Enabling Next-Generation Research with High Performance Computing (HPC) and Efficient Liquid Cooling at SciNet's HPC Centre

IDEA2026 Poster 07

Presentation Description: This presentation details the infrastructure upgrade at the University of Toronto's SciNet High-Performance Computing Centre (HPCC), incorporating Siemens and third-party components. It will demonstrate how a three-fold computational capacity increase was achieved while improving Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) from 1.2 to under 1.05 by using a new liquid free-cooling system and higher voltage distribution for AI cluster capacity, power, and density increases, while reducing ~$100,000 in annual water cost by eliminating evaporative cooling, promoting sustainability.

Case Study: The University of Toronto's SciNet HPCC tripled computational capacity, boosted energy efficiency and reduced water usage by partnering with Siemens to design and implement facility upgrades. The retrofit improves cooling efficiency in comparison to air-cooling and modernizes campus infrastructure for next-generation AI research, accelerating innovation. Facing the challenge of high-density computing and introducing liquid cooling (1.6 MW warm water cooling, >100 kW racks), Siemens delivered electrical services, distribution, mechanical services, and controls. The site is being prepared to host an AI cluster to enhance computation capacity and, with efficient water-cooling system, will consume less power than a refrigeration cooling system.

Topic: District Energy and CHP Case Studies

Keywords: High-Performance Computing (HPC), Liquid Cooling, Energy Efficiency

Bernard Oegema, P. Eng, MBA

Director, Data Centre Market Development, Siemens Canada

Siemens Canada

Bernard is a Professional Engineer with a long track record working in the data centre space. Prior to joining Siemens, he worked at IBM in their data centre design/build team and widened his experience from electrical system design to include automation/controls and mechanical systems in the upgrade and new construction of data centres including HPC, telco, enterprise and large colocation facilities. He has seen the industry evolve from year-round AC operation to more efficient cooling designs and increased use of free-cooling and the current trend to recover and reuse that waste heat. The quality of the waste heat has increased, and recovery technology continues to improve. Bernie joined Siemens to employ new ways to use emerging technologies to improve the efficiency of data centre operations while maintaining the highest levels of reliability and flexibility demanded of mission critical facilities.

Mark Byvelds

Engineering Manager, Sustainability

Siemens Canada

Mark Byvelds, P.Eng, CMVP is the Engineering Manager for Smart Infrastructure – Sustainability at Siemens Canada Limited. With over 13 years of experience across Canada and the United Kingdom, Mark specializes in the development and delivery of innovative energy and infrastructure solutions that advance decarbonization and operational efficiency. Throughout his career, Mark has been part of and led multidisciplinary teams in the design, implementation, and performance optimization of complex energy conservation and district energy projects. His work focuses on integrating low-carbon technologies—including waste heat recovery, electrification strategies, and demand-side optimization—to unlock sustainable value for clients.