Chief product officer at Phononic, Larry Yang, explains why it is time to rethink data centre cooling and thermal management.
The relentless growth of high-performance computing
is creating unprecedented levels of heat output which demands innovative cooling solutions that can address these challenges while aligning with broader sustainability goals.
Traditional cooling methods are failing to accommodate today’s cooling demand. It’s time to adopt alternatives that can meet these escalating cooling demands without compromising computer performance.
For many applications - traditional air-cooling methods have not only met the current package cooling requirements but have been the nearly gold standard of longevity and durability in the industry – that is, using a heat sink and a fan to transfer and circulate air. When those methods didn’t quite fit the bill, some have transitioned to what is often held as a more advanced liquid cooling approach that has yielded a slight advantage when it comes to performance but often comes with an incremental cost.
Regardless of the incumbent cooling solution – air or liquid – both are facing the daunting challenge of dispelling skyrocketing heat output, and both could realise a much-needed efficiency and performance boost on the back of solid-state cooling.
Solid-state cooling, or thermoelectric cooling, has been a viable alternative for years but the recent explosion in cooling demand has finally presented solid-state cooling with its moment to shine in data centre applications.
By leveraging thermoelectric principles, solid-state cooling efficiently transfers heat without the need for moving parts or fluids. Further, with the ability to dynamically toggle between passive and active cooling approaches, solid-state cooling technology enables maintenance of precise package temperatures, unlocking computing performance beyond the throttling limit, allowing data centres to complete complex computations more quickly, reliably and efficiently.
Energy efficiency
In an era where energy consumption and sustainability are of the uppermost concerns, solid-state cooling solutions excel in their efficiency. They require less power than traditional cooling systems, which not only helps lower operational costs but also aligns with industry’s commitment to reduce carbon footprints.
As organizations face mounting pressure from consumers and regulators alike to adopt more sustainable practices, embracing energy-efficient technologies becomes a necessity, not simply a competitive advantage.
Precise temperature maintenance and incremental infrastructure reliability enable packages cooled by solid-state technology to more predictably, and more quickly, complete required analysis. This is always valuable, but particularly so in environments where machine learning and AI training are being completed. Incomplete analysis and/or performance slowed by throttling limits are financially costly and impede data centres from reaching their ultimate goal.
Compact design
One of the standout benefits of solid-state cooling is its compact design. These systems can be integrated into data centres with minimal disruption, making them particularly suited to today’s high-density environments where every square foot counts. Their small footprint allows for more efficient use of space, enabling the deployment of additional computing resources.
Moreover, the absence of moving parts significantly reduces noise levels, creating a quieter and more pleasant working environment.
As we look ahead, it is evident that the shift toward solid-state technology will continue to accelerate. The focus on developing effective cooling solutions that align with sustainability and operational excellence is more critical than ever.
Sustainable future
The future of data centre cooling isn’t just about adopting new technologies but reshaping the way we think about thermal management.
Industry leaders, operators, and stakeholders are encouraged to engage in discussions about the future of data centre cooling. The benefits of solid-state cooling extend far beyond mere performance metrics; they encompass a complete approach to efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility.
Let us collaborate to advance cooling technology and reshape the future of data centres. Embracing innovative solutions will not only support our digital infrastructure but also pave the way for sustainable practices that benefit both businesses and the environment.