Summary:
1. Data centre racks are now reaching highs well above 100 kW, with some on the horizon that could exceed 600 kW.
2. The industry is being forced to rethink cooling methods due to increasing compute density, electricity demand, and sustainability targets.
3. The Trend Report explores the shift towards liquid cooling, machine-learning thermal controllers, and the potential for immersion cooling to reduce water usage.
Article:
In the rapidly evolving world of data centres, the demand for higher power densities is pushing the limits of traditional air cooling systems. Once considered sufficient for racks around 20 kW, air cooling is now facing challenges as data centre racks soar well above 100 kW, with some even projected to surpass 600 kW. The question on everyone’s mind is whether air cooling is up to the task of handling these extreme heat loads.
The latest Trend Report, titled “Cooling Data Centres – Enabling the Next Wave of Compute,” delves into this pressing issue and explores how the thermal equation is being rewritten in response to runaway compute density, soaring electricity demand, and tightening sustainability targets. Industry experts from leading companies such as Airsys, Equinix, Stellium, Schneider Electric, Supermicro, and Sandia National Laboratories provide valuable insights into the cooling hype versus hard engineering reality.
The report highlights the limitations of air cooling and the various options available in the realm of liquid cooling. As data centres shift towards 50 kW+ racks, there are significant implications for capital and operational expenditures. Factors such as facility floor loading and water loops can drive hidden costs, while the total cost of ownership (TCO) difference between air and liquid architectures out to 2030 is explored in detail.
Furthermore, the report discusses how machine-learning thermal controllers can help achieve lower Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and addresses the industry’s reputation for water consumption. Exclusive commentary from Castrol’s Global VP for Thermal Management, Peter Huang, sheds light on why operators are increasingly viewing immersion cooling as the only viable path to exascale computing and how dielectric fluids could potentially reduce annual water usage by millions of litres.
For those eager to stay informed on the latest trends in data centre cooling, the Trend Report offers valuable insights and actionable recommendations. Sign up to receive the report directly to your inbox and stay ahead of the curve in enabling the next wave of compute efficiency.
