Liquid Cooling Data Center
Liquid Cooling for Data Centers: Save Energy, Boost Performance, Secure the Future
As modern data centers increase in power density and energy demand, traditional cooling systems reach their limits. Liquid cooling offers a forward-looking solution to balance thermal efficiency, scalability, and ESG compliance.
As a provider of scalable server solutions for hyperscalers, cloud infrastructures, and enterprise data centers, we support you in the strategic implementation of liquid cooling technologies—from planning to integration into your infrastructure. Our systems rely on proven technologies such as immersion cooling and Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) and provide:
- Up to 40% lower energy costs for cooling
- Higher rack densities without performance loss
- Stable 24/7 operation under maximum load
- Reduced failure rates and extended hardware lifespan
Talk to our experts about the potential for your data center. An initial consultation, including a TCO optimization analysis, is free of charge!
Liquid Cooling Data Center: Basics & Benefits
To fully leverage the advantages of modern data center cooling, liquid cooling is becoming increasingly important. By using liquids directly for heat removal, energy savings, higher compute densities, and optimized operational stability can be achieved. Especially under growing loads from AI, HPC, or cloud applications, switching to liquid-based cooling systems is a strategic step toward efficiency and future-readiness.
What is Liquid Cooling in the Data Center?
Liquid cooling refers to the direct or indirect cooling of electronic components using liquids. These can be water, dielectric fluids, or specialized coolants that transport heat far more efficiently than air. The goal is to reduce the thermal stress on servers while increasing the energy efficiency of the data center. Targeted cooling of individual hotspots allows even extremely high-performance systems to operate stably over the long term.
Advantages of Liquid Cooling Compared to Air Cooling
Liquid cooling technologies, such as immersion cooling or Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC), offer numerous operational and technical advantages over traditional air cooling. In high-performance data centers with continuous 24/7 operation, the efficiency difference is significant. The table below highlights the main features and benefits of liquid cooling compared to air cooling:
| Aspect | Liquid Cooling | Air Cooling |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency (PUE) | Higher, due to targeted cooling with lower energy consumption | Lower, higher energy usage for fans and air conditioning |
| Space Requirements | Compact cooling units possible | Larger climate control units and airflow management required |
| Noise Level | Very quiet, minimal fans needed | Significantly louder due to fan operation |
| Temperature Stability | Consistent temperatures even under high load | Fluctuations during peak loads |
| Maintenance Effort | Low, closed systems, minimal dust | High, fans and filters must be maintained/replaced |
| System Lifespan | Extended due to stable thermal conditions | Reduced due to thermal peaks and dust exposure |
| CO2 Footprint | Improved due to higher energy efficiency | Higher electricity consumption = worse footprint |
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Server Immersion Cooling: Fully Submerged in Liquid
Simply Explained – Server Immersion Cooling
In immersion cooling, entire servers are submerged in a dielectric cooling medium. Heat is transferred directly and efficiently to the liquid, providing a highly effective, quiet, and long-lasting cooling solution. The fluids used are electrically non-conductive, ensuring system safety even when fully submerged.
Immersion Cooled Servers Compared
Compared to air-cooled servers, immersion cooled servers demonstrate:
Radical Energy and Cost Savings:
By completely eliminating complex HVAC infrastructure and using fanless servers, energy costs can be reduced by up to 90%.
This enormous efficiency gain not only drastically lowers operational expenses but also makes immersion cooling the most effective method to achieve green computing goals and minimize the environmental footprint of your data center.
Maximum Reliability and Longevity:
Within the cooling fluid, the server operates in a perfectly controlled, thermally stable environment. Unlike air cooling, there are no temperature fluctuations, dust accumulation, or corrosion-promoting humidity. The result is a demonstrably longer component lifespan and significantly lower failure rates, further reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) and maximizing system availability.
Extreme Density and Flexible Scalability:
The superior heat dissipation of the cooling fluid allows for a massive increase in computing density and performance within the same or even smaller footprint. Since the systems are housed in modular, self-contained tanks, they can be easily relocated and integrated.
This enables flexible scaling without the need for complex and costly modifications to the building infrastructure.
Planning & Scalability of Server Immersion Cooling
Immersion cooling systems can be built modularly and scale exceptionally well. From individual racks to complete immersion-cooled data centers, flexible expansion is possible. Modular tank systems and standardized interfaces allow the cooling infrastructure to be gradually extended without disrupting ongoing operations.
Single-Phase vs. Two-Phase Immersion Cooling
| Immersion Cooling Type | How it Works | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Phase Immersion Cooling | The cooling fluid remains liquid and circulates via pumps or convection. | Simpler technology and lower maintenance costs | Lower cooling performance compared to two-phase |
| Two-Phase Immersion Cooling | The fluid vaporizes at the components and condenses at a heat exchanger. | Even higher efficiency in heat removal | More complex system requirements |
Server Immersion Cooling vs. Direct Liquid Cooling
- Immersion Cooling: Full submersion, maximally efficient, ideal for new infrastructures or high-density applications.
