A Cold move with AI

In the final instalment of our artificial intelligence (AI) series in i3News, we’re looking at how ?AI may influence the way we cool data centres to meet rising rack density demands as well as the effects of climate change.

?As more extreme weather patterns are being seen globally, data centre failures will be more common. To mitigate the risk of failure, data centre operators need to re-evaluate cooling designs to deliver effective temperatures to cool servers and IT equipment. However, potential higher costs may steer decision makers away from innovation that can give data centre longevity.

?In addition to the weather, decision makers need to think about the burden of power consumption as data processing demands rise, as well as consider the use of water in cooling systems. Latterly, liquid cooling solutions have come to the fore including full immersion, direct-to-chip and hybrid liquid cooling solutions.

?To understand more about cooling in the data centre sector and how different cooling solutions compare financially and environmentally, we asked ChatGPT about what data centre cooling might look like as rack densities increase, and whether liquid cooling is the best and most practical option for carbon reduction:

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What is the most common way of cooling European data centres?

The most common way of cooling European data centres is through a combination of cooling techniques designed for energy efficiency and sustainability. These include air cooling, where outside air is used when temperatures are low enough, precision air conditioning systems to maintain specific temperature and humidity levels, hot/cold aisle containment to manage airflow, and free cooling systems that leverage favourable outdoor climates. Additionally, some European data centres adopt liquid cooling solutions, such as direct-to-chip or in-row cooling, for their efficiency in handling high-density heat loads. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are also integrated to reduce carbon footprints and enhance sustainability in cooling operations.

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How can we adopt cooling in existing data centres to accommodate increase rack power density?

To adopt cooling in existing data centres to accommodate increased rack power density, a multi-step approach is required. Start with a thorough assessment of the current infrastructure and heat load distribution, identifying areas of high density and potential hot spots. Optimize existing cooling solutions, such as improving airflow management, implementing hot/cold aisle containment, and upgrading or adding precision cooling units where necessary. Consider liquid cooling solutions like rear-door heat exchangers or in-row cooling for high-density racks, which can efficiently dissipate heat. Retrofitting containment systems can also help direct airflow more effectively. Ensure the power distribution system can support higher rack power density and use monitoring tools to track temperature and humidity. Finally, document changes and provide training to data centre staff for efficient cooling management.

How much more practical is liquid cooling from a carbon reduction perspective in data centres?

Liquid cooling is often more practical from a carbon reduction perspective in data centres compared to traditional air cooling because it can significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower carbon emissions. Liquid cooling systems are more efficient at dissipating heat from high-density server racks, reducing the need for power-hungry fans and air conditioning units. This results in a smaller carbon footprint, especially in regions where the energy grid relies on fossil fuels. Additionally, liquid cooling enables the use of waste heat recovery systems, where excess heat generated by data centre equipment can be repurposed for heating nearby buildings or other applications, further contributing to carbon reduction efforts. However, the practicality of liquid cooling in terms of carbon reduction depends on factors like the energy source mix, cooling system efficiency, and overall data centre design.

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If any of these considerations have sparked questions for you, please leave a comment. Building future-state data centres, which are smart and sustainable, can only be achieved through the collective effort of our industry. In the next newsletter, we’ll look at Scotland as a data centre location and renewables. Keep your eyes peeled!