The IN2P3 (CNRS) has engaged APL to double the size of its computing center

Customer name :	CNRS - French National Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics
Area of business :	Public sector - Research
Accompanying mode :	Project management
Type of service :	850 m² extension to the IN2P3 computing center (Tier III level)

The computing center of the French National Institute for Nuclear and Particle Physics (IN2P3) of the Rhône Alpes delegation of the CNRS, hosts several thousand servers that store nearly 20 petabytes of data, accessible to more than 2,500 researchers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The IN2P3 researchers require immense computing power in order to process data from large scientific instruments or to perform simulations and validate scientific theories. Faced with a constantly growing volume of data, the IN2P3 has decided to double the size of its IT rooms. They have decided to engage APL to design a crucial second computer room, while containing the computing center's energy consumption.

Mission objectives

Extend the technical infrastructures to accommodate a new 850 m² IT room with 600 kW of power
Carry out the work in a functioning computer center that is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Reduce the computing center’s energy consumption

Services provided

Design: comparative study of free cooling solutions and water regime elevation, planning, budgeting, consulting and assistance in the awarding of works contracts
Execution: management of the execution of work contracts, scheduling and management of the works, assistance with the acceptance operations

Client benefits

IT surface area doubled while capitalizing on existing technical infrastructures
Work completed without interruption of service
Optimization of energy performance and reduction of the environmental footprint (free-chilling, HFO type cold production)
ROI: €130K in estimated energy savings over two years (once full load is reached)