- Direct Liquid Cooling: Heat exchangers directly on CPU/GPU, better suited for retrofitting existing systems. Both technologies can be combined depending on the use case.
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Data Center Immersion Cooling – The Next Evolution in Data Center Cooling
As modern server components achieve higher performance densities, effective thermal management becomes increasingly critical. Traditional air cooling reaches both physical and economic limits—especially in data centers designed for high scalability, energy efficiency, and operational continuity.
Liquid cooling, particularly Data Center Immersion Cooling and Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC), provides a forward-looking solution: it enables near-silent operation of high-density IT systems while drastically reducing energy consumption for cooling. This allows multiple times the computing power on the same footprint—with significantly improved thermal control and system reliability.
Data Center Immersion Cooling in Practice
Leading hyperscalers and HPC centers are already adopting Data Center Immersion Cooling. The technology enables:
- Climate-neutral data center planning
- Cost savings in energy and infrastructure
- Extended hardware lifespan and reliability
Liquid Cooled Server – Power Meets Precision
Design of a Liquid Cooled Server
A Liquid Cooled Server uses specially engineered cold plates, heat pipes, or microchannel systems to directly dissipate heat from CPUs, GPUs, and memory. The systems are optimized for maximum thermal conductivity and minimal resistance.
Performance Advantages Under Heavy Workloads
For AI/ML, Big Data, and scientific computing, performance remains consistent even under full load thanks to optimal cooling.
Benefits of Liquid Cooling Servers for AI/ML and HPC
- Maximum computing density: While air-cooled systems throttle under high load, liquid cooling allows sustained peak performance. This enables up to 2.5x higher computing density, saving up to 60% rack space compared to conventional systems. Ideal for building massive parallel GPU and FPGA clusters.
- Significant operational cost reduction: Eliminating energy-intensive air conditioning, compressors, and chilled water systems can reduce data center cooling costs by up to 40%. This lowers energy bills and sustainably improves the energy efficiency (PUE) of your infrastructure.
- Increased reliability and lower TCO: Liquid cooling ensures consistently low and stable operating temperatures for all critical components—from CPU and GPU to memory and voltage regulators. This minimizes thermal stress, reduces failure rates, and extends server lifespan, sustainably lowering total cost of ownership (TCO).
- Whisper-quiet operation for new deployment scenarios: DLC systems require significantly fewer fans, reducing noise to around 50 dB—library-quiet. This makes these high-performance servers ideal for edge computing scenarios or office environments where noise is critical.
- Sustainability through intelligent heat reuse: Modern DLC systems can capture up to 98% of system heat in water instead of releasing it unused. The water, heated up to 45°C, can be efficiently reused for building heating or industrial processes, turning your data center into part of a circular energy economy.
Liquid Cooling with Server Racks & Cabinets – Flexible, Maintainable, Scalable
The combination of Liquid Cooled Server Racks and Liquid Cooling Cabinets allows flexible integration and easy maintenance management. Systems can be equipped with redundant pumps and sensors to maximize reliability and operational transparency.
Integration of Liquid Cooling Racks into Existing and New Infrastructure
Our solutions are tailored to the needs of modern data centers and large infrastructure projects. We provide exclusively high-volume, scalable server solutions with advanced cooling technology, designed for maximum availability, energy efficiency, and investment security. Our systems are deployed worldwide by leading data center operators, cloud providers, and large enterprises to make complex IT environments future-proof and economically efficient.
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Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) in the Data Center: Precision Liquid Cooling
Definition: Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC)
With DLC, a liquid coolant solution is delivered directly to the heat-generating components. It is one of the most efficient methods for modern server water cooling. Direct Liquid Cooling significantly reduces the need for traditional room-based cooling.
DLC Servers: Structure and Integration
In AI/ML, Big Data, and scientific computing, performance remains stable even under full load thanks to optimal cooling.
Liquid Cooling with Server Racks & Cabinets – Flexible, Maintenance-Friendly, Scalable
DLC systems (Direct Liquid Cooling) rely on specially designed cold plates and cooling hoses, connected via pumps and heat exchangers to form a closed-loop system. Thanks to their modular design, these systems can be easily integrated into existing server architectures. Modern DLC solutions also allow targeted cooling of individual board-level components – a key advantage for heterogeneous server workloads and highly integrated boards. Integration is achieved via standardized connectors and can be monitored and controlled centrally through management software. Features such as leak detection and temperature logging are included.
