Data Center Cooling Solutions – Aquasky's LQCOLPLUS Expansion Tanks in Liquid Cooling Systems

In today's digital age, data centers face exponential growth in demand, particularly due to the rise of high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. This surge has led to unprecedented levels of computing density, requiring advanced server cooling solutions to ensure optimal performance and stability. Effective cooling not only reduces energy consumption but also improves the longevity and efficiency of data centers.

I. Cooling Technologies in Data Centers

1. Air Cooling:

Air cooling is the most common method used in data centers. It uses fans and heat sinks to dissipate heat generated by server components like CPUs, GPUs, and memory modules. Fans move cooler ambient air over heat-generating components, absorbing heat and expelling the warmed air out of the server or data center. Heat sinks, attached to these components, have large surface areas that facilitate efficient heat transfer to the moving air. The warm air is then exhausted from the server rack and is either routed out of the data center or recirculated through a cooling system. While effective for many applications, air cooling has its limitations in high-density environments where heat generation exceeds the capacity of air to dissipate efficiently.

Fig1. Air flow Within a Server (Source )

2. Liquid Cooling:

Liquid cooling offers a more efficient solution for managing the intense heat generated by high-performance servers. This technology uses a liquid coolant, which absorbs heat directly from critical components such as CPUs and GPUs. The process involves circulating the coolant through tubes or loops that come into direct contact with heat-generating components. The absorbed heat is then transferred to a heat exchanger, where it is dissipated, allowing the cooled liquid to recirculate in a continuous cycle. Liquid cooling systems often include components like pumps, reservoirs, and radiators, sometimes combined with fans to enhance heat dissipation.

Fig 2. Schematic Diagram of Direct-to-Chip Cooling Technology (Source)

3. Immersion Cooling:

Immersion cooling is an advanced liquid cooling method primarily used in high-performance computing (HPC) systems and data centers. This technique involves directly immersing electronic components, such as servers, in a non-conductive liquid. By allowing direct contact with the heat source, immersion cooling provides superior thermal management and energy efficiency, eliminating the need for traditional cooling components like heat sinks, copper tubes, or fans.

• Single-Phase Immersion Cooling: In this method, the coolant remains in its liquid state throughout the entire process. The coolant absorbs heat from electronic components, becoming warmer. The heated liquid is then pumped to a heat exchanger, where it releases the absorbed heat and cools down before returning to the immersion tank. The Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) is crucial in circulating the fluid within the tank and transferring heat to a secondary cooling circuit, such as a building's cold water system or outside air. Dielectric liquids, which do not conduct electricity, are used in this process.

Fig 3. Schematic Diagram of Single-Phase Immersion Cooling technology (Source)

• Two-Phase Immersion Cooling: This method uses a coolant that changes state from liquid to vapor when it absorbs heat generated by the electronic components. As the coolant vaporizes, it rises to the top to meet a cooler condenser surface. At the condenser, the vapor releases the absorbed heat, cools down, and condenses back into a liquid form. The liquid coolant then flows back into the tank to repeat the process, continuously cooling the components. This method is especially effective for high-density environments due to its efficient heat absorption and dissipation through phase change, making it ideal for cooling densely packed, high-performance hardware.

Fig 4. Schematic Diagram of Two-Phase Immersion Cooling Technology (Source)

The table below compares four cooling methods - Air Cooling, Liquid Cooling, Single-Phase Immersion Cooling, and Two-Phase Immersion Cooling - based on their advantages and disadvantages. This comparison highlights key differences in terms of cooling efficiency, cost, complexity, and suitability for various applications.

 

For a balance between cost, performance, and maintenance, Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) and Single-Phase Immersion Cooling are excellent choices. Both methods are highly effective for high-performance computing (HPC) needs, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and other intensive applications.

 

II. Aquasky’s LQCOLPLUS Expansion Tanks in Liquid Cooling Systems.

Aquasky has developed the Liquid-Cooled System Expansion Tank (LQCOLPLUS) series, specially designed for liquid cooling systems in high-performance computing environments. These tanks feature an EPDM heat-resistant rubber diaphragm, providing superior thermal stability and ensures long-term durability under high temperatures conditions. The design ensures enhanced stability and reliability for liquid-cooled systems by mitigating pressure fluctuations and protecting against potential pressure-related issues, thereby extending the system’s overall lifespan.

Role of Expansion Tanks in Liquid Cooling:

In liquid cooling systems, the expansion tank’s primary role is to absorb changes in fluid volume due to temperature fluctuations. Without an expansion tank, pressure increases could damage critical components such as cooling blocks, radiators, or hoses, potentially leading to leaks. The LQCOLPLUS pressure tank is partially filled with coolant, with the remaining space occupied by air. As the coolant heats up and expands, it compresses the air in the tank, absorbing excess pressure and preventing damage. This setup maintains consistent pressure within the system, ensuring efficient pump operation and proper coolant circulation. Consistent pressure prevents cavitation in the pump, reducing wear and extending the lifespan of the entire cooling system.

Fig 5. Illustraion framework of AQUASKY PLUS LQCOLPLUS expansion tank intergrated to system

Fig 5. Illustrate the installation of AQUASKY PLUS expansion tank in a liquid cooling system for servers. The expansion tank is installed in a vertical position, in the incoming cold collant line. The pump moves the coolant through the system, while a filter ensures the fluid stays clean.

 

 

Fig 6. AQUASKY Liquid-Cooled System Expansion Tank (LQCOLPLUS)

 

III. Conclusion:

With the increasing demand for high-performance computing, selecting the right cooling solution is more critical than ever. Advanced cooling technologies, such as liquid and immersion cooling, provide superior thermal management compared to traditional air cooling. Integrating pressure tanks like Aquasky's LQCOLPLUS into these systems can optimize performance by maintaining stable pressure and enhancing heat dissipation. This ensures that data centers can meet the demands of modern computing workloads efficiently and sustainably, making them a smart choice for any data center looking to maximize performance and longevity. For more information of Aquaksy Liquid-Cooled system expansion tank (LQCOLPLUS), you can click website: https://aquaskyplus.com . Or you can email to us: [email protected]