Liquid Immersion Cooling: A Deep Dive into the Future of Data Center Cooling (Part 2 of 3)

This is the second of a three-part series on liquid cooling technologies. In the first post, Liquid Cooling in Hyperscale Data Centers: Innovation for the Future, we provided an overview of liquid cooling and the benefits for data center deployment. In this post, we take a deeper look at immersion technology. In the third post coming soon, In-Rack Liquid Cooling and Direct-to-Chip: Data Center Technology Liquid Cooling Series, will look at the basics of in-rack and direct cooling technologies.

Summary:

• AI and the digital world's expansion is driving unprecedented demand for high-performance computing increasing energy consumption with technologies that run hotter than in the past.
• Liquid immersion cooling, where components are submerged in coolant, is gaining traction for its energy-efficiency which reduces consumption, extends hardware life, delivers quieter operations and aligns with ESG goals.
• Nearly one in five data centers already use liquid cooling, and the market has surpassed $4 billion (BIS Research) in the last year to bring liquid cooling to data center operations.

As the digital world continues to expand, the demand for high-performance computing is skyrocketing. This growth brings with it an increased need for efficient and effective cooling solutions in data centers. One innovative approach that's making waves in the industry is liquid immersion cooling. In fact, nearly one in five data centers already use liquid cooling and the data center liquid cooling market has already surpassed $4 billion according to BIS Research.

Understanding Liquid Immersion Cooling

Liquid immersion cooling is a heat transfer method where the hot fluid, typically a computer's CPU, is placed in direct contact with a coolant. This technique takes the concept of cooling a step further by submerging the source of heat directly into a tank of liquid. The liquid absorbs the heat from the component and transfers it away, effectively cooling the system. Liquid cooling conducts 3,000 times as much heat as air cooling.

This method requires specialized equipment and precautionary measures to ensure there are no challenges and full benefit of the technology is realized. The main benefit of an immersion cooling PC is its ability to handle high heat fluxes without requiring excessive surface area on both the cooling equipment and the computer.

"Immersion liquid cooling offers unparalleled efficiency by directly dissipating heat from components," stated Jim Roche, Senior Vice President of Engineering for CyrusOne.

Liquid immersion cooling offers several advantages over traditional air- or water-cooling systems.

Cooling Capacity and Energy Efficiency

An immersion cooling system can transfer heat much more effectively than air- or water-cooling systems. This means better performance, which translates into less energy consumption. Cooling is a significant factor in the use of energy meaning liquid cooling is and will become more important to reaching corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs. Liquid immersion does not require any external power source like air-cooling requires, meaning it can cool the system for a fraction of the cost.

Viability and Durability

Many people do not realize that immersion cooling systems can be implemented into almost any computer, whether a desktop or a server. Liquid can withstand extremely high temperatures without causing damage to the hardware. In addition to not having to change or modify your server's hardware, liquid immersion can also extend the life of the hardware making it a more cost-effective and viable solution. This extends the durability and length of use the system can be in service. Another benefit related to durability is the reduced maintenance needs. Liquid systems do not have the dust and debris challenges of air-cooled racks.

"By making immersion liquid cooling available in our data centers we are not only enhancing thermal management but also extending the lifespan of hardware in the facility," added Kyle Myers, Vice President of EHS, ESG, and External Affairs for CyrusOne. "By immersing servers in a non-conductive liquid, we can achieve remarkable cooling efficiency, enabling denser server configurations and better overall resource utilization."

Quieter Operation

Another benefit of immersion cooling systems is that they run much more quietly than air-based systems as there are no fans or pumps like some other liquid cooled systems. Not only does this make a difference inside the data center the reduction in energy consumption means facilities can operate with smaller outdoor chiller and air-conditioning systems making them more palatable to people who work or live near the data center.

As liquid cooling technology continues to improve and becomes less expensive, the adoption rate will continue to climb. At this point there are some challenges to more rapid adoption.

Return on Investment

While some data centers can accommodate liquid immersion cooling equipment within their current designs, many do not have the infrastructure for a retrofit. Data center operators must reorganize or reimagine their floor plans to accommodate liquid cooling infrastructure. More of the adoption is coming with new development or with complete rebuild of the interior of an old shell.

The costs associated with the need to retrofit may be prohibitive to many, but in the long term the savings and efficiency boosts are likely to yield financial benefits. As technology matures and standards are developed, costs are expected to decline. In addition, engineers and technicians are being trained to work with and manage liquid cooling systems, which will address workforce challenges being faced in some regions.

As more data is gathered and more data centers adopt the technology the ROI on liquid cooling investment will become clearer and more compelling. A study by Schneider Electric's Science Center, shows that the greater the density the greater the cost savings. Once the initial investment is made, the ROI can be financially significant, more so when you include the progress made toward ESG and compliance initiatives and community goodwill from reduced energy consumption and lower noise levels.

Overall liquid immersion cooling has moved beyond a promising solution to the standard for future development as demand for efficient cooling in data centers not only grows but will be required. While it does present some challenges, the benefits it offers make it a compelling option for the future of data center cooling.

Coming soon: In our third and last post of this three-part series about liquid cooling technologies, we will look at the basics of in-rack and direct cooling technologies.

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