Liquid cooling technologies for AI data centers

As artificial intelligence and high-performance computing increase rack densities, data center cooling strategies are shifting from traditional air cooling to liquid cooling. A critical component in these direct-to-chip systems is the coolant distribution unit (CDU), which acts as an interface between the facility's cooling infrastructure and the technology cooling system serving IT equipment.

A CDU manages heat transfer by incorporating pumps, heat exchangers, valves, and sensors. This setup allows the secondary cooling loop to maintain optimal conditions for servers while protecting sensitive components from variations in pressure or water chemistry on the facility side.

Effective CDU selection requires a system-level approach rather than focusing solely on cooling capacity. Engineers must consider expected heat loads, coolant temperatures, flow requirements, and redundancy strategies. The physical placement of the CDU—whether at the rack, row, room, or facility level—also significantly impacts piping, space requirements, and service access.