Powertrain Integration Center and Computer Center, Daimler Sindelfingen

The "Building 88/1" with Powertrain Integration Center and Computer Center at Daimler's Sindelfingen site, has an efficient internal organization. The highly detailed specifications for the complex demanded its separation into two technically and functionally independent units. An outstanding feature of the building – alongside its impressive constructional and technical dimensions – is the unusual solution of stacking the two highly sensitive use areas. The building has now received an honorable mention/building at the award ceremony for the 2018 Industrial Building Prize in Stuttgart.

Free Cooling
The data center ensures highly energy-efficient operation with an innovative cooling system. Using so-called “cooling units”, which operate as a circulating air system with horizontally installed rotating heat exchangers, the data center can be cooled up to an outside temperature of 19 °C exclusively with indirect free cooling. This corresponds to approximately 300 days a year. Only at higher outside temperatures are chillers switched on as required. Thanks to the innovative cooling concept, the PUE value is even below 1.3. This result was achieved through maximum utilization of free cooling, optimum efficiency of the generation components, and an operation-optimized load control system.

Corporate Architecture
The external appearance of the AIZ/RZ refers to that of the existing development facility. At the same time, the façade establishes the basis for more artistic freedom in the design of future buildings. Use-specific requirements demanded a largely opaque façade, with only small areas of transparency and openness being possible. Large areas of metal façades and slats at the upper levels combine with small areas of post-and-rail façade and strip windows to lend the building its sculptural appearance.

Two Functions
The Powertrain Integration Center (AIZ) acts as a testing center for cars. It is equipped with a high-altitude chamber, six roller test beds and three powertrain test beds for entire vehicles. It is connected to offices, workshops and storage areas while a fully automatic parking system for the conditioning of around 80 test objects is also available. The internal organization is exclusively aligned with the complex requirements of the process. With its innovative cooling system the Computer Center offers around 2,300 square meters of highly energy-efficient server space.