Summary:
- A brownfield is seen as a creative solution for addressing the pressing issue of time and speed to market in the data center industry.
- The use of liquid cooling facilities in repurposed buildings allows for significantly higher kilowatt densities per cabinet compared to traditional data centers.
- The implementation of a multi-loop liquid cooling system, utilizing separate water loops and district chilled water supply, ensures efficient cooling and hardware protection in the facility.
—
Article:
Embracing Innovation: The Advantages of Liquid Cooling in Brownfield Data Centers
In the fast-paced world of data centers, time is of the essence. One creative solution to address this challenge is the utilization of brownfield sites. These repurposed buildings already have existing infrastructure in place, such as power sources and chiller plants, allowing for quicker deployment and speed to market.
A prime example of maximizing the potential of a brownfield site is seen in the transformation of an old printing press building into a cutting-edge data center facility. The facility boasts the capability to handle high kilowatt densities per cabinet, far surpassing the capacities of traditional data centers. This leap in density is made possible through the use of Nvidia’s Grace Blackwell processors, known for their high heat output.
To effectively manage the heat generated by these powerful processors, a sophisticated multi-loop liquid cooling system is employed. By separating water sources into distinct closed loops, the system ensures that sensitive IT equipment is never in direct contact with municipal water. This design not only enhances efficiency but also provides an added layer of protection for the hardware.
Moreover, the facility taps into the district chilled water supply in Kansas City, sourced from a nearby utility plant. This serves as the primary cooling resource for the data center. Inside the facility, a specialized glycol-based fluid, filtered to extremely low micron levels, circulates through a dedicated loop, ensuring electronic safety.
Heat exchangers play a crucial role in transferring heat from the data hall fluid to the district chilled water, keeping the two fluids separate and preventing any risk of corrosion or contamination. Liquid-to-chip and rear-door heat exchangers further enhance the heat removal process, maintaining optimal operating conditions within the facility.
In conclusion, the integration of liquid cooling systems in brownfield data centers represents a forward-thinking approach to address the evolving demands of the industry. By leveraging existing infrastructure and implementing innovative cooling solutions, these facilities are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the digital age while ensuring optimal performance and hardware protection.
