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MOE Engineering & Tech Programme Scholarship (ETPS) Workshop

Data Centres & Sustainability

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly increased the demand for data centres to support computing, storage and digital services. However, data centres consume substantial amounts of electricity and generate large quantities of heat, making energy efficiency and thermal management key engineering challenges.

Students are challenged to design and develop a miniature sustainable data centre that incorporates cooling strategies, environmental monitoring and energy-efficient design principles to support the operation of a future AI-powered city.

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Challenge:

The objective of this track is to help scholars understand the role of data centres in supporting artificial intelligence and digital technologies, as well as the sustainability challenges arising from their high energy use and heat generation. Through engineering design activities, hands-on workshops and learning journeys, scholars will explore sustainable infrastructure, cooling technologies, environmental monitoring and energy-efficient data-centre design.

Deliverables:

  1. Design and build a miniature sustainable data centre.
  2. Incorporate cooling strategies and environmental monitoring systems into the model.
  3. Test and optimise the design to improve its cooling and energy performance.
  4. Contribute to a 10-minute integrated group presentation and 2-minute video.

Instructors

Dr Daniel Sng
Dr Daniel Sng is a Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NUS. His work focuses on energy-efficient building systems, air-conditioning and thermal comfort. His research explores ways to reduce the energy consumption of conventional cooling systems while improving occupants’ comfort. He has also worked on building-integrated photovoltaic technologies and their applications in tropical environments.

Dr Daniel Sng
Faculty Lead for Track 2: Data Centres & Sustainability
Senior Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Prof Christoffel
A/Prof Christo Meyer ARB RIBA is a UK-registered architect and Chartered Member of RIBA, he brings over two decades of experience in architectural practice, education and interdisciplinary research. His teaching and research focus on design-through-making, architectural representation and pedagogy, using models, drawings, installations and prototypes to explore culture, memory, materiality and place.

A/Prof Christoffel Jacobus Meyer
Associate Professor, Department of Architecture

Prof Kua Harn Wei
A/Prof Kua’s research interests include life cycle sustainability assessment, bio-based building materials capable of direct air capture of carbon dioxide and air purification and policies to promote household energy conservation. He has received numerous academic awards and published widely.

A/Prof Kua Harn Wei
Associate Professor, Department of the Built Environment

Prof Raisul
A/Prof Raisul specialises in thermal systems, with research interests in energy-efficient air conditioning, evaporative cooling, and heat and mass transfer. He holds a PhD from NUS and professional certifications in energy management and green building design, including Singapore Certified Energy Manager and LEED Accredited Professional. His teaching covers energy systems optimisation and engineering design projects.

A/Prof Md Raisul Islam
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Mr Ruban Whenish

Mr Ruban Whenish
Programme Manager, Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed (STDCT)

Workshop Schedule