Overview of Liquid Cooling Technology Development in Data Centers

Junliang Liu; Xiaoya Zhang; Lique Shi

doi:10.54097/p00b6t25

Authors

Junliang Liu
Xiaoya Zhang
Lique Shi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/p00b6t25

Keywords:

Data Center, Liquid Cooling Technology, Air Cooling Technology

Abstract

This paper conducts a systematic study on the development of liquid cooling technology in data centers. It analyzes the energy consumption challenges faced by data centers amid the explosive growth of AI and computing power demands, as well as the limitations of air cooling technology in high-heat-density scenarios. The article highlights that liquid cooling technology, with its advantages of high thermal conductivity, low energy consumption, and high-density deployment, has become a key technological pathway for achieving green and low-carbon development in data centers. The paper elaborates on the principles, characteristics, and current applications of three liquid cooling technologies: cold plate, immersion, and spray cooling. Through practical case studies and comparative data, it demonstrates that liquid cooling can significantly reduce PUE to below 1.2, achieving 1.1 or lower in certain scenarios, while offering outstanding energy efficiency and heat recovery potential. Although challenges remain in cost, operational maintenance, and material compatibility, liquid cooling technology plays an irreplaceable role in advancing the efficient, green, and sustainable development of data centers.

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