In a world driven by artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, data centers are evolving rapidly to meet the unprecedented demands of these technologies. Start Campus, a leader in next-generation data center development, embraced this challenge head-on at their SINES DC campus in Portugal.
Their mission? Deliver cooling performance capable of supporting 50+ kW per rack while ensuring scalability, efficiency, and reliability. The solution? Nautilus’s EcoCore COOL, the industry’s first data hall-scale Cooling Distribution Unit (CDU), designed to meet the needs of modern AI and HPC workloads.
Addressing the AI-Driven Cooling Challenge
The rapid rise of AI workloads has transformed data center infrastructure requirements. Traditional cooling systems often fall short in managing the heat generated by high-density racks, particularly in multi-megawatt deployments.
At the SINES DC campus, Start Campus faced a critical need: a cooling solution that could seamlessly integrate with their existing infrastructure while preparing them for the future demands of AI and liquid cooling technologies.
Nautilus’s EcoCore COOL was the perfect fit. By delivering precise cooling directly at the rack and offering scalable infrastructure, we helped Start Campus transform their data hall into an AI-ready powerhouse.
A Revolutionary Cooling Solution
TNautilus partnered with Start Campus to design and deploy a bespoke solution that redefines cooling performance:
- 12 EcoCore COOL CDUs were installed, providing a combined 12 MW of cooling capacity across two 3.4 MW loops.
- Liquid-to-air cooling delivered directly at the rack ensures maximum efficiency and supports ultra-high-density environments.
- A custom water distribution system and rear door coolers provided targeted, precise cooling where it’s needed most.
This innovative approach not only addressed Start Campus’s immediate needs but also positioned them to handle future growth in AI and HPC workloads.
Results That Set a New Standard
TThe deployment of EcoCore COOL at Start Campus’s SINES DC campus set new benchmarks for data center cooling:
- Seamless Integration: Nautilus provided hands-on support during installation and commissioning to ensure flawless operation from day one.
- Performance: Racks running at 50+ kW are cooled efficiently, meeting the demands of advanced AI and HPC applications.
- Scalability: The infrastructure supports future expansions, keeping pace with evolving industry trends.
- Speed: The entire solution was delivered, installed, and operational in just 12 weeks.
As Alberto Petermann, Head of Design and Delivery at Start Campus, remarked: “The Nautilus team was responsive and proactive, always communicating and addressing challenges. Their commitment to ensuring smooth installation and startup set them apart.”
We’re proud to have been part of this transformational project, showcasing how EcoCore COOL enables the data centers of tomorrow to meet the demands of AI workloads today.
Why AI Workloads Demand Liquid Cooling
The rise of AI has brought about a seismic shift in data center design. High-density racks running AI and HPC workloads generate significantly more heat than traditional systems, making liquid cooling not just a preference but a necessity.
EcoCore COOL empowers data centers to handle these challenges head-on by delivering:
- Greater energy efficiency, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
- Improved reliability, thanks to advanced cooling technology.
- Scalability to accommodate future technologies, including higher rack densities and hybrid workloads.
Discover the Full Case Study
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