by
Dino Foderaro
Embracing Sustainability in Data Center Cooling
In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a critical consideration in the data center industry. Increasing demand for digital services, coupled with the urgency to reduce carbon emissions and usage of constrained resources has prompted data center operators to prioritize sustainable practices in their operations. In this section, we will explore the concept of sustainability in data center cooling and its significance in creating a more environmentally responsible and resilient infrastructure.
At its core, sustainability in data center cooling refers to the ability to meet present cooling needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves adopting practices and technologies that minimize the environmental impact of data centers while ensuring long-term operational viability. Among the most critical challenges to data centers is the development of sustainable cooling solutions to address the industry’s large environmental footprint and mitigate the challenges posed by the increasing heat put out by next generation processors, GPUs, and memory.
Liquid cooling, such as Accelsius’ NeuCool™ solution, can play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable data center operations. Unlike traditional air cooling and other methods such as rear door heat exchangers, direct-to-chip liquid cooling optimizes energy usage and minimizes waste. By efficiently removing heat directly from the source, direct-to-chip liquid cooling enables future-proof heat mitigation, eliminating the need for excessive cooling infrastructure. This not only reduces energy consumption but also frees up valuable space within the data center, allowing for increased equipment density and impressive computing capacity.
Another aspect of sustainability in data center cooling is the responsible use of resources. Liquid cooling solutions, like NeuCool™, utilize engineered dielectric fluids that are non-conductive, non-corrosive, and environmentally friendly. These fluids are designed to have a minimal impact on the ecosystem, ensuring the safety of personnel and reducing the risk of environmental contamination. Furthermore, the NeuCool™ system can work with a closed-loop facility water line or roof mounted dry tower eliminating the consumption of water. Additionally, liquid cooling systems enable the reuse of waste heat, contributing to the circular economy and minimizing overall energy waste.
Sustainability in data center cooling extends beyond the operational layer. It involves considering the entire lifecycle of the infrastructure, from design and construction to decommissioning. By implementing sustainable cooling solutions, data center operators can make considerable progress towards increasing the lifespan of IT equipment and supporting infrastructure, reducing hard to dispose of electronics waste. This improvement in lifespan, paired with additional densification enabled by liquid cooling also allows data center operators to reduce the overall footprint preventing unneeded destruction of wildlife ecosystems and enabling ecofriendly modular data centers located on the edge.
In summary, sustainability in data center cooling is a vital component of responsible and forward-thinking operations. Liquid cooling solutions, such as Accelsius’ NeuCool™, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional cooling methods, enabling improved equipment lifespan, resource efficiency, and waste heat reuse. By embracing sustainability in data center cooling, operators can contribute to a greener, more resilient, and future-proofed infrastructure.
In the next section, we will delve deeper into the specific advantages and capabilities of Accelsius’ NeuCool™ solution and how it aligns with the goals of efficiency and sustainability.
