Development and testing of a networked PC power management tool

Abstract

[Abstract]: One of the major themes of this project is Personal Computer (PC) power usage, which is a significant issue as many PCs run 24 hours per day and therefore potentially waste large amounts of power. This power wastage is unfortunate given that most operating systems support hibernation. As issues such as fossil fuels, carbon footprint, global warming etc., are highly topical and politicized, energy efficiency in electrical devices is a significant issue. Additionally, through capability developments such as ‘green’ computing, virtualization, and even edge computing, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry is one of the few industries that seem to be taking ecological issues seriously. The main objectives of the project are: • The research and evaluation of a number statistics that relate to PC energy consumption. • Investigation of power spikes and network traffic floods which may be caused by simultaneous PC start-up. • Development of a software tool to control the start-up and shutdown of a PC either via scheduling or manual control. • Development of a software tool that remotely controls the start-up and shutdown of either singular or grouped PCs. In addition to the aim of reducing wasted power, this project aims to improve network traffic efficiency by minimizing network traffic congestion through controlling the sequence of PC start-up in a networked environment. This controlled start-up has a secondary benefit in potentially reducing the severity of power spikes due to a simultaneous PC start-up. It is hoped that further development and testing of the ‘PowerMan’ application will provide greater program functionality. Additionally, it is envisaged that this tool could be used in conjunction with more energy efficient PCs and peripherals and therefore provide an overall package that is power efficient whatever its state of operation, with little control or interaction from the user.