Legrand, renowned for its expertise in electrical and digital building infrastructures, has joined forces with NorthC Data Centers to transform the Münchenstein 1 data centre into a cutting-edge, AI-ready facility. This strategic upgrade is designed to accommodate the surging demand for GPU clusters, hybrid-cloud workloads, and high-performance computing (HPC).
With regional data centres spread across Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany, NorthC identified a pressing need for enhanced AI and HPC capacity at the Münchenstein site. This necessitated a swift infrastructure overhaul, transitioning from low-density systems to advanced setups capable of tackling modern AI demands within a stringent six-month timeline.
Leveraging the expertise of USystems, a specialist brand of Legrand, ColdLogik Rear-Door Heat Exchangers (RDHx) were introduced for state-of-the-art rack-level cooling. These innovative exchangers are affixed to the back of server racks, capturing and dissipating heat efficiently, and recirculating chilled air. This closed-loop system not only boosts efficiency but also supports high-density racks, qualifying as the pinnacle of energy-efficient rear-door cooling worldwide.
The sophistication of this renovation meant that the RDHx units were seamlessly integrated while keeping the data centre operational—a process Wolfgang Voigt, site manager at NorthC, likened to "open-heart surgery."
Remarkably, these advancements have resulted in an approximate 80% reduction in energy consumption at the Münchenstein facility. Emphasising GPU clusters, hybrid-cloud, and high-density computing, the centre now caters to AI and HPC applications, adheres to Swiss data protocols, and offers high-speed and low-latency infrastructure.
Wolfgang Voigt, Münchenstein Data Center Site Manager at NorthC, remarked on the game-changing nature of the RDHx technology, highlighting its dual capability to support high-density computing and drastically cut energy usage. Such features make it a compelling option for meeting advanced AI and HPC needs.
With a design that embraces modularity and flexibility, the updated infrastructure is prepared to accommodate future expansions, additional racks, or transitions to liquid/direct-chip technology. NorthC is forging ahead in its sustainability mission, continuously refining cooling solutions, optimising existing capabilities, and steering towards climate neutrality by 2030.
Colin Rowlands from USystems emphasised the ease of installation across entire or partial data centres, expressing pride in the joint solution that equips NorthC with a forward-looking, adaptable framework.
