Australia’s Initial Liquid-Cooled Data Center Revealed in Southern Highlands by Cloud Carrier
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Australia’s Premier Liquid-Cooled Data Campus Launches in Southern Highlands
Quick Overview:
- Cloud Carrier has introduced the Southern Highlands Data Campus (SHDC), the first liquid-cooled data centre in Australia.
- This campus covers 67 hectares and has the potential to grow up to 300MW capacity.
- The initial facility, Data Building One (DB1), leverages state-of-the-art Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) and Immersion Cooling technologies.
- DLC accommodates up to 100kW per rack, while Immersion Cooling can support as much as 160kW per tank.
- SHDC features a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.10, leading to a 74% increase in energy efficiency.
- DB1 is tailored for high-performance computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) tasks.
- The campus aspires to achieve a NABERS rating of 5.5 to 6 stars, emphasizing its dedication to sustainability.
A Breakthrough in Data Centre Engineering
Cloud Carrier’s recently launched Southern Highlands Data Campus (SHDC) marks a significant advancement in Australia’s data centre industry. Situated in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, this expansive 67-hectare facility is poised to become an exemplar for high-density, environmentally sustainable data infrastructures, with the capability to expand up to 300MW.
The campus’s first data centre, known as Data Building One (DB1), already features an impressive 15MW and is structured to support the most demanding computational tasks within the digital economy. This encompasses high-performance computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML), all requiring a robust, high-density framework. The installation of progressive liquid cooling systems distinguishes DB1 from standard facilities, establishing it as a leader in the data centre arena.
Advanced Cooling Solutions
Among DB1’s prominent aspects is its implementation of cutting-edge cooling technologies. Cloud Carrier has incorporated sophisticated Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) and Immersion Cooling features into the building. These techniques not only boost performance but also enhance energy efficiency.
DLC facilitates rack densities of up to 100kW per rack—12.5 times higher than typical air-cooled frameworks. Furthermore, Immersion Cooling elevates this even further, accommodating up to 160kW per tank, signifying a 20-fold increase in density. This makes DB1 especially suitable for sectors with intensive computational needs, such as scientific research, financial services, and cloud-based applications.
This transition to liquid cooling is vital as numerous industries move towards data-heavy applications like AI, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The capability to deploy ultra-high-density servers without overheating or excessive energy consumption is crucial for fulfilling the future needs of these sectors.
A Commitment to Eco-Friendliness
Beyond its technological capabilities, SHDC is built with sustainability as a top priority. The campus maintains a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.10, which significantly surpasses that of traditional data centres. This reflects a 74% enhancement in energy efficiency, leading to reduced operational expenses and a minimized environmental impact.
As sustainability becomes more crucial, SHDC intends to serve as a benchmark for eco-conscious design. The facility includes a 1.3 million-liter water harvesting system that aids in decreasing water usage and fostering resource conservation. Additionally, Cloud Carrier aims for a NABERS rating of 5.5 to 6 stars, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.
With its advanced cooling solutions coupled with a commitment to sustainability, SHDC stands out as one of the most innovative data centres in Australia and potentially a global frontrunner in this domain.
Sector Impact
The inauguration of SHDC signifies more than just an increase in Australia’s data centre capabilities. It heralds a larger movement towards more sustainable, efficient, and high-performance infrastructures. As the digital economy accelerates, spurred by AI, ML, and other emergent technologies, facilities like SHDC will be essential in addressing the rising computational requirements from both public and private sectors.
Cloud Carrier’s dedication to SHDC underscores its ambition to challenge and expand the possibilities in data centre technology. The company is establishing itself as a leader in the Australian market, delivering the necessary infrastructure to underpin the next wave of technological advancements.
About Cloud Carrier
Cloud Carrier, headquartered in Australia, specializes in creating high-density, secure, and sustainable data centre frameworks. With a focus on future-proofing Australia’s digital capacities, Cloud Carrier is devoted to providing innovative solutions tailored to both enterprise and governmental clientele. The launch of the Southern Highlands Data Campus highlights the company’s goal of paving the way in data centre technology.
Conclusion
The Southern Highlands Data Campus (SHDC) by Cloud Carrier is a transformative initiative in Australia’s data infrastructure landscape. With its pioneering liquid cooling technologies and a strong emphasis on sustainability, SHDC is well-equipped to meet the changing needs of high-performance computing, AI, and ML operations. This 67-hectare campus, featuring the initial 15MW facility (DB1), is projected to be a revolutionary force in the Australian and global data centre sectors.
Q: What distinguishes the Southern Highlands Data Campus (SHDC)?
A:
SHDC is Australia’s pioneering liquid-cooled data centre, incorporating advanced cooling technologies like Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) and Immersion Cooling, enabling higher rack densities ideal for demanding workloads such as AI, ML, and HPC.
Q: What advantages does liquid cooling technology offer to data centres?
A:
Liquid cooling permits substantially higher rack densities compared to conventional air cooling, leading to enhanced performance and energy efficiency. SHDC’s DLC can sustain up to 100kW per rack, while immersion cooling accommodates up to 160kW per tank.
Q: What sustainability initiatives are included in SHDC?
A:
SHDC features a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.10, a 1.3 million-liter water collection system, and a goal of achieving a NABERS rating of 5.5 to 6 stars. These attributes contribute to a 74% increase in energy savings and a substantial reduction in carbon emissions.
Q: Why is SHDC crucial for Australia’s digital economy?
A:
SHDC delivers the high-density, energy-efficient infrastructure necessary for accommodating the escalating demands of AI, ML, and other data-intensive applications, marking it as a vital resource for both governmental and enterprise entities as the digital economy expands.
Q: Is there potential for SHDC to grow its capacity?
A:
Yes, the Southern Highlands Data Campus occupies 67 hectares and can expand up to 300MW, allowing for future growth in the demand for high-performance computing infrastructure.
Q: Which sectors will gain from SHDC’s capabilities?
A:
Sectors reliant on high-performance computing, such as financial services, scientific research, cloud computing, and AI, are poised to benefit from SHDC’s cutting-edge infrastructure and cooling solutions.
