Project Tundra

RTM is providing comprehensive engineering and design services for the MEP systems as part of the tenant improvement work for an industrial facility of approximately 68,824 square feet, located in Libertyville, Illinois. The facility includes manufacturing, warehouse, lab and data center, and office space, all thoughtfully integrated to support diverse operational needs.

This specialized, 1-megawatt (future 9-megawatt) data center is designed to meet the rising demand for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure, incorporating advanced fluid cooling technologies and sustainable energy strategies. A standout feature of the facility is the integration of an ice storage system to support demand shedding, enabling the data center to reduce peak electricity consumption while maintaining efficient, around-the-clock operations.

The facility employs both air and direct-to-chip liquid-cooled rack integration, offering significant advantages for handling GPU-intensive workloads. Direct-to-chip cooling allows heat to be dissipated up to 1,000 times more efficiently than traditional air-cooled systems, making it ideal for AI and HPC applications that generate substantial thermal loads. This advanced approach not only reduces overall energy consumption, but also supports higher rack densities, allowing for more compute power within the same physical footprint.

In addition to performance benefits, the liquid cooling system contributes to a lower water and carbon footprint, with the potential to achieve power usage effectiveness (PUE) as low as 1.035, compared to typical values of up to 2.0 in conventional air-cooled data centers. RTM’s expertise ensured the seamless integration of these systems, aligning with a commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency, and future-ready scalability for enterprise clients. The Libertyville facility stands as a strategic, high-performance solution for the next generation of AI and HPC workloads.