An energy assessment by Groundlake.
Date: July 2021
Maple is a single server that acts as a central point for running self-hosted personal network services.
The aims of running the server are:
Consider upgrading PHP to 7.4 for stable, or 8.0 for unstable
Consider automated upgrades to server software, and the following components:
6work.exmosis.net:
6wall.exmosis.net: wallabag upgrades to service code
6read.exmosis.net: ttrss upgrades to service code
Consider generating a static HTML version of 6work.exmosis.net?
The Maple server is currently responsible for running the following services:
Dependent services are:
Dependent operating system is:
Service | Repeated Manual Processes | Possible Improvement Impact |
---|---|---|
Wordpress | Major updates to core Wordpress (monthly, 20 mins) | Low: Automate major upgrades to core |
ttrss | Updates to service code (monthly, 30 mins) | |
wallabag | Updates to service code (monthly, 30 mins) | |
syncthing | ||
rsync | ||
mysqldump |
Service | Repeated Manual Processes | Possible Improvement Impact |
---|---|---|
Daily alert service: PHP | ||
Local file backup: bash |
Service | Repeated Manual Processes | Possible Improvement Impact |
---|---|---|
PHP 7.3 | Upgrade to PHP 7.4 for stable, 8.0 for unstable | |
nginx 1.14.2 | ||
Let's Encrypt | ||
MySQL: MariaDB 10.3.27 |
Service | Repeated Manual Processes | Possible Improvement Impact |
---|---|---|
Software updates | Updates applied |
This assessment uses a standard set of review metris to identify how the server uses energy:
As standard, we measure usage across different contexts relating to the services above:
As energy usage varies widely across time and activity, this assessment aims to triangulate a generally accurate sense of usage through a variety of means.
The Maple server runs on a Raspberry Pi Model B (+?).
Energy measurement method:
Software: powerstat, powertop
USB meter (whole hardware system)
Energy rate on idle: xW
Energy rate under stress: xW
Duration-based samples used in assessment: Single day, single week. We suggest a monthly assessment is also appropriate, especically given monthly manual processes identified for services, above.
System load:
Load measurement tools:
Information:
Readings:
Sample 1 (snapshot, average load):
Sample 2 (duration, day 1 (Wednesday 3pm)): 7800 mAh = 7.8 Ah. At 5.1V x 7.8 = 39.78Wh. Difference to average: -3.06Wh
Sample 3 (duration, day 2 (Thursday 3pm)): 6875 mAh = 6.875 Ah.
Sample x (duration, day x (Saturday, 4pm)): 28900 mAh
Steps run:
We identified 3 key web-based user interactions to assess, based on the services and needs identified above:
We are currently investigating production processes for the Raspberry Pi line.
The maple server sits within a home network, attached to the main power supply for the home.
The energy provider for this location is the company Pure Planet, and the tariff used is based on a commitment to 100% renewable energy. For electricity, the company employs Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) to supply this.