Driving high performance workloads with air assisted liquid cooling

In the rush to accommodate high-performance computing (HPC) services and AI-driven workloads comes the unprecedented demand for energy and computational power. With each stride forward, it becomes more apparent that traditional air-cooling methods are reaching the limits of their efficiency, creating an opportunity for innovative cooling solutions to rise and reshape the data center infrastructure.

The implementation of air-assisted liquid cooling, especially leveraging liquid-to-refrigerant coolant distribution units, promises to leapfrog competitors while enhancing flexibility and efficiency.

Relief from processor heat

Air-assisted liquid cooling addresses the growing thermal constraints posed by next-generation processors. Split indoor chillers are just one of the increasingly popular methods for managing the heat generated by these compute-intensive systems. Moreover, it provides seamless integration with current equipment, minimizing disruptions to the existing environment or infrastructure.

Adapting to current infrastructure

The Vertiv™ CoolPhase CDU 300 kW of liquid cooling feature can be deployed modularly, eliminating the need for extensive redesign and enabling operators to scale their cooling infrastructure at their preferred pace. For existing Vertiv customers, the Vertiv™ CoolPhase CDU serves as a direct replacement for designs that include the Vertiv™ Liebert® DSE free-cooling systems, promising a smooth transition that retains reliability and compatibility.

Figure 1. The Vertiv™ CoolPhase CDU

Moreover, the Vertiv™ CoolPhase CDU offers an agile solution as it significantly reduces the lengthy lead times needed for traditional chiller deployments. This rapid response to dynamic workload requirements translates to better and faster deployment conversion and total cost of ownership (TCO) in the short and long term. Over a phased implementation and extended period, cost efficiency can be seen through:

• Higher rack densities with liquid cooling: With the Vertiv™ CoolPhase CDU, companies can drive even more AI-driven functions, services, and business faster.

• Save floor space: Used with the Vertiv™ Liebert® DCD chilled water rear-door heat exchangers (RDHxs), operators can enable cold plate applications without creating new mechanical space or digging for new liquid cooling equipment.

Figure 2. The Vertiv™ CoolPhase CDU can be remotely managed, monitored, and controlled with the Vertiv™ Liebert® iCOM™ Cooling Unit Control to improve protection, automate system routines and productivity, and simplify maintenance.

• Local and regional regulations compliance: Vertiv's experienced global teams work with regional regulations and authorities. Customers can be confident that the solutions they purchase comply with the latest regulatory requirements.

Redefining redundancy and responsible business practices

For data centers, redundancy equates to operational resilience and business continuity. The Vertiv™ CoolPhase CDU presents a novel approach, enabling the creation of liquid cooling redundancy by merely deploying multiple units. This reduction in dependence on single, high-capacity cooling units not only simplifies maintenance but also minimizes the risk of widespread system failures.

Environmental responsibility is no longer an afterthought; it's a core tenet of every forward-looking data center. The efficient design of air-assisted liquid cooling systems heralds a reduction in energy consumption and a consequential improvement in power usage effectiveness (PUE) scores. This translates to a lower carbon footprint, aligning operations and growth projections with the overarching goal of environmental stewardship.

The path forward

Adopting split indoor chillers for direct-to-chip applications presents more growth and development for data centers. It not only meets the consistently increasing demands for cooling high-density racks while being efficient and adaptable as essential design and implementation considerations. As the digital ecosystem redefines its requirements and influences routine operations, integrating this solution into the infrastructure can distinguish the frontrunners from the rest.

Download our ebook to learn the evolving challenges and considerations for adopting liquid cooling in data centers and read the roadmap for adopting the Vertiv™ CoolPhase CDU solutions today. Learn more today.

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