Trends and advancements in data centre cooling

As data centres evolve, cooling technologies have become essential in the industry’s efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and manage increasing computational demands. Shyam Lodh, CEO of Vcom Technologies, states that with cloud services, IoT devices, AI, and big data expansion, data centres are under immense pressure to optimise power usage and cooling performance.

Traditionally, data centres have relied on air-based cooling systems, but liquid cooling is now emerging as a highly effective alternative. The liquid cooling technique involves circulating coolants directly near heat sources (such as CPUs and GPUs). It allows for faster heat dissipation compared to traditional air-based methods. Key innovations include Direct-to-chip liquid cooling, wherein the coolants are brought directly to the surface of the processing unit, increasing cooling efficiency. Another is immersion cooling, where entire servers or components are submerged in a thermally conductive but electrically non-conductive liquid. This approach offers heat transfer and allows for higher-density computing.

Liquid cooling reduces the need for large air handling units and provides a more compact, energy-efficient solution, making it increasingly popular for high-performance computing (HPC) environments.

AI-Driven cooling management

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms are deployed to optimise cooling systems in real time. By analysing data from temperature sensors, airflow, and other environmental metrics, these AI-based systems make continuous adjustments that improve efficiency and reduce cooling units’ total power consumption.

Additionally, AI enables predictive maintenance by forecasting equipment failures and recommending maintenance schedules before breakdowns occur, thereby preventing system downtime. Another advantage of AI-powered systems is Smart cooling automation, where cooling capacity gets adjusted according to server loads, minimising issues of overcooling or undercooling and resulting in significant energy savings.

Free cooling

Free cooling involves external environmental conditions, such as cold air or water, to cool data centres naturally. It is a growing trend in regions with colder climates, where outside air can be used to chill server rooms with minimal mechanical intervention.

There are two main types of free cooling: airside economisation and waterside economisation. Airside economisation involves introducing outside air into the data centre while expelling heated air, which helps reduce dependence on mechanical cooling systems. In contrast, waterside economisation uses chilled water or liquid to absorb heat from the data centres, often taking advantage of naturally cold sources such as lakes, rivers, or even the ocean. Implementing free cooling can significantly cut energy costs and reduce carbon footprints, but it requires careful planning to prevent contamination and condensation issues.

Modular cooling systems

As data centres grow in complexity, scalability has become crucial.

Modular cooling systems allow data centre operators to adjust cooling capacity based on real-time demands, preventing unnecessary energy consumption. One approach is rack-based cooling, which focuses on cooling individual racks or server cabinets instead of the entire room, making it ideal for densely packed servers. Additionally, as edge computing expands, localised data centres are becoming increasingly prevalent. Modular cooling systems offer the flexibility to match the cooling needs of these facilities without wasting energy.

Liquid-Air hybrid systems

Hybrid systems combine liquid and air cooling techniques, optimising cooling efficiency for different locations in the data centre. These systems typically use liquid cooling for high-heat components like processors while relying on air cooling for less heat-intensive components. Hybrid systems provide a middle ground between cost and efficiency, making them an attractive option for facilities transitioning to higher densities.

Sustainable and renewable energy-powered cooling

Data centres are becoming more eco-conscious, with operators exploring renewable energy sources and sustainable cooling methods to reduce their carbon footprint.

Data centres are adopting various innovations to enhance their cooling systems. One advancement is the integration of solar and wind power. Data centres are investing in renewable energy sources to power their cooling systems.

Additionally, geothermal cooling leverages underground temperatures to naturally cool data centres, which is particularly effective in regions with accessible geothermal resources. Another innovation is water conservation, where data centres employ innovative methods such as using seawater or wastewater for cooling instead of freshwater, reducing the environmental impact of cooling.

Advanced heat reuse systems

Data centres are exploring methods of reusing waste heat generated during operation to be more sustainable. This waste heat can be redirected to benefit nearby buildings and district heating systems or even be converted into electricity. Many data centres are integrating with local heating grids in cold climates to channel excess heat for warming homes or businesses. In addition, to meet ‘Heat-to-Energy’ conversion, some cutting-edge facilities convert waste heat into electricity using thermoelectric generators or other advanced systems.

As data centre demand continues to rise, the pressure to improve energy efficiency and sustainability will drive the adoption of innovative cooling technologies. Liquid cooling, AI-driven optimisation, free cooling, and hybrid systems are examples of how the industry is evolving to meet these challenges. Looking ahead, sustainable cooling practices and modular systems will likely define the future of data centre infrastructure, ensuring that the digital backbone of our world operates effectively and responsibly.

Data centre operators and stakeholders must remain proactive in adopting these technologies to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and environmentally conscious market.