Data centres are getting bigger and more diverse in their needs. Many companies are no longer satisfied with the traditional data centre setup, which involves packed racks of servers with exhaust fans on top – hot air goes up, cold air goes down. Modern data centres must withstand varying workloads while remaining energy-efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly.  

This is why liquid cooling has become a new standard for data centres. It’s more efficient than other methods because it removes heat from computers directly instead of just circulating the air around them. This allows for better temperature regulation and less stress on individual components. In addition, this powerful cooling technology operates environmentally friendly, reduces noise levels, is easy to maintain, flexible and cost-effective.  

Data Centre liquid cooling involves pumping a liquid, like water or a closed loop system that uses a refrigerant, through the computer components. Instead of air, the fluid absorbs heat and then gets pumped to a heat exchanger to cool down again. The liquid is then sent back to the computer components, and the cycle repeats. Data centre liquid cooling systems are more efficient because they remove heat directly from the source.  

Regarding sustainability and environmental impact, liquid cooling is a clear winner. It’s more effective than air cooling, uses less energy and eliminates the need for fans. Air cooling transfers heat from one place to another, whereas liquid cooling directly removes heat from the source to a separate heat exchanger. Let’s explore the benefits of liquid cooling in data centres. 

More efficient maintenance 

Regular air cooling makes it difficult to detect problems inside individual components before they become more significant issues. The flow rate and pressure sensors with liquid cooling can see problems. This means you can detect and repair issues in individual components before they cause more damage and downtime. Liquid cooling can also help you detect leaks and identify the parts that are more prone to leaks. Air cooling doesn’t allow you to do this. Detecting and repairing leaks can save you significant amounts of money. 

Maximised resources 

Liquid cooling allows you to add or remove components from a single location. For example, if you add a new server or replace an existing one, you can easily add it to a central liquid cooling system. This allows you to maximise your available resources without investing in a new cooling system. 

More convenient and flexible 

Data centres must be maintained at an optimal temperature and humidity level to ensure the servers and other components run smoothly. Air cooling depends on humidity, whereas liquid cooling can maintain an optimal temperature and humidity even in the driest of environments. You can also change the temperature settings to suit your needs. For example, you can increase the temperature settings if you have a spike in your workload. Conversely, if you have maintenance work scheduled, you can lower the temperature settings. Air cooling doesn’t have this flexibility. 

Why you should switch to liquid cooling 

At 101 Data Solutions, we work with some of the most innovative data centres and keep sustainability in mind when recommending the best data solution for you. If you’re not convinced already, here are the top reasons you should choose liquid cooling: 

• Liquid cooling directly removes heat from the source, whereas air cooling transfers heat from one place to another.  
• Maintenance with liquid cooling is more straightforward and less likely to result in issues.  
• Closed loop systems are more environmentally friendly and don’t use much water.  
• You can precisely control the temperature of your chiller and computer equipment. 
• You can use a single-source cooling solution that’s energy efficient.  
• Air cooling uses a lot of fans to circulate air, which can be noisy, whereas liquid cooling uses pumps instead.  
• Liquid cooling is cost-effective and uses less energy than air cooling. 

For a data centre to be sustainable, every aspect must be taken into account, from the buildings where the servers are housed to the cooling systems that maintain the temperature. Talk to 101 Data Solutions today about how we can help you store your data in an eco-friendly way. 

About Brett Edgecombe, Managing Director, 101 Data Solutions

Even as a child living in Canada, Brett always had an interest in technology, so starting his career within the technology industry was a natural progression in 1998 when it began at the UK’s first ISP, Compuserve Interactive Services in Bristol.   

He has first-hand experience in modern Enterprise Storage Infrastructure solutions, having worked at Sun Microsystems in 2000, where he worked with large commercial and education customers across the UK.   

Brett created 101 Data Solutions in 2008 with a focus on Data Storage centric delivered through high-quality technology solutions direct to businesses throughout the UK. His strategic vision and sector knowledge allows him to bring excellence to 101’s customers through experience, technical foresight and relationship building.