Written by: Dhakshitha JP, Market Development Intern
Imagine a single, high-end gaming PC running an intense, graphic-heavy game for hours. You can feel the heat radiating from it and hear the fans working hard to keep it cool. Now, imagine thousands of these computers running at full throttle, 24/7, not just for a game but for a complex task like training an AI. That’s a modern data center.
As AI and high performance computing push servers to their limits, the heat they generate is becoming a major challenge. This has forced the industry to rethink how it cools, leading to a crucial choice between two very different fluids: a familiar antifreeze and ultra pure water.
The Old School Cool: Propylene Glycol (PG)
For decades, the standard for data center cooling has been a mix of water and Propylene Glycol (PG), a specialized fluid similar to the antifreeze in your car. This blend, often used at a 25% concentration, is a favorite for its reliability and its ability to prevent corrosion and freezing in chilled water systems.
Major players like Schneider Electric and Vertiv have built their reputations on these robust, tried and true systems. They are the go to choice for retrofitting existing facilities and remain the workhorse for the vast enterprise and colocation markets. PG based cooling is a safe bet, leveraging a mature supply chain and predictable maintenance. However, it is not the most efficient. PG reduces the fluid’s ability to transfer heat, forcing cooling pumps to work harder and consume more energy.
The Cutting Edge: Deionized (DI) Water
Now, picture water with every mineral and impurity removed. This is Deionized (DI) water, and its incredible purity makes it a champion of heat transfer. Because it is non conductive, it is safe to use in new, high efficiency liquid cooling systems that bring the fluid in direct contact with sensitive electronics.
Hyperscale giants like Microsoft are leading the charge, using DI water in their liquid cooling systems to handle the extreme heat of their AI clusters. The technology requires a higher initial investment in specialized hardware and purification systems, but its superior efficiency leads to significant long term savings in energy and water. Innovators like STULZ and nVent are also enabling this shift, offering a range of liquid cooling solutions that are designed to operate with DI water.
A Third Path: Dielectric Fluids
The liquid cooling landscape is even more diverse. Companies like Submer and Asperitas, leaders in the immersion cooling space, have taken a different approach entirely. They do not use PG or DI water. Instead, they use specialized, non conductive dielectric fluids to fully submerge servers. These fluids are engineered to conduct heat away from components without conducting electricity, a critical requirement for this cutting edge technology.
APAC’s Hybrid Market
The data center market in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is a microcosm of this global trend. It is a mix of legacy and cutting edge facilities, which means both PG and DI water will have a place for years to come. New, high density AI campuses in key markets like Singapore and Japan will likely embrace DI water for its efficiency and sustainability benefits. At the same time, existing colocation and enterprise data centers will continue to rely on PG, finding it a more practical and cost effective option for upgrades.
Where Do We Come Into Play?
We often get asked if our technology can work with all cooling fluids. Here is the breakdown.
Our core expertise is in treating water-based cooling mediums, including traditional glycol water blends and newer deionized (DI) water systems. This means our technology is not compatible with dielectric fluids, which are non-conductive and have a completely different chemical makeup. While we are currently focused on providing the best solutions for water-based systems, we are always exploring new opportunities as the industry evolves.
- For PG Systems: We can integrate our electro oxidation (HL EO) technology into existing cooling towers. This helps these facilities reduce water consumption by up to 80% and cut chemical use by 50 to 70%, directly improving their PUE and WUE scores.
- For DI Water Systems: Our technology is a perfect fit for a future where water is a precious resource. We can help with water reclamation and recycling, supporting “zero water” data center initiatives and positioning Hydroleap as a key sustainability partner for the next generation of facilities.
The transition in data center cooling is a strategic move, not just a technical one. As the industry evolves to meet the demands of AI, the race for the most effective and eco-friendly cooling solution is on. This shift represents a powerful opportunity for innovation and sustainability.
Hydroleap is uniquely positioned to be a key partner in this journey. We’re ready to help you optimize your cooling strategy, reduce your environmental footprint, and build a more sustainable future for your data center. It’s time to lead the charge. Contact us today to see how we can help you turn your cooling challenges into a competitive advantage.
Get in touch with us here.