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As data center infrastructures become increasingly diverse, scalable, and HPC-focused, the implementation of hybrid cooling solutions is essential to meet both current and future demands efficiently, without requiring fundamental design changes.
Start Campus, a leading benchmark for high-performance infrastructure across Europe, recognized this need and selected Legrand to support the implementation of USystems’ innovative HPC cooling solutions at one of Europe's largest hyperscale, AI-ready campuses in Sines, Portugal.
Central to this project is a strategic partnership with Legrand, chosen for its proven expertise and reliability in delivering complex technical solutions for data center environments.
Key benefits at a glance!
Solutions that align with Start Campus’
zero-waste sustainability objectives
Another step towards
a PUE of 1.1 and a WUE of 0
A comprehensive lifecycle partnership
ensuring long-term reliability
A joint innovation roadmap towards
AI-optimized and smart grid-ready systems
THE PROJECT
Challenge
• Integrate with the advanced cooling system already in place on site
• Deliver cutting-edge, highly efficient, and sustainable cooling solutions capable of supporting the scale and technical demands of an AI-ready and environmentally-responsible site
• Achieve greater operational efficiency while operating on 100% renewable energy
Response
• Deployment of ColdLogik rear door heat exchangers, from Legrand's specialist brand, USystems
• An intelligent rear door heat exchanger designed to deliver the most energy-efficient low to high-density rear door cooling currently available in the world
• Enhances data center cooling efficiency without requiring changes to the current design
Outcome
• Minimized energy losses and cooling demand, helping achieve a PUE of 1.1 and a WUE of 0
• 80–90% power savings compared to traditional data center cooling approaches
• A comprehensive lifecycle approach ensuring long-term reliability, performance, and operational excellence
• Strengthened innovation and sustainability strategies for both organizations
THE CUSTOMER'S FEEDBACK
Discover how Start Campus optimized the efficiency, scalable performance, and sustainability of its Sines site with Legrand.
Watch the full video featuring Robert Dunn (CEO, Start Campus), Owen Wilson (CMO, Start Campus), Alberto Petermann (Head of Design & Construction, Start Campus), and Rita Lourenco (Key Account Manager - Critical Power, Legrand) as they share their insights on the project and the strong collaboration that made it a success.
These are very technically challenging projects, so we need to work with the best in the business to meet those complex challenges. We've been able to work with very good partners, such as Legrand, to deliver for our customers.
THE SOLUTION
USystems: Rear door heat exchangers (RDHx)
To enhance its advanced facility, designed with a capacity of 1.2 GW and built entirely around sustainability and efficiency, Start Campus selected Legrand as a key technology partner. The decision was driven by the extensive expertise of Legrand’s USystems brand, which brings over 18 years of experience in rear door cooling solutions, combined with Legrand’s comprehensive portfolio of data center solutions.
Start Campus specifically chose the Rear Door Heat Exchanger (RDHx), an energy-efficient cooling solution installed directly on the rear of a server rack. By capturing and removing heat at the source using chilled water, the RDHx significantly reduces the demand on traditional room-based cooling systems.
Six key assets that made the difference for Start Campus
- High-performance rack-level cooling specifically designed for high-performance compute, capable of supporting the highest IT loads at the rack level
- Adaptive intelligence, enabling the rear door coolers to operate autonomously and adjust cooling capacity in real time based on actual IT load, without human intervention
- Best-in-class performance at the rack level, described as “second to none” in terms of cooling capability
- Significant energy efficiency gains, delivering 80–90% power savings compared to traditional data center cooling approaches
- A water-free cooling solution, eliminating water usage and wastage, reinforces the sustainability profile of the site
- Exceptional PUE performance, with the facility operating around 1.1, far below the global market average
A major advantage for our customers is the full lifecycle partnership we are able to offer them, including knowledge sharing, maintenance support, proactive problem detection, and long-term collaboration beyond commissioning.
The collaboration between Start Campus and Legrand represents a long-term strategic alliance built around innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
Future technological developments from Legrand can further enhance data center operations, such as those at Start Campus, driving next-generation, AI-ready, and environmentally responsible data centers.
As Amélie Zegmout, Iberia Director at Legrand, explains: "As an example, our new high-efficiency modular Keor FLEX UPS offers the best performance currently possible. It is scalable and will have the capabilities to be used for smart grid services."
Legrand is committed to providing exceptional customer service, enabling the Group to offer more tailored, responsive, and innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact us to learn more or to receive a personalized configuration quote! We're committed to providing the best possible service, and our team is ready to help find the solution that meets your needs.
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