Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsMicrosoft’s Seattle natural-gas-powered data center was a 20-rack research pilot, not a rollout across its cloud infrastructure. Announced in September 2017 and opened with partners later that fall, the Advanced Energy Lab put fuel cells at the IT racks and fed them directly from a natural-gas line. The project aimed to reduce energy losses and simplify power delivery; the launch announcements did not establish that it achieved those gains.
What Microsoft built in Seattle
Microsoft developed the Advanced Energy Lab with Cummins and McKinstry at McKinstry’s Innovation Center in Seattle’s Sodo neighborhood. Microsoft described the facility as a 20-rack pilot in its September 24, 2017 announcement. Cummins said the lab was operational when it announced the opening on October 25, 2017.
The natural gas did not power a conventional gas turbine. It was piped to fuel cells integrated with the rack architecture, where it supplied power to the IT equipment. That distinction matters: the experiment tested a different way to provide electricity to data-center racks, rather than a fleet-wide change to Microsoft’s energy supply.
How the at-rack fuel-cell design was supposed to work
In a conventional grid-supplied arrangement, electricity travels from generation through transmission and distribution, then undergoes further conversion and distribution within a data center. Microsoft and its partners proposed bringing natural gas directly to fuel cells at the racks, bypassing several grid-delivery and on-site electrical-distribution stages.
#1 Best Overall
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
- Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
- Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons
Microsoft’s project post described the design as one that “significantly reduces the amount of energy lost in power generation, transmission, and power conversion.” That was the partners’ rationale, not a reported measurement from the Seattle pilot. They also presented lower cost and fewer potential failure points as possible benefits.
Microsoft said the architecture “could almost double the energy efficiency of datacenters.” The wording was a projection about potential, not a measured result. The company’s September announcement said testing and results were still ahead; Cummins’ October announcement anticipated that the operational pilot would soon deliver data and insights. Neither launch account supplied a final performance report.
Rank #2
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Compact and Lightweight: Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces. The 1/4" impact driver has a length of 5.55 in. and weighs just 2.8 lbs, while the 1/2" drill/driver measures only 7.5 in. and weighs 3.6 lbs
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and electric drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
- Power drill cordless with 1/2" single sleeve ratcheting chuck provides tight bit gripping strength, making bit changes faster and more secure
Who worked on the project
Microsoft, Cummins, and McKinstry conceived and funded the project, according to Cummins’ opening announcement. Siemens and the Washington State Department of Commerce also provided funding. McKinstry supplied the facility, engineering, and construction services.
The state’s April 2018 project profile describes Department of Commerce grant support for test equipment used to monitor air quality, electrical performance, and environmental dynamics. Listed project milestones included gas analyzers, a building automation system, electrical monitoring and integration equipment, and an automated fuel-cell repair system.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
- 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
- 【Easy One-Handed Operation】The bit holder for impact driver allows you to change bits single-handedly, simplifying your workflow. Its multi-color design further allows for quick identification of the drill bit you need.
- 【Compact and Convenient】Thanks to its compact size, this 1/4 inch bit holder is easy to carry around. The bit holder allows for easy attachment to various tools, making this a convenient addition to your construction accessories. The Katerk bit holder is cast from high-quality alloy material, promising a long product lifespan. Despite its rugged strength, the bit holder remains lightweight, making it portable.
- 【Cool Christmas Gift For Men Stocking Stuffers】 This screwdriver bit holder, driver bit holder, impact bit holder, can be given as a gift to your loved one, especially for anyone involved in construction or electrical work. It's a must-have for stocking stuffers for men and women, tools gifts for dad, tech gadgets for men, gifts for dad, gifts for him, gifts for husband, gifts for boyfriend, cool gadgets for men, and cool gifts for dad.
Construction and permitting lessons from the pilot
The Washington state profile says the fuel-cell equipment used in this project was not UL certified at the time. The project brought in a field UL consultant to work with the City of Seattle on applicable safety standards. The profile reports that permitting and inspection went smoothly after the team worked with the city in advance.
This is a project-specific account of a historical installation, not a statement about fuel-cell certification requirements or equipment available today. For construction teams, the concrete lesson is narrower: an unfamiliar power system can require early coordination among the owner, equipment specialists, engineers, and local officials so applicable safety and inspection requirements are addressed before installation.
Rank #4
- Long Nib and Deep Hole Marker: Our mechanical carpenter pencil with 45mm nib is designed for easy marking of deep holes or narrow areas. These construction pencils are the great choice for woodworking tools, construction tools, carpenter tools, contractor tools, wood carpentry tools and architect tools
- Extra Refills in 2 Colors for Versatile Marking: The construction mechanical pencil comes with 12 extra 2.8mm refills, including 6 red and 6 black refills. The black refill is suitable for light surfaces, while the red wax is perfect for dark surfaces. Our carpenter mechanical pencil makes sure that you'll have an ample supply for extended use
- Built-in Sharpener: Our construction pencil comes with a built-in sharpener to ensure the mechanical pencil tip is always sharp and ready for use. Never buy an extra pencil sharpener again. A great tool for any woodworker pencil, contractor pencils. The refill can easily be extended or retracted with a simple click of the pencils mechanical, allowing you to work more efficiently and accurately
- Portable Clip Design: Our deep hole construction pencil features a portable clip design, easy to carry and attach to your pocket or tool box, so that you can keep the carpenter pencils mechanical close at hand, making it a convenient tool to have on the go. Great gifts choice for carpenters
- Stronger Pencil Lead: The black refills are made of lead, sturdy and smooth. The red refills are made of wax, clear and light. These marking pencils are much thicker and stronger than normal pencils during the marking process of construction work, suitable for various surfaces, such as glasses, metal, boards, floors, walls, furniture, etc. The written marks can be easily wiped with a wet paper towel when needed
What is known about the pilot’s results and current status
The public launch materials establish the pilot’s size, partners, location, and intended architecture, but they do not report final measured efficiency, cost, reliability, or emissions outcomes. The sources reviewed also do not establish whether the Seattle lab remains operational in 2026.
Microsoft’s later natural-gas power activity should not be treated as evidence about this Seattle installation. For example, the 2026 Chevron–Microsoft power agreement concerns a separate West Texas data-center development.
Best Value
- Milwaukee Ink all Fine Point Marker, Black, 4 Per Pack
- 4 per pack Features Clog Resistant Marker Tip Writes through Dusty, Wet and Oily Surfaces Durable Marker Tip for Writing on Concrete, OSB and Rough Surfaces
- Clog resistant tip writes on dusty, wet and oily surfaces and is optimized for rough surfaces such as OSB, cinderblock and concrete
- Hard hat clip- attaches for easy access
- Quick dry time with reduced smearing and marking
Why the Seattle project matters—and what it does not prove
The Advanced Energy Lab tested a data-center power architecture that moved generation closer to the IT load: natural gas fed fuel cells integrated at the racks. That made it a construction and infrastructure experiment as well as an energy-efficiency concept, involving facility engineering, controls, monitoring, equipment integration, and permitting.
Its significance is the test of an alternative arrangement, not proof that the arrangement delivered the projected efficiency or cost benefits. The 2017 announcements framed those gains as potential; without published final measurements in the cited accounts, they should not be presented as achieved outcomes.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
