Sentilla targets data center energy drain

Sentilla CEO Bob Davis

Energy management company Sentilla released a new version of its data center energy management tool in June.

Sentilla Energy Manager for Data Centers 2.1 is designed to integrate information from Sentilla’s own equipment and that of third-party vendors to create a combined, comprehensive view of data center energy use.

Redwood City-based Sentilla started out providing energy management for industrial applications. In early 2009, the company announced that it was expanding its offerings into data centers, targeting clients that include financial, health care and manufacturing facilities. The new version of Energy Manager, created in response to customer feedback, provides a single repository—viewable via an online dashboard—for both existing information and data culled from Sentilla’s technology, which uses postage stamp-sized microprocessors imbedded in intelligent power strips.

In addition to turning equipment off and on, Sentilla’s tool offers recommendations and quantifies potential savings. Allowing for the integration of existing energy use information into one site allows users to identify which equipment is sucking the most power, and to prioritize adjustments or retrofits, says Sentilla CEO Bob Davis.

Data center energy use is an area of great opportunity, Davis says. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expects data center energy consumption to double between 2006 and 2011. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Energy is accepting applications for $50 million in federal stimulus funds for energy-efficient communications and information technology.