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SUPPLEMENT SUSTAINABILITY IN MANUFACTURING COOL SOLUTIONS FOR SUS
the fans in a liquid cooled system tend to rotate more slowly and quietly than those in an air- cooling system. This can enhance the working environment for data centre personnel and mitigate noise pollution in surrounding areas. However, as with any technology, the adoption
In the ever-evolving landscape of data centres and high-performance computing (HPC), effective cooling solutions have evolved
from being an operational necessity to offering efficiency benefits. The growing adoption of liquid cooling technologies is therefore having a positive impact on environmental
sustainability within the data centre industry. Simon Brady, product manager, liquid and high density cooling at Vertiv, explains
H
istorically, data centres have relied heavily on air-based cooling systems, but these can be energy-intensive and less efficient,
particularly as compute densities increase. However, the escalating demand for computing power, driven by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and immersive computing, has necessitated a re-evaluation of cooling strategies to address both performance and environmental concerns. Liquid cooling, once considered a niche solution, has emerged as a game-changer in the pursuit of more sustainable data centre operations. Unlike air-based cooling, liquid cooling systems harness the superior heat transfer properties of fluids to efficiently dissipate heat from critical IT infrastructure components. This approach not only enhances cooling efficiency but can also lower operating costs and reduce overall energy consumption and carbon footprint.
BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES Liquid cooling offers a range of advantages for data centres, particularly in addressing escalating heat levels and efficiency requirements. One key benefit is its enhanced cooling efficiency in comparison to traditional air-based systems. Liquid cooling methods directly contact hot surfaces with a cooling medium, effectively dissipating heat and enabling data centres to maintain optimal performance levels even under high heat densities. Moreover, liquid cooling systems are inherently more energy-efficient. By reducing the workload
on air conditioning units and optimising heat dissipation, they help lower overall energy consumption and operational costs for data centres. This efficiency also translates into increased density and scalability, allowing data centres to accommodate evolving computational demands without compromising performance or efficiency. Liquid cooling is well-suited for HPC
applications that demand intensive processing capabilities. By efficiently managing heat dissipation, liquid cooling supports continuous operation without performance degradation, making it a versatile and essential solution for modern data centres. From an environmental
perspective, liquid cooling may contribute significantly to sustainability efforts. By reducing carbon emissions, electrical energy consumption and water usage, liquid cooling aligns with global initiatives to combat climate change and reduce the overall environmental footprint of data centre cooling operations. Innovative cooling solutions, such as closed-loop systems which recirculate coolant without water waste, help to conserve water resources. This allows waste heat recovery, reutilising heat to warm nearby offices, homes or farms to support the circular economy. It can be a quieter option because
32 DESIGN SOLUTIONS - SUPPLEMENT JULY/AUGUST 2024
of liquid cooling in data centres also presents challenges to successful implementation. While the benefits of liquid cooling are compelling, its effective integration requires careful planning and coordination across various teams within the organisation. For example, IT, facility and power teams should collaborate closely because the IT stack, power usage and building chiller will all be impacted by AI deployment and the data centre infrastructure that enables it. A clear strategy and communication will enable a smooth process for infrastructure deployment and operational efficiency. Checking that existing infrastructure can support liquid cooling systems, or identifying and addressing any necessary upgrades, is critical to the success of the deployment. Additionally, budget constraints may limit the scope of the project, requiring careful prioritisation and resource allocation to maximise the return on investment.
THE ROAD TO DEPLOYMENT Organisations should begin by assessing workload requirements, particularly as data centres see increasing rack densities due to advanced chipsets powering AI and deep learning applications. This assessment helps allocate space effectively for AI / HPC workloads, potentially involving rack conversions or dedicated rooms with liquid cooling systems. Conducting a site audit is critical to assess
the feasibility of retrofitting with liquid cooling systems. This involves partner-led computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies to analyse airflow, evaluate air-cooling equipment integration, and plan for coolant distribution and piping. Teams should also consider budgetary impacts and potential disruptions to current operations. Understanding additional heat loads and their impact on service-level
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