High Performance Data Centers

Data Centers | High Performance Computing (HPC) Data Centers
Enterprise Data Center | High-Speed Data Centers

MEP Engineering Design Services for High Performance Data Centers

RWB Consulting Engineers specializes in providing comprehensive MEP consulting services tailored specifically for high-performance data center engineering. With a strong focus on innovation, energy efficiency, and reliability, we serve as a trusted partner for clients facing the challenges of AI, machine learning, cryptocurrency, and other high-demand applications.

Moreover, having designed more than 4 million square feet of data center floor space, our team understands what it takes to support the computing power and infrastructure needs of today’s most advanced facilities.

Schedule a consultation with our experts to explore how RWB can help elevate your operations with scalable and sustainable MEP solutions.

Request a Consultation

What Are High-Speed (HSDCs) and High Performance Data Centers (HPDCs)?

High-performance computing (HPC) is not your average IT setup. Unlike typical computing environments, HPC systems are designed to process massive volumes of data at incredibly high speeds. Therefore, enabling complex problem solving that would be unfeasible with standard computers.

Additionally, applications such as artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, and cryptocurrency mining require enormous storage and rapid data access. HPC systems address this demand using specialized hardware accelerators and parallel processing, boosting both speed and scalability.

For example, Hewlett Packard Enterprise highlights that an average desktop computer can perform billions of calculations per second. However, high-performance computing (HPC) solutions significantly surpass this capability, performing quadrillions of calculations within the same time frame. This remarkable speed enables advanced applications that require massive computational power.

“An average desktop computer can perform billions of calculations per second. While this is incredibly impressive in comparison to the speed at which humans can complete complex calculations, HPC solutions are capable of performing quadrillions of calculations in one second.”

-Hewlett Packard

graphic symbolizing the connections between high performance data center design and high speed computing with MEP design

Common Use Cases for High Speed Data Centers

USE CASE	DESCRIPTION
AI / Machine Learning	Handles massive datasets and intensive computation needs
Cryptocurrency Mining	Requires continuous high-speed processing and power reliability
Research Labs & Universities	Supports advanced modeling and data analysis
Private Enterprise Applications	Enhance innovation in industries like finance, healthcare, and aerospace

Electrical Engineering Design for High Speed Data Centers

Designing a high-performance data center involves massive electrical demand:

Typical rack load: 100–150 kW per rack
Total building demand: 20–50+ MW
Facility load: Potential to exceed several hundred MW

Consequently, these needs mean data centers must be located near power substations, often in remote areas where capacity is readily available. Key features include:

Medium voltage service: 15 kV or 35 kV
Step-down transformation to: 480Y/277V, 415Y/240V, or 208Y/120V
Reducing power costs through integration with renewable energy sources such as wind farms and photovoltaic arrays.

Mechanical HVAC Design for High Performance Data Centers

High-speed data centers undeniably generate significant heat that must be removed to maintain performance and safety. Key strategies include:

In-rack liquid cooling
Direct-to-chip liquid cooling for CPUs/GPUs
Central Plants chilled water systems delivering efficient and reliable cooling
Heat exchangers for targeted thermal management

RWB project photo of a central power plant for a high performance data center

Why partner with RWB Consulting Engineers for High Performance Data Center MEP Design?

Choosing the right MEP partner is undeniably essential for success in the high-performance data center market. RWB offers:

Proven expertise in HPC and high-speed data center design
Commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability
Deep understanding of power distribution, cooling systems, and network integration

📩Contact us today to discuss your project. Let us help you design an efficient, future-ready, and resilient data center tailored to your organization’s unique goals.