Data centers are the hubs that power the modern world. From file-sharing to the latest advances in AI, many modern workplaces would simply not function without the computing power the data center infrastructure provides. The build and operation of data centers comes with a variety of challenges, and in this article, along with others in this series, we will explore how these challenges can be addressed.
Joule Group has worked on numerous data center projects across Europe and the Middle East, and our team are deeply familiar with the complex fire safety challenges they present. In this latest article, we focus on an important aspect of data centers – the use of liquid cooling systems and the associated fire safety implications.
The increased use of machine learning and artificial intelligence means that demand for processing capacity has never been higher. The result has seen a push for densification in data centers to handle more intensive tasks; increasing the density of processing racks in order to increase overall computing power without having to make costly expansions to the building footprint. Data centers are therefore operating higher levels of power per rack and generating more heat that needs to be managed. 29% of data centers report average densities of over 10 kW or higher per rack and it is estimated that densities in the range of 15-20 kW per rack will become the norm by 2025 and beyond.
This level of power output is stretching traditional air-cooling to its limits and many data center operators are installing sophisticated liquid cooling systems in an effort to maximise density through the effective management of heat output. Other considerations for operators include the desire to reduce energy consumption using more efficient cooling equipment, maximise the lifespan of equipment and minimise the risk of service interruption due to overheating.
However, not all liquid cooling systems use water. In certain applications, processing racks will be fully immersed in liquid to keep the equipment at the optimum operating temperature. In this case, dielectric fluids, which do not transmit electrical current, must be used. A popular choice are hydrocarbon-based fluids such as Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol which have a high thermal conductivity compared to alternatives. Yet that efficiency comes at a cost, as hydrocarbon fluids are themselves combustible. In our experience of evaluating fire safety and emergency scenario containment in data centers is of vital importance to the project. At Joule Group we always work closely with our clients to identify the hazards, risks, and opportunities of the project. By doing so, we can develop fire safety strategies best suited to the individual needs of the project and the technology used.
If you are working on a data center project, considering liquid cooling systems and need specialist fire safety input, we would be happy to help. Please get in touch with us at info@joule-group.com.
Sources
Boyd - The Best Heat Transfer Fluids for Liquid Cooling
DCD - An introduction to liquid cooling in the data center
Hydratech - The Use of Glycol in Data Centre Cooling Systems
Fire Protection Association - Data centers and fire risk
FSM - Data Centers: Formulating The Fire Safety Strategy
Telehouse - Guide to Data Center Cooling Methods & Systems