3. Implement

3.1. Monitor power management and switch computer on remotely

We recommend all groups first set up what we call FiDo software to plug into the University power management monitoring and wake on LAN facilities. Once installed you will have secure access to a graph of how many computers are switched on during the day and night, and the ability to switch computers on remotely:

Data from the power management monitoring facility installed at the Computing Services (OUCS).
Figure 1. Data from the power management monitoring facility installed at the Computing Services (OUCS).

3.2. Safely and reliably power down computers automatically

The next step is to look at tools that safely and reliably put computers to sleep (S3), hibernate (S4) or off (S5) automatically. There are many ways to achieve this:

  • The PowerDown tools, developed at Liverpool University can be used to shut computers down automatically if they are idle, and nobody is logged in. A modified version of these scripts has been implemented at OUCE.
  • Use commercial software. Summaries of the NightWatchman, PowerMAN and Surveyor products were provided at the Keeping IT Clean conference at Oxford, and we have been sent through a case study relating to the use of Powerwise at a large UK University.
  • Energy star also provide a list of power management software.

If you have experience of any of these tools, or would like help in negotiating licenses with commercial vendors please send an email to OUCS at: greenit@oucs.ox.ac.uk.

3.3. Monitor electricity meter readings

The Environmental Change Institute has developed two tools to help analyse energy use. The first tool polls and compiles data from a specific networked meter, then uses the Simile software to produce a graph embedded in a web page, as below:

Electricity meter readings at the Computing Services department.
Figure 2. Electricity meter readings at the Computing Services department.

If you are interested in using a graph like the one above please send an email to greenit@oucs.ox.ac.uk.

The ECI has also developed SMEasure a web-based building energy analysis and carbon monitoring tool helping businesses save money and reduce carbon emissions.

Screenshot of the SMEasure tool developed by the ECI group at the University of Oxford.
Figure 3. Screenshot of the SMEasure tool developed by the ECI group at the University of Oxford.

To learn more about the SMEeasure tool please get in touch with the SMEasure team directly.

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