Efficiency, Options, and Misconceptions
Are you part of the data center paradigm shift? Analysts project that the global market for data center liquid cooling will surge by 24.4% by 2028*. Buckle up for a high-speed ride into a future where innovation meets unprecedented growth!
At Data Center World 2023, Silverback Data Center Solutions engaged a standing-room-only audience with a workshop that delved into the question of the moment: When will liquid cooling be required at scale? As we approach this year’s DCW event, we are launching a content series on Demystifying Liquid Cooling in Data Centers to keep pace with the acceleration.
First, a bit of background. As technology advances and server racks become denser, traditional air cooling methods are proving inadequate for handling the heat generated, particularly by modern processors like GPUs. Enter liquid cooling, a solution that is gaining traction in both enthusiast circles and enterprise environments.
Dispelling Misconceptions
Air cooling, which uses a heatsink and fan to cool chips, works well up to 20 kW per rack. But beyond 30 kW, the fans can’t handle the heat efficiently.
Liquid cooling initially gained traction among hobbyists and gaming enthusiasts seeking to push their PCs beyond default clock speeds. However, its benefits have transcended the realm of personal computing, finding a new home in the enterprise sector. As the demand for effective cooling solutions grows, liquid cooling has emerged as the primary alternative to traditional air cooling methods.
One common fear surrounding liquid cooling is the risk of leaks damaging equipment. However, modern liquid cooling systems are engineered with robust safeguards to prevent leaks, making the risk minimal compared to other potential issues like power outages.
It’s important to note that liquid cooling doesn’t necessarily mean water cooling. Typically, designers use a non-conductive liquid as coolant to efficiently dissipate heat without posing a risk to electronics in case of spillage.
The Benefits
Liquid cooling offers several advantages over air cooling. It’s significantly more efficient, capable of absorbing thousands of times more heat than air. This increased efficiency translates to quieter operation and lower power consumption, as fewer fans are needed.
Unlike air cooling, which typically relies on a heatsink and fan, liquid cooling provides three distinct options: Rear Door Heat Exchange (RDHx), Direct-to-Chip (DTC), and Immersion Cooling.
Liquid Cooling Options
Rear Door Heat Exchange (RDHx): RDHx is a relatively simple solution that involves placing radiator-like doors on the back of server racks. Coolant is pumped through these radiators, effectively cooling the hot air vented from the servers. RDHx is easy to implement and requires minimal modification to existing data centers, buit’s still limited by the need for fans to move air.
Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling (DTC): DTC replaces traditional heatsinks with cold plates that circulate liquid directly over the CPU or GPU. This method offers higher efficiency than air cooling and can handle much higher heat densities. However, DTC systems are more expensive to install and maintain and require significant modifications to data center infrastructure. Within data centers that have adopted RDHx, DTC can be outfitted relatively quickly.
Immersion Cooling: Cutting-edge method of cooling computer systems by submerging them in a non-conductive liquid. This liquid efficiently absorbs and dissipates heat generated by the servers, keeping them at optimal operating temperatures. It offers exceptional cooling efficiency and allows for extreme heat densities. A few downsides are that it requires more floor space than other cooling methods, is typically more expensive and it requires a completely different rack and cage layout design.
Liquid Cooling Evolution
Liquid cooling started with RDHx, which was an initial breakthrough, and is now widely used. This success prompted hardware manufacturers to enter the market, leading to the development of more accessible DTC solutions. In contrast, immersion cooling remains a question mark due to the significant changes required.
While liquid cooling technology is still evolving, it offers compelling advantages over traditional air cooling methods. As concerns over leakage are addressed and awareness of its benefits grows, liquid cooling is becoming more prevalent in data centers. Whether considering RDHx, DTC, or immersion cooling, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the specific needs and constraints of your data center environment. As the technology matures, liquid cooling has the potential to revolutionize how we manage heat in high-performance computing environments.
In our second installment of Demystifying Liquid Cooling in Data Centers, we will take a look at The Challenges Ahead in High Density Compute. Stay tuned!
If you have questions about Liquid Cooling or other Data Center Solutions such as migration, relocation, deployment, staffing, auditing or decommissioning, please reach out to Silverback Data Center Solutions at info@teamsilverback.com.
