High-Performance Computing Data Center

NLR's High-Performance Computing Data Center (HPC Data Center) is designed to be the most energy-efficient data center in the world.

Using best-in-class technologies, the data center serves as a showcase facility for demonstrating data center energy efficiency. Located in the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF), the data center has achieved a world-leading annualized average power usage effectiveness (PUE) rating of 1.036. In 2018, Data Center Dynamics recognized NLR with an award for its pioneering approach to data center efficiency.

Leveraging NLR's Energy Efficiency Expertise

The data center uses warm-water liquid cooling to achieve its very low PUE, then captures and reuses waste heat as the primary heating source throughout ESIF offices and laboratory space. These technologies substantially reduce the amount of energy used by the entire building, saving energy and money in new and effective ways.

There are no mechanical or compressor-based cooling systems for NLR's HPC Data Center. Cooling liquid is supplied indirectly from evaporative cooling towers, and the recently installed thermosyphon—an advanced dry cooler that uses refrigerant in a passive cycle to dissipate heat—is reducing on-site water consumption in the cooling towers without causing any negative impacts on the data center's efficiency.