QuadraSpace

QuadraSpace aims to be a “green computing project”: we will try to use low consumption hardware on both servers and motes and to limit electromagnetic pollution when using wireless connections. The first step to reach this goal is to (try to) use low-power computers for the backend and to prefer motes powered by renewable energy whenever possible.

First action on backend-side is the adoption of a Acer Aspire Revo R3600, an “eco-computer” based on Intel’s Atom 230 processor and NVIDIA ION platform, as first QuadraServer node.

This small computer runs with a 65W power supply for its internal components (everything but an optical drive); in current QuadraServer setup there are also two external hard drives used respectively for the RAID-ed data storage and backup for internal system disk. Total power consuption will be about 100W. Having QuadraServer always-on 365/24/7 requires 0.1 * 24 * 365 = 876KWh, that produce about 470 kg of CO2 (just for reference, a typical SUV equipped with a 3 litres engine, produces the same amount of CO2 to run less than 2000km!).

Next week we will setup the server and we hope to have the QuadraServer instance up&running in a couple of weeks.

Stay tuned!