In high-density data centers, keeping systems cool and operating at optimal temperatures is crucial. The constant demand for more computing power, storage capacity, and data processing has resulted in data centers consuming more energy and producing more heat. As a result, data center managers must consider smart energy alternatives for cooling solutions that are efficient, cost-effective, and reliable. Two of the most commonly used cooling solutions in data centers are air cooling and liquid cooling. In this blog, we will explore the differences between the two and why liquid cooling is increasingly becoming the preferred solution in data centers.

Data Center Liquid Cooling vs. Air Cooling

The debate between liquid cooling and air cooling in the data center industry has been ongoing for quite some time, and as the computational power and efficiency of data centers continue to increase, the need for advanced cooling technologies is becoming more evident. To shed light on this topic, a recent podcast hosted by BIS Research titled “Air to Liquid Cooling- The Future of Data Center Cooling” featured John-David Enright, Sr., President, CEO & Chairman of TMGcore Inc, a service provider of two-phase liquid immersion cooling technology.

During the podcast, Enright expressed his belief that two-phase liquid cooling has virtually limitless potential. He confidently stated that “there is nothing that exists today that cannot be cooled with this technology, and that it will remain the most efficient process for cooling electronics on the planet for the next 10 to 20 years”. He further adds, "The fluids used in liquid cooling are extremely non-toxic, nonflamable and very easy to work with. So this technology is fantastic from a interface and people perspective". This is a bold claim, given that many data center experts have traditionally favored air cooling for its simplicity and low cost.

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Two-phase liquid immersion cooling is a highly advanced cooling technology that involves submerging electronic components in a non-conductive liquid, such as mineral oil, to directly transfer heat away from the components. This is in contrast to traditional air cooling, which relies on fans and heat sinks to dissipate heat. The use of liquid immersion cooling allows for higher power densities and improved energy efficiency, making it an increasingly popular option for high-performance computing and data centers.

Enright's optimism about the potential of two-phase liquid cooling is reflective of the broader trend in the data center industry towards more advanced and efficient cooling technologies. As the computational demands placed on data centers continue to grow, the need for innovative solutions to address the resulting heat dissipation issues becomes more pressing. It remains to be seen whether two-phase liquid cooling will become the dominant technology in the data center cooling space, but Enright's comments suggest that it is certainly a strong contender.

Owing to the various advantages offered by data center liquid cooling technology, experts have predicted significant growth in the data center liquid cooling market in the coming years.

According to the BIS Research analysis, the global data center liquid cooling market was valued at $2.79 billion in 2021, which is expected to grow with a CAGR of 27.67% and reach $11.84 billion by 2027. 

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Further, let’s dive deep into the various advantages and advancements of data center liquid cooling technology.

Advantages of Data Center Liquid Cooling

1.    Higher Cooling Efficiency: Data center liquid cooling is more efficient than air cooling because it can remove heat more effectively. The liquid coolant has a higher heat capacity than air, which means that it can absorb and dissipate more heat per unit of volume. As a result, data centers can maintain optimal temperatures even when processing large amounts of data and consuming more energy.

2.    Lower Noise Levels: Data center liquid cooling systems generate significantly less noise than air cooling systems. This is because the fans and air conditioning units used in air cooling systems generate a significant amount of noise. Liquid cooling systems, on the other hand, are much quieter and do not generate the same amount of noise pollution.

3.    Better Reliability: Data center liquid cooling systems are also more reliable than air cooling systems. Air cooling systems rely on fans and air conditioning units, which are prone to failure. When these components fail, the data center's cooling capacity is reduced, and the computing equipment can overheat, leading to system failures. Liquid cooling systems, on the other hand, are less prone to failure and provide more consistent cooling, resulting in fewer system failures and downtime.

4.    Lower Energy Costs: Data center liquid cooling systems are also more energy-efficient than air cooling systems. Liquid cooling systems can dissipate heat more effectively, which means that they require less energy to maintain optimal temperatures in the data center. This can result in lower energy costs and a more sustainable data center.

Advancements in Data Center Liquid Cooling Technology

Data center liquid cooling technology has come a long way in recent years, making it a more viable solution for data centers. Advances in liquid cooling technology have resulted in more efficient and reliable systems that are better suited for large data centers.

One of the latest developments in data center liquid cooling technology is the use of immersion cooling. This involves completely immersing the computing equipment in a bath of non-conductive liquid coolant. This results in highly efficient heat removal and cooling, making it ideal for data centers that require high levels of computing power.

Another development in data center liquid cooling technology is the use of direct-to-chip cooling. This involves the use of tiny microchannels and liquid coolant to cool the microprocessors directly. This results in more efficient cooling and lower energy costs compared to air cooling systems.

Conclusion

Data center liquid cooling is becoming the preferred solution over air cooling in data centers. With higher cooling efficiency, lower noise levels, better reliability, and lower energy costs, data center liquid cooling provides a more effective and sustainable solution for cooling data centers.

As technology continues to advance, data center liquid cooling systems will only become more efficient and reliable. Data center managers must consider the benefits of liquid cooling when selecting a cooling solution for their data centers. With the right data center liquid cooling system, data centers can operate at optimal temperatures and provide reliable computing services to users.

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