A data center that can support
high-density GPUs running at full load
Mechanical and electrical (MEP) systems cover all work after the main low-voltage panel: how power is distributed to each rack, how heat is carried out of the data center, and how fires are put out without damaging equipment. Rack power density sets the specifications for all three, and the design standards of a typical IDC do not apply in a high-power GPU environment.
Power distribution, cooling, and fire protection,
each designed according to rack power density
Panel capacity, air or liquid cooling, and whether to use dual-path power are all determined by power per rack. A 5 kW general server rack and a 40 kW GPU rack use completely different specifications in all three systems.
Power distribution system
MP main panels and RP sub-panels set capacity by zone. Rack PDUs come in 5 kW and 40 kW classes, and high-power racks use A/B dual-path power, so a failure on one path does not cut power to the whole rack.
Cooling System
At around 20 kW per rack, in-row cooling with chilled water is used. At 50 kW and above, air can no longer carry the heat away, so liquid cooling makes direct contact with the heat source, with CDUs distributing the flow.
Fire protection system
Uses gas fire suppression to avoid secondary damage to equipment from water or powder. It is linked to VESDA very early warning, and the suppression is non-conductive and leaves no residue.
Match air or liquid cooling to power per rack
At around 20 kW per rack, in-row cooling units delivering cold air directly can keep temperatures stable. At tens or even hundreds of kW, no amount of airflow can carry the heat away, and the only option is to bring coolant into direct contact with the heat source. This power threshold decides the whole cooling approach.
Air cooling option: in-row cooling units with a chilled water system
Works most stably at around 20 kW per rack: the air conditioners sit between rack rows, cold air goes directly to the intake face, return air is isolated by hot and cold aisle containment, and the cold source is an air-cooled chiller.
Liquid cooling option: CDU coolant distribution unit
When a rack reaches tens or even hundreds of kW, air can no longer carry the heat away, so coolant is brought into direct contact with the heat source. The core equipment, the CDU, handles heat exchange between the primary and secondary sides and flow distribution.
The seven systems that make up a high-density data center
From secondary-side power distribution through to the fire protection system, each system the data center needs to operate is included in delivery. Equipment models and functions are listed in the specification table below.
EquipmentPDU panels, MP/RP panels, RFAC panels
FunctionCore power distribution for the data center, zoned distribution management, and power control panels
Equipment40 kW/5 kW PDU power strips
FunctionPower distribution for high-power and standard-power racks
Equipment30 kW/60 kW cabinet-type precision air conditioners
FunctionCooling aimed directly at the server heat sources
Equipment60 RT air-cooled chiller, expansion tank, chilled water pump
FunctionOutdoor cold source unit and circulation piping
Equipment60×120/80×120 IT racks
FunctionHouses servers and network equipment
EquipmentHot and cold aisle containment
FunctionSeparates hot and cold airflow to reduce mixing of return air
EquipmentGas fire suppression system
FunctionA non-conductive, residue-free way of suppressing fire
Three stages built in sequence,
servers installed after integration testing
On site, work proceeds in the order of water piping, cooling system, and UPS, and each stage has its own acceptance check: pressure and leak testing of the piping, hot and cold aisle containment, and UPS switchover testing. Servers are installed only after all three stages complete integration testing and tuning.
- 01Water piping
Completes chilled water supply and return piping and insulation, then runs a pressure test to confirm there are no leaks.
- 02Cooling System
Installs the in-row cooling units and chiller, connects the secondary-side piping, and tunes the supply air temperature.
- 03UPS system
Installs the UPS and battery cabinets, and completes utility switchover and backup load testing.
Four delivered sites, with a track record in both air and liquid cooling
Taichung is self-built and self-operated, with 24 racks at 20 kW each, hosting Glows.ai's GPU cloud. New Taipei has 1.5 MW of power with 900 kW of cooling and can accommodate B300. Fukushima is the first liquid cooling project, with a 250 kW class CDU.
Self-built, self-operated site
Self-built and self-operated, with 24 racks in 4 rows at 20 kW per rack, using in-row cooling with a chilled water system, and hosting Glows.ai's GPU cloud service.
Turnkey procurement and construction
Turnkey procurement and construction, with 1.5 MW of power and 900 kW of cooling. Rack conditions can accommodate B300.
Electrical panels and cooling systems
Conversion of an existing building, with full delivery covering electrical panels, transformers, racks, and the cooling system.
Liquid-cooled container site
Container format, with a 250 kW class CDU.
FAQ
Should an AI data center use liquid cooling or air cooling?
Can an existing IDC data center be converted into a high-power data center?
Is hot and cold aisle containment always required?
Where do power distribution problems most often arise?
Which part of a liquid cooling project is hardest?
Are fire detection and fire suppression the same system?
What PUE can be achieved?
Services often evaluated together
Is your data center ready to support high-density GPUs?
Get an upgrade assessment for power distribution and cooling.