Raised Floor Computer Space for High Performance Technology

The ERDC Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) develops advanced information technology to address a wide range of engineering and scientific challenges. Located at ITL in Vicksburg, Miss., the High Performance Computing- Research, Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation (HPC-RDT&E) Shelter provides 10,000 square feet of world-class, raised floor computing facilities to support the Department of Defense (DOD) Supercomputing Resource Center.

High-Powered Computing Capability

The HPC-RDT&E Shelter houses two of the DOD HPC supercomputers, which require a robust power supply and temperature-controlled environment to run complex operations successfully. The HPC-RDT&E Shelter is continuously powered by an 8.2 megawatt power infrastructure with provisions for an additional 2 megawatts of power if required. Chilled water compressors with 2,700 tons of capacity maintain an ideal temperature within the HPC-RDT&E Shelter.

Reliable Execution of HPC Operations

To ensure that operations on the HPC-RDT&E Shelter machines run smoothly and without interruption, the ITL provides a carefully assembled back-up power system. This includes a 6 megawatt Un-interruptible Power System (UPS) connected to a high-speed transfer switch and used only when utility power is lost. There is also an off-line 6 megawatt battery system with provisions up to 8 megawatts, in the event that additional power is needed.

Features

The HPC-RDT&E Shelter offers several innovative features:

• A 10,000square foot room of raised floor computer facilities.
• An 8.2 megawatt power infrastructure comprised of four generators to support the HPC-RDT&E Shelter and Joint Computer Facility. This infrastructure has provisions for an additional 2 megawatts of power if required.
• Chilled water compressors with 2,700 tons of capacity support the computing facilities at the HPC-RDT&E Shelter.
• A 6 megawatt Un-interruptible Power System (UPS), consisting of an off-line 6 megawatt battery system with provisions to expand to 8 megawatts to support the HPC-RDT&E Shelter and the ITL Headquarters.

Applications

High performance computing operations conducted at the HPC-RDT&E Shelter include:

• Predicting and assessing severe weather damage.
• Designing new hydraulic structures.
• Developing acoustic imaging devices for analyzing structures in turbid water.
• Engineering critical systems.
• Simplifying the interface to high performance computing (HPC) capabilities.

ERDC Points of Contact

Questions about HPC-RDT&E Shelter?
Mr. Bobby Hunter
Robert.M.Hunter@usace.army.mil
601-634-3766