Power Measurement Techniques for Research Computing

About

Software and hardware energy optimisation is one of the key levers to reducing the operational environmental impacts of computing activities. To support this, a granular understanding of how computers use power is essential but rarely straightforward. Confounding factors can arise from (1) differences between platforms (e.g. high-performance computing vs laptops), (2) variability in accessible power measurement data, and (3) challenges in assigning power usage to individual computational processes or applications. Stemming from this, a multitude of approaches have been developed for measuring the power usage of computational work.

This workshop will feature an introductory talk giving an overview of different power measurement approaches, the main ones being (1) based on modelling, (2) using performance counters accessible in-silico, and (3) using external power meters. The benefits and drawbacks of each approach will be compared, and specific examples from each will be highlighted. Following this, the floor will be opened up for discussion. With guidance from facilitators, attendees will be encouraged to share any experience they may have with the power measurement of computational work, discuss pros and cons of different approaches in the context of their own work, and identify blockers or opportunities for adoption of different tools.

From this session, we hope to encourage the judicious adoption of existing power measurement tools and promote more consideration of power usage in computational research. Furthermore, we hope to identify any widespread issues or complaints with currently available tools, with the view of informing the development of improved tools addressing these issues.

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