TELUS and the Vector Institute, today announced the launch of the
Energy Optimization System (EOS), a timely move that will help
reduce operational costs and minimize electricity use in commercial
buildings, namely data centres, across Canada. This collaborative
development uses model-based reinforcement learning (MBRL) to fine
tune the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
across network locations, allowing for energy-efficient temperature
control.
Annually, an estimated 40
per cent of energy consumed across TELUS network locations is
directed towards cooling telecommunications equipment, which is
critical to maintaining optimal network performance. TELUS team
members collaborated with the Vector Institute to build and test a
solution to reduce this number and create a more sustainable use of
HVAC equipment in 24/7 data centers.
By optimizing HVAC systems with this new AI
technology, it is possible to achieve significant energy savings in
data centres and other network locations, reducing the overall
environmental impact. Results from a pilot test showed a decrease
of almost 12 per cent in reduced annual electricity consumption in
a small data centre.
“We wanted to find the
most efficient opportunity for temperature control in data centres,
one that considered both the environmental and economic costs,
while also providing the best service for our customers,” said
Jaime Tatis, Vice-president, Data Strategy and Enablement, TELUS.
“Using MBRL to develop an AI agent that chose specific actions
based on rewards, we were able to allow for quick learning by
machines to create new effective and efficient policies for
controlling HVAC systems.”
The algorithm also considers the weather forecast
to make a decision when to run cooling (either more expensive
compressor cooling or less expensive free cooling) or heating to
ensure a consistent temperature and better regulate temperatures
during shoulder seasons.
TELUS and Vector have elected to open source this
new algorithm as a contribution to the energy conservation
community, furthering commitments by both tech leaders to leverage
AI to create better outcomes for Canadians and our environment.
“After three years of working on EOS with a focus
on using AI for good, this partnership recognized the value of open
sourcing the MBRL algorithm for cost reduction and to create
efficiencies for other industries and organizations,” said Deval
Pandya, Director of AI Engineering at Vector. “This is a brilliant
example of how, together, our expertise in research and engineering
can create value and make it easier to deploy leading AI research
outcomes. Now we want to amplify the project’s value by open
sourcing it for others to adopt.”
As a founding sponsor of the Vector Institute,
TELUS has committed to using this partnership to advance the AI
ecosystem across Canada, producing an economic boost and creating
meaningful impacts with technology. As an example of responsible
AI, this program is a demonstration of TELUS’ commitment to
fostering innovation, while increasing trust with our customers by
addressing privacy, security, and ethical risks.
To learn more visit:
https://github.com/VectorInstitute/MBRL-HVAC-Energy-Optimization
About the Vector Institute
The Vector Institute is an independent,
not-for-profit corporation dedicated to advancing artificial
intelligence, excelling in machine learning and deep learning. Our
vision is to drive excellence and leadership in Canada’s knowledge,
creation, and use of AI to foster economic growth and improve the
lives of Canadians. The Vector Institute is funded by the Province
of Ontario, the Government of Canada through CIFAR Pan-Canadian AI
Strategy, and industry sponsors across Canada.
About TELUSTELUS (TSX: T, NYSE:
TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company
with $17 billion in annual revenue and 17 million customer
connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television,
entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to
leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive
social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our
longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every
aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer
service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades
TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading
network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS’
global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide
Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to
the people, resources and information that make our lives
better.
TELUS Health is Canada’s leader in digital health
technology, improving access to health and wellness services and
revolutionizing the flow of health information across the continuum
of care. TELUS Agriculture provides innovative digital solutions
throughout the agriculture value chain, supporting better food
outcomes from improved agri-business data insights and processes.
TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital
customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers
next-generation solutions, including AI and content management, for
global and disruptive brands across high-growth industry verticals,
including tech and games, communications and media, ecommerce and
FinTech, healthcare, and travel and hospitality. TELUS and TELUS
International operate in 25+ countries around the world.
Driven by our determination and vision to connect
all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring
philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS, our team
members and retirees to contribute more than $900 million and 1.8
million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity
and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving
company in the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly.
For more information about TELUS, please visit
telus.com, follow us @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on
Instagram.
For more information, please
contact:
TELUSTatianna GoldsneyTELUS Public
RelationsTatianna.goldsney@telus.com
Vector InstituteOrli
Namianmedia@vectorinstitute.ai
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