Hybrid Data Center Cooling for Göttingen University

This white paper discusses a hybrid data center cooling solution implemented at the University of Göttingen for the Emmy supercomputer. The document outlines the challenges faced by traditional air cooling systems in high-performance computing environments, particularly in light of increasing heat loads and ambient temperatures. It details the necessity for a new modular data center that can accommodate the supercomputer's cooling requirements while ensuring energy efficiency and operational reliability. The proposed solution combines direct-to-chip liquid cooling for high-density components with row-based air cooling for other equipment, achieving a low Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.13. The paper emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency in data center operations and the need for sustainable practices to meet future computational demands. It also highlights the urgency of addressing climate change impacts on data center operations and the University’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2030.