As data centers evolve to meet the demanding requirements of AI and machine learning workloads, cooling technology stands at the forefront of innovation.

In CXposè.tech’s recent edition of Expert Talk, Tan Chee Meng, Area Sales Director, Commercial Building Services at Grundfos, shared crucial insights on the transformation happening in data center cooling solutions.

From emerging liquid cooling technologies to sophisticated performance metrics, his expertise reveals how modern data centers are balancing power, efficiency, and sustainability.

The Rise of Liquid Cooling for AI Workloads

• Traditional air-cooled systems limited to 16 kilowatts per rack
• New liquid cooling solutions handle up to 50 kilowatts per rack
• Dielectric liquid cooling systems offer highest cooling capacity
• Latest pump technology reduces energy consumption by up to 70%

Building Resilient Data Center Cooling

• Adaptive cooling systems respond to real-time workload variations
• Prevention and early detection systems minimize equipment failures
• Tier 3-4 data centers include built-in redundancy
• Predictive analytics forecast workload patterns and adjust operations

Critical Performance Metrics That Matter

• Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) ideally targets 1.0
• Current data centers achieve PUE of 1.5-1.7
• Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) tracks cooling efficiency
• Typical 100MW data center uses water equivalent to 700 Olympic pools annually

AI-Powered Optimization

• Advanced data analytics monitor real-world equipment performance
• Digital platforms track pump speed, temperature, and energy usage
• AI systems analyze operational efficiency
• Predictive maintenance prevents downtime through early fault detection

The Economic Benefits of Liquid Cooling

• Reduced operational costs through higher efficiency
• Smaller data center footprint due to compact setup
• Extended equipment lifespan from stable thermal environment
• Increased output performance in a more compact space

The future of data center cooling is clearly moving towards more sophisticated, efficient, and sustainable solutions. As organizations continue to scale their computing power for AI and machine learning applications, liquid cooling technologies offer a promising path forward.

While the initial investment may be higher, the combination of increased power density, reduced operational costs, and environmental benefits makes it a compelling choice for forward-thinking data center operators.

With continuous innovations in cooling technology and smart systems, we’re witnessing a fundamental shift in how data centers manage their thermal challenges while maintaining optimal performance.