Which Liquid Cooling Option is Best for Your Data Center?

Integrating liquid cooling into your high-density data center can be a highly effective way to remove heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures.

But with so many different liquid cooling options available, how do you determine which one is best for your data center? Let's explore.

Paving the Way to Liquid Cooling

Data centers are generally pursuing one of two strategic paths for integrating liquid cooling:

1. Developing Liquid-Only Data Centers: These facilities are designed from the ground up to leverage liquid cooling technologies exclusively. While this approach maximizes efficiency, it requires significant upfront investment and infrastructure planning.

2. Integrating Liquid Cooling in Current Air-Cooled Facilities: Many operators choose to integrate liquid cooling into their existing air-cooled facilities to quickly address capacity needs and gain rapid ROI. This involves retrofitting current systems with liquid cooling technologies to enhance performance without a full facility redesign.

Most data ceters are likely to choose the latter path, as it strikes a balance between addressing immediate business needs and delivering a quick return on investment.

Exploring Liquid Cooling Technologies

As you navigate your liquid cooling journey, the good news is you have options. Here are 3 different ways to introduce liquid cooling technology into your environment.

1. Rear-Door Heat Exchangers

Rear-door heat exchangers are an effective solution for mixed-density environments. These systems replace the rear door of an IT equipment rack with a passive or active liquid heat exchanger. They can be used alongside traditional air-cooling systems, making them ideal for facilities with varying rack densities.

Pros:

• Compatibility with existing air-cooling systems

• Effective for environments with mixed rack densities

• Easy retrofit option for existing facilities

Cons:

• Limited cooling capacity compared to other liquid cooling methods

• Initial installation may require modifications to existing infrastructure

2. Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling

Direct-to-chip liquid cooling involves placing cold plates directly on the board’s heat-generating components. These can be single-phase cold plates or two-phase evaporation units. This method can remove approximately 70-75% of the heat generated by the equipment, with the remaining 25-30% managed by air-cooling systems.

Pros:

• High efficiency in removing heat directly from critical components

• Can be combined with air-cooling to handle residual heat

Cons:

• Requires precise alignment of cold plates with heat sources

• Residual heat still needs to be managed by air-cooling systems

3. Immersion Cooling

Immersion cooling submerges servers and other components in a thermally conductive dielectric liquid or fluid. This method eliminates the need for air cooling by maximizing the thermal transfer properties of liquid. It is considered the most energy-efficient form of liquid cooling available.

Pros:

• Unmatched thermal efficiency and energy savings

• Eliminates the need for air-cooling systems

• Simplifies cooling infrastructure

Cons:

• Requires specialized equipment and fluids

• Higher initial investment compared to other methods

• Potential compatibility issues with certain hardware

Choosing the Right Option for Your Data Center

When deciding on the best liquid cooling option for your data center, keep in mind:

• Cost: Liquid-only data centers require a significant initial investment but offer long-term cost savings through increased energy efficiency. On the other hand, future-proofing and integrating liquid cooling options may have lower upfront costs but will not provide the same level of efficiency gains.

• Space and Resources: Building or retrofitting a liquid-only data center requires significant space and resources while future-proofing and integrating options can be more easily implemented in existing facilities with limited space.

• Plumbing Requirements: Establishing a reliable plumbing system for liquid distribution is crucial. This includes the selection of appropriate piping materials and ensuring leak-proof connections.

• Cooling Needs: The type of IT equipment being used and its heat generation levels also play a crucial role in determining the best liquid cooling option. For high-density computing requirements, a liquid-only data center may be the most suitable choice, while smaller facilities may benefit from future-proofing or integration.

• Upgrades/Modifications: Retrofitting an existing data center with liquid cooling technology can be costly and disruptive to operations. If considering this option, it's essential to plan for any necessary upgrades or modifications to the facility.

• Maintenance and Support: Liquid cooling systems require specialized maintenance and support, which should be considered when choosing the right option for your data center.

Are You Prepared to withstand the Heat with Liquid Cooling?

Data centers are under increasing pressure to handle the heat generated by IT equipment efficiently. It's crucial to assess your data center's needs and resources carefully before deciding on a liquid cooling option. While liquid-only data centers offer significant efficiency gains, they also come with a hefty price tag.

For smaller facilities with limited resources, future-proofing and integration options can provide cost-effective solutions while still reaping the benefits of liquid cooling technology. Whether you choose a liquid-only data center or a hybrid system, proper maintenance and support are key to ensuring your data center runs efficiently for years to come.

So, whether you're diving into a liquid-only setup or opting for a hybrid approach, take the time to evaluate all factors and choose the best option for your needs and budget.

Need help incorporating liquid cooling in your data center? Let the critical infrastructure experts at Donwil help.