The supply network is unique and act as a showcase for future projects of this type. Researchers at the University are undertaking an in-depth study of energy consumption in the new network, aimed at demonstrating that running a large network of devices DC, rather than AC, is more secure and more energy efficient. 

The DC computers, supplied by Stafford-based Stone Group, have a better power-management system than typical AC computers, reducing peak power usage from around 350W to 35W and average usage by 50% reported the Engineer last year.
 
AC electric power from the grid is converted to DC and runs 50 specially adapted computers in the University Library. Students using the system notice that the new computers are more compact and much quieter than previous systems.
 
The immediate advantages are not only for the user but for the energy bill payer and the environment. Initial tests show that the system in Bath emits approximately half as much energy as heat, than the previous AC powered system, while running much faster.

This results in a dual energy saving – energy efficiency rather than emitting heat, and avoiding the need to power  fans in machines or use air conditioning units.
 
The DC network also offer greater security. DC power supply units have a simpler design, fewer parts to fail and need replacing. The system at the University also charges a number of batteries when usage levels are low, to allow the system to run independently of the grid for up to eight hours should a cut in power be experienced.
 
In commercial settings where electricity is billed at a higher day rate than the night, companies running a large computer network could benefit from significant cost savings converting AC power and night charging batteries to run the network independent from the grid during peak expensive daytime hours.
 
The University hopes to extend environmental credentials of the new network by installing mini wind-turbines or solar panels, both of which output a DC current and do not require inefficient AC to DC conversion. Funded by the University's EPSRC Knowledge Transfer Account, this is matched by RWE npower.
 
“Installing the new system was not a small task, with fifty new DC adapted computers installed overnight to reduce disruption on campus, while the project team moved the one tonne AC converter through the University library and into the roof space, removing and rebuilding walls to transport it," says Benjamin Williamson, Knowledge Transfer Fellow for the project (right) seen here with  Professor Raj Aggarwal and   Dr Miles Redfern.

 “Our team’s hard work paid off however, with the new network now operational and seeing high usage among students and staff.”
 
Chris Harris, Head of Retail Regulation at RWE npower said: “Projects such as this are vital to the success of finding ways to manage our electricity. Decarbonisation will increase electricity consumption by 2030 and possibly more than double it by 2050.
 
“The great work and expertise of Bath University is already starting to attract attention, this can only be good news for the project and the opportunities that local DC networks are able to offer.”
 
Miles Redfern, Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, said:  “The University library has provided us with an invaluable test-bed to establish if DC supplies can offer advantages for our current electricity demands.
 
“We have already received interest in the project from a number of corporations running large-scale computer networks who could benefit greatly from installing a similar system. Our role now, at the University, is to undertake an in-depth examination of the new system and produce quantitative data to demonstrate the energy and cost savings achievable.”
 
The assessment of the new network starts this month with the use of specialised monitoring equipment. Results demonstrating the feasibility and potential energy, fiscal  and environmental savings of such a DC network against  AC networks are expected by summer.