Green IT Cube

The Green IT Cube, located on the GSI/FAIR campus in Darmstadt, Germany, is one of the most powerful scientific data centers in the world. This innovative facility is designed to support high-performance computing for scientific research, including simulations, detector development, and data analysis for experiments conducted at GSI and FAIR.

What sets the Green IT Cube apart is its groundbreaking energy efficiency. Unlike conventional data centers that rely on air cooling, this facility uses water cooling systems integrated into the doors of computer cabinets. This approach reduces cooling energy consumption to less than 7% of the total electrical power used for computing, compared to 30-100% in traditional setups. The compact design also allows for dense spatial arrangements, maximizing space utilization.

The data center features six levels and can accommodate up to 768 racks, with a cooling capacity of 12 megawatts in its final phase. Waste heat generated by the facility is repurposed to heat nearby office and canteen buildings, further enhancing its sustainability. The Green IT Cube has earned multiple awards for its innovative design and eco-friendly practices, including the Blue Angel eco-label and recognition from DataCenterDynamics.