Architectural TPMS structures
Proposes a modular data center architecture prototype that combines air and liquid cooling.
— Lucius Hu, Creator.
Category
Architecture
Creator
Lucius Hu
Program
Architecture, 2025
In the digital age, the rising global demand for data centers highlights the critical need for more efficient cooling systems. Air cooling remains the dominant method but has high energy consumption and limited efficiency. Liquid cooling is more efficient but costly and carries a risk of leakage. This research proposes a modular data center architecture prototype combining air and liquid cooling by leveraging the dual interwoven cavities of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures. The design integrates two TPMS scales—Schoen Batwing units for the building framework and Schoen Gyroid units for the cooling system—into a modular configuration. Key parameters such as cavity volume ratios and wall thickness are optimized to improve cooling and structural performance. Material experiments identified self-healing bio-concrete and aluminum alloy for durability and modularity. This approach reduces emissions, supports rapid assembly, and aligns with sustainability goals.