What is direct chip cooling and why is it worth using in data centers?
DCLC (direct chip liquid cooling) is a closed-loop system in which the circulating coolant reaches the cooling plates through a pipe system; These precision components are connected directly to the server components, most often the processors, and dissipate the heat generated there much more efficiently than air-cooling solutions alone.
The heat absorbed by the coolant is transferred to an external recooler via coolant distribution units, allowing the system to maintain a stable, controlled temperature even in high-performance, dense rack configurations. For data centers, this solution can result in reduced space requirements, increased computing capacity, and significant energy savings (up to 45%), and can also contribute to a PUE value below 1.2. In addition, fan noise levels are reduced and the waste heat generated can be reused, e.g. for building heating or hot water production.
Direct chip cooling increases operational reliability by reducing temperature fluctuations and enabling targeted cooling of critical components. It is important to note that the use of liquid cooling does not exclude the role of air cooling: the system is usually supported by supplementary air cooling, which provides approximately 20-30 percent of the total cooling demand, and the design of a closed system and leak protection are of paramount importance for operational safety.