Artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptocurrency – these are just some of the high-performance computing (HPC) applications that are quickly gaining traction today. As these HPC applications generate huge amounts of data, the need for an efficient, scalable and reliable IT infrastructure is all the more important.
Organizations deploying or utilizing HPC applications adopt high density data center racks for processing-intensive applications, and rack power requirements are exceeding 20 kilowatts (kW) in a growing number of facilities, while some are deploying up to 50 kW or more.
One of the crucial aspects of HPC applications is maintaining the right data center cooling temperature. Excessive heat can negatively affect the storage devices, servers, and networking hardware. Maintaining the ideal data center cooling temperature prevents problems such as downtime in operations, damage to equipment, and increased power costs. When it comes to cooling high density data centers, there are types of data center cooling systems available today.
Air-cooling systems have been traditionally used to address the needs of high density data centers with greater efficiency. For example, Vertiv recently unveiled the Liebert XD data center cooling family, which gives data center operators the flexibility in terms of deployment with the option to implement in a hybrid approach.
The Liebert XD high density cooling has two heat rejection options: chilled water or air-cooled. Both options maintain waterless conditions in the data hall, reducing the risk of downtime. In addition, the Liebert XD can be deployed as either primary or supplementary cooling, with several options of either in-row, overhead, or above-rack cooling, where the last two options have zero footprint.
In addition, for those looking to explore more innovative high density data center cooling options, liquid immersion cooling is another viable option for high density data centers. Liquid cooling technology, such as that in the Liebert VIC, leverages the higher thermal transfer properties of water or other fluids to support efficient and cost-effective cooling of high density data center racks. This solution is also ultra-efficient, being able to utilize warm water cooling for a power usage effectiveness or PUE of as low as 1.03.
So, which is the best option for high density data centers? My quick take: it depends. Each has its own benefits. But when deciding which technology to implement, here are some key factors to consider:
Ability to adapt to new demands
One of the data center cooling challenges is adaptability. Since IT demands are constantly evolving, the cooling system must have the flexibility to provide optimal data center cooling at varying loads. Thermal management systems especially in high-density environments must also have the ability to scale quickly to adapt to future needs.
Space saving
Because high density data centers take up a lot of rack space, there can be some limitations to space when it comes to deploying the right cooling system. Look for a thermal management solution that’s low in footprint and easy to deploy without compromising on the cooling capacity.
Both the Liebert XD series and the Liebert VIC have small footprint, which means they eat up a limited amount of floor space while providing cooling closer to the heat source and saving up on energy costs.
Efficient
Data center cooling accounts for one of the biggest consumers of electricity in any data center operation. Having a highly-efficient thermal management solution deployed in your facility can help you save up on energy costs without compromising on cooling.
Choosing the right cooling for high-density data center
Whether choosing the traditional air-cooled approach or the more innovative liquid cooling technology, there are several options available to help you optimize your hig density data center for HPC applications. The key is to evaluate your current infrastructure and understand which technology will work best for you. Or you can also get in touch with me to help guide you through the process.
Sources:
Overcoming the Challenges in Cooling Non-Raised Floor Data Centers
Vertiv Thermal Management Solutions for High Density Data Centers
Data Center Cooling: Future of Cooling Systems, Methods and Technologies
