Abstract: Techniques for providing backup power to distributed computing systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, via the computer network, data indicating a power failure of the main power source configured to provide electrical power to the servers. The method also includes instructing, via the computer network, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system to provide emergency power to the servers. The HVAC system includes an air mover having blades and a motor-generator mechanically coupled to the blades of the air mover. The motor-generator includes a motor that is configured to rotate the blades of the air mover and a generator that is configured to convert kinetic energy of the rotating blades of the air mover into electrical energy during a power failure of the main power source and provide the generated electrical energy as the emergency power to the servers.

Abstract: Techniques for providing backup power to distributed computing systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, via the computer network, data indicating a power failure of the main power source configured to provide electrical power to the servers. The method also includes instructing, via the computer network, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system to provide emergency power to the servers. The HVAC system includes an air mover having blades and a motor-generator mechanically coupled to the blades of the air mover. The motor-generator includes a motor that is configured to rotate the blades of the air mover and a generator that is configured to convert kinetic energy of the rotating blades of the air mover into electrical energy during a power failure of the main power source and provide the generated electrical energy as the emergency power to the servers.