In a development that could hace far reaching implications in the way data centres are cooled, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres has partnered with with Schneider Electric and Iceotope, to jointly conduct an immersion liquid cooling proof-of-concept (POC) in Singapore.
The objectives of the POC are to explore this emerging technology, future-proof next-generation data centre builds, and reduce both power and water consumption, the companies said in a statement. Daniel Pointon, Group CTO, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres said:
“STT GDC is excited to be partnering with Schneider Electric and Iceotope on this POC as we take concrete steps to reduce resource consumption as part of our sustainable data centre framework,”. “Liquid cooling technology is no longer a niche implementation but rather a near-term technology that, when scaled, can enable data centres to manage higher power density, reduce energy consumption and yet maintain operational reliability. We look forward to working with Schneider Electric and Iceotope on this exciting technology.”
Liquid immersion tech
Currently, lthe usage of liquid cooling systems which include submer immersion cooling, GRC (Green Revolution Cooling), by data centres are in the early stages. Everybody is aware of its potential but it just seems to be one of those things which companies are waiting to see a higher degree of adoption. It is in this context that STT GDC has trialled the Liquid Cooling System.
Further, the POC will leverage cooling specialist Iceotope’s chassis-level precision immersion technology which uses dielectric liquid as a heat transfer medium. The liquids used by Iceotope are touch safe, non-conductive, non-toxic, non-flammable and non-ozone depleting.
Using the dielectric fluid as a cooling medium instead of air provides higher thermal transfer capacity and improved efficiency. In addition, with the prospect of all-liquid cooled data centres in the future, this technology promises to reduce the reliance on some of the traditional energy-hungry components of the cooling ecosystem such as chillers and computer room air-conditioning (CRACs) units. David Craig, Iceotope’s Chief Executive Officer said:
“We are delighted to be able to share the capability of Iceotope’s chassis-level precision immersion cooling with STT GDC and their customers. Together we are deploying a liquid-cooled solution that brings game-changing savings in the use of water, energy, and space to enterprises driving towards net zero.”
Michael Kurniawan Iskandar, Secure Power Business VP for Singapore, Malaysia & Brunei Cluster at Schneider Electric said:
“We are looking forward to supporting STT GDC in their efforts to become an even more sustainable business and continuing to play a key role in mitigating climate change with our customers and partners. At Schneider Electric, we have a strong track record of supporting data centre operators with our best-in-class dynamic cooling optimisation solutions that leverage cutting-edge technology such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. As an impact company that has always championed sustainability and pioneered green innovations, marrying our expertise with STT GDC’s ambitions was a natural fit.”
ESG Objectives
This initiative by STT GDC comes in the wake of the unveiling of their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, which was developed in alignment to the objectives and framework set out in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), and based on a formal process of engagement, established concepts of long-term value creation, recognition of challenges, and adaptation to the specific nuances of the data centre sector. It includes a commitment for the entire Group to achieve carbon-neutral data centre operations by 2030.
Today, across various countries and as a Group, 43 per cent of STT GDC’s electricity consumption is already derived from zero-carbon renewable sources.
