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

At RWB Consulting Engineers, we specialize in providing comprehensive MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) engineering consulting services tailored for high-performance data centers. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, we are your trusted partner in addressing the unique challenges of high-processing needs, such as AI, machine learning, and cryptocurrency. As a leading MEP engineering consulting firm trusted by clients to design high performance data centers, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with these facilities. Our team has delivered designs for over four million square-feet of designed data center floor space.

Schedule a consultation with our experts to discuss your unique requirements and explore how our MEP solutions can elevate your operations.

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Understanding High-Speed Data Centers (HSDCs) and High-Performance Data Centers (HPDCs)

High Performance Computing (HPC) is different than the typical computing most people are familiar with. HPC is a set of technologies that allow the processing of data that far exceeds other computers. This high speed processing allows for problem solving that would otherwise be extremely challenging – and perhaps nearly impossible.

Some applications – like artificial intelligence (AI) tools – utilize massive datasets and require computationally intensive tasks. There us a dual need of substantial storage capabilities as well as high-speed access to data for efficient processing. HPC technologies excel in this domain by incorporating specialized hardware accelerators that significantly boost the parallel processing capabilities essential for these types of applications.

To put in perspective, Hewlett Packard Enterprise cites the following: “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.”

“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.”

Common Use Cases for High Speed Computing

There are several practical use cases that benefit from the processing power of high performance computing. Some of the most common we’ve seen in our practice are:

Data centers to house machine learning or AI applications
Cryptocurrency data center applications
Public research universities
Private research labs

Electrical Engineering Design for High Speed Data Centers (HSDCs)

In order to provide such massive amounts of computational power, these data centers require a tremendous amount of electrical infrastructure. A typical high performance data center equipment rack requires between 100 and 150 kilowatts (kW) of electrical power per rack. This often translates to between 20 and 50 megawatts (MW) of power, or more, for each data center building. A single high performance data center facility may require several hundred megawatts of electrical power. This makes the design of a high performance data center very different than that of a traditional data center.

Sites are typically chosen next to substations in remote areas where power is readily available. Power is routed from the electrical substation to the individual data center buildings overhead or underground at 15 medium voltage (15 kilovolt (kV) or 35 kilovolts class) levels. Power is then transformed down to 480Y/277V, 415Y/240V, and / or 208Y/120V to power the equipment racks, mechanical cooling equipment, and general-purpose power required for the data center buildings.

To reduce the cost of electricity to the high performance data centers, substations often use nearby wind and solar farms to take advantage of the power of nature and reduce the cost of electricity to their clients. It is not uncommon to see large wind farms and photovoltaic (PV) arrays when arriving at a high performance data center.

HVAC Design for High Performance Data Centers

Data centers require a mechanical cooling design to offset the heat produced by the computing equipment. In-rack liquid cooling is the standard with heat exchangers or direct liquid cooling of processors. Generally, central plants are used to produce and deliver chilled water to the racks.

MEP Engineer for High Performance Data Centers

Partner with RWB Consulting Engineers and take your high performance data center to new heights. Our team is ready to embark on the journey of enhancing your operational efficiency, sustainability, and overall success.

Contact us today to discuss your MEP engineering needs and discover how RWB Consulting Engineers can be the catalyst for your server facilities excellence.