Liquid cooling of data centers: A necessity facing challenges

The evolving data generation landscape requires faster and more efficient microprocessors, prompting innovative manufacturing methods for smaller and faster transistors. Transistor congestion and rising demand for parallel processing are pushing the thermal design power of microprocessors well beyond 280 W, a limit for air cooling, and are expected to surpass 700 W by 2025. Consequently, transitioning towards liquid cooling is necessary. This article is intended to serve as a comprehensive roadmap to understanding this shift. It covers four major liquid cooling techniques: indirect water cooling with rear door heat exchangers, direct liquid cooling using water blocks or evaporators, single-phase, and two-phase…