06 December 2016

It’s claimed the revolutionary computer system will save 70 per cent in energy costs.

Bedford Drive primary school in Birkenhead has become the first organisation to benefit from the installation of what’s claimed to be a “revolutionary” low-energy IT server.

As part of a £5 million eco-friendly rebuild completed over the summer, the school completely overhauled its computer systems. 

Merseyside firms Extreme Low Energy (ELe) and Hi-Impact Consultancy worked together to install 45 new systems in Bedford Drive’s classrooms, offices and the library. 

Through ELe’s unique infrastructure solution, it’s claimed the school can expect to save a minimum of 70 per cent in energy costs.

According to ELe, its technologies minimise energy wastage and optimise energy consumption by eliminating wasteful AC to DC conversion; storing energy to benefit from off-peak tariffs or local energy generation; dispersing electricity only when needed; and minimising the need for air-conditioning equipment.

The hardware includes a monitor and PC that is based on a standard Intel NUC motherboard. Both are powered by PoE but can also be DC powered.  

The firm says that by eliminating the all AC-DC conversions in the PC and monitor, its system is quieter, generates less heat, costs much less to run, and has a longer lifespan.

The system also includes the ELE-POD. This is designed to harness and store energy in high performance li-ion batteries, leveraging beneficial off-peak energy tariffs. 

ELe founder Mark Buchanan (shown right in the above picture) says: “This project proves the power of our IT solutions and shows we can offer a cleaner, more energy-efficient solution which is easy to set up and brings real savings.”

The company is aiming to continue its partnership with Hi-Impact and work with more schools across the region in the near future.