12 Australia: 6 South Korea: 3 Singapore: 2 Japan: 2 The U.S. leads globally in top-tier universities, with significant representation in Europe and Asia as well. The UK and Germany also have strong showings. Notably, regions like South America and Africa lack representation in the top 100, highlighting geographic disparities in higher education quality and resources. #WorldUniversityRankings #HigherEducation #TopUniversities #GlobalEducation #USUniversities #UKUniversities #AsianUniversities #EuropeanUniversities #UniversityRankings2024 #EducationTrends

The rise of sustainable data centers: Innovations driving change Summary: In the digital age, data centers are crucial but have significant environmental impacts due to high energy consumption and carbon emissions. This article explores how energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and innovative cooling technologies are making data centers more sustainable. Energy Efficiency Modern data centers enhance efficiency through virtualization, reducing the number of physical servers, and using AI to optimize energy use. Advanced cooling systems like free cooling and liquid cooling are becoming standard. Key Metrics: Minimize PUE (power usage effectiveness) Optimize CCF (cooling capacity factor) Maximize DCiE (data center infrastructure efficiency) Renewable Energy Integration Many data centers now use solar, wind, and geothermal energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Companies like Google and Microsoft aim to run their data centers entirely on renewable energy. Localized energy matching ensures a steady supply. Challenges and Solutions: Intermittent renewable sources managed with advanced energy storage and grid management. Key Metrics: Minimize CUE (carbon usage effectiveness) Maximize ERE (energy reuse effectiveness) Maximize GEC (green energy coefficient) Advanced Cooling Technologies Cooling is a major energy expense. Advanced solutions like free cooling, liquid cooling, and waste heat reuse improve efficiency. Key Metrics: Minimize PUE Optimize CCF Sustainable Construction and Retrofitting Green certifications like LEED and BREEAM ensure high environmental standards. Modular designs allow scalable growth using sustainable materials. Retrofitting with energy-efficient systems and renewable sources offers long-term benefits. Waste Management Proper e-waste management, recycling programs, and zero waste initiatives minimize environmental impact. Technological Innovations AI and machine learning optimize energy management and predictive maintenance. Blockchain ensures transparent and efficient energy tracking. Key Metrics: Minimize PUE Maximize DCiE Maximize GEC Conclusion Sustainability in data centers is essential. By focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and leveraging advanced technologies, data centers can significantly reduce their environmental impact, ensuring a sustainable future. #SustainableDataCenters #EnergyEfficiency #RenewableEnergy #GreenTechnology #CarbonReduction #AdvancedCooling #WasteManagement #TechnologicalInnovations #SustainabilityMetrics #GreenBuilding #DigitalSustainability

India's Solar Capacity Reaches 85.4 GW, Boosting Clean Energy Goals Summary: India's solar energy capacity has surged to 85.4 GW, up from 73.3 GW at the end of 2023, marking significant progress in the nation's clean energy initiatives. Rajasthan leads with 22.4 GW, followed by Gujarat with 14.3 GW, Karnataka with 8.8 GW, and Tamil Nadu with 8.6 GW. Growth is attributed to the Khavda Solar Park in Gujarat and the clarification of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) policy. Vibhuti Garg from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) highlighted that technology innovation and market mechanisms have made solar the cheapest form of energy. However, integrating solar power requires flexible generation sources. The 85.4 GW total capacity includes 66.5 GW from ground-mounted plants, 12.9 GW from grid-connected rooftops, 2.6 GW from hybrid projects, and 3.4 GW from off-grid installations. The rooftop sector lags with only 12.9 GW due to high upfront costs. The government’s nationwide scheme, allocating Rs 75,021 crores, offers subsidies to promote rooftop solar adoption. As of June 2024, India's total renewable capacity, excluding large hydro, is approximately 148 GW. This includes 85.4 GW of solar, 46.6 GW of wind, 9.4 GW of biomass, and 5 GW of small hydro. Charith Konda from IEEFA noted that India added 10.02 GW of solar capacity in 2023 and 12.16 GW in the first half of 2024, positioning the country close to Japan, behind China and the US. India aims for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, with solar contributing 280 GW. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy plans annual bids for 50 GW of renewable capacity. However, challenges like land acquisition delays, approval difficulties, and financial closures must be addressed to meet these targets. #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #India #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #GreenEnergy #SolarPower #RenewableGoals #EnergyInnovation #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #IEEFA #EnergyPolicy https://lnkd.in/gh4Sg4kH