Retrofit Direct Liquid Cooling for Existing Data Centers
DLC server solutions can also be implemented in existing data centers through retrofitting – ideal for a gradual transformation. Ready-made integration concepts are available to minimize downtime. Specific adapter and distribution solutions enable the continued use of existing server and rack infrastructures. Furthermore, DLC systems can be integrated into existing building management systems (BMS) or DCIM systems to ensure centralized monitoring and unified energy management. Retrofitting thus represents a low-risk, future-proof entry into the world of liquid cooling.
Decision Criteria: Is Liquid Cooling Worth It in Data Centers?
Investment Security with Scalable Liquid-Cooled Server Solutions
The market for liquid cooling in data centers is estimated to reach around USD 2.84 billion by 2025 and is projected to grow to up to USD 21.14 billion by 2032, corresponding to an annual growth rate of over 33%.
This strong forecast underlines the status of liquid cooling as a future-proof and strategically smart investment for IT decision-makers. Thanks to their modular design, liquid-cooled server solutions are highly scalable, extremely energy-efficient, and powerful. The resulting reduction in energy consumption leads to significant operational cost savings and sustainably lowers the data center’s ecological footprint.
Against the backdrop of rising energy costs and increasing regulatory requirements—especially in terms of energy efficiency laws (EnEfG) and ESG standards (Environmental, Social, Governance)—investing in liquid cooling becomes a decisive competitive advantage. Additionally, liquid-cooled servers enhance reliability and availability of critical IT systems through optimized temperature control and reduced failure rates. Thus, liquid cooling technology provides a sustainable solution that ensures investment security while optimally aligning economic and ecological goals.
TCO Savings Calculation Between Data Centers With and Without Liquid Cooling
| Cooling Concept | Reported PUE** (Legacy / New*) | Cooling Power Share (kW) 1 MW IT (Legacy / New*) | Annual Energy Saving Cooling Only (Legacy / New*) | Annual Total Cost Savings With New Cooling (Legacy / New*) | Annual Total Energy Savings For Entire Data Center (Legacy / New*) | Total Facility Space Saving Per 1 MW IT Power | TCO Savings (10 years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Cooling (CRAH + Chiller) |
1.5 / 1.4 | 1.4 | 500 / 400 | - | - | - | - |
| Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling |
~1.1 | 100 | 80 % / 75 % | 27 % / 21 % | 40 % / 35 % | 33 % – 40 % | 20 % – 40 % |
| Immersion (Single-Phase Tank) |
1.03 – 1.05 | ~40 | 92 % / 90 % | 31 % / 25 % | 44 % / 40 % | 55 % – 60 % | ~40 % |
| Immersion (Two-Phase Tank) |
1.02 | 20 | 96 % / 95 % | 32 % / 27 % | 46 % / 42 % | 70 % – 85 % | ~40 % |
* We calculated using legacy data centers, i.e., data centers that have been in operation for some time and are equipped with older or moderately efficient cooling systems. New data centers, in contrast, refer to facilities that are newly built using the most modern, highly efficient air conditioning systems.
** PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) is the industry’s key metric for measuring how efficiently a data center consumes energy—particularly how much additional energy is spent on cooling. The formula is: PUE = Total Facility Power ÷ IT Equipment Power. A PUE of 1.50 means that for every 1 kW used to power servers, storage, and networking, an additional 0.50 kW is required solely to cool, condition, and operate the facility. PUE essentially shows how much energy is wasted before it even reaches the CPUs and GPUs. A lower PUE means more energy goes into computing rather than fans, chillers, or compressors.
Strategies for Future-Proof Liquid-Cooled Data Centers
To design data centers that are energy-efficient, high-performing, and sustainable over the long term, thoughtful strategies are required. Combining modern cooling technologies with forward-looking infrastructure planning forms the foundation for a successful technology transition.
- Phased transition to liquid-cooled systems: Gradual implementation of liquid cooling to reduce investment risks and ensure smooth migration processes
- Combination of DLC and immersion cooling: Leveraging the advantages of both technologies for different use cases within the data center
- Reuse of waste heat for building heating or district heating: Sustainable energy recovery to improve the CO₂ footprint
- Integration into green IT strategies and certifications: Supporting ESG goals through targeted investment in environmentally friendly cooling infrastructure
Combination of DLC and Immersion Cooling:
Leveraging the advantages of both technologies for different use cases within the data center.
Integration into Green IT Strategies and Certifications:
Supporting ESG goals through targeted investments in environmentally friendly cooling infrastructure.
Phased Transition to Liquid-Cooled Systems:
Gradual implementation of liquid cooling to reduce investment risks and ensure smooth migration processes.
Reuse of Waste Heat for Building Heating or District Heating:
Sustainable recovery of energy for other systems to improve the CO₂ footprint.
Why Happyware Is the Right Partner for Your Liquid-Cooled Data Center
Supermicro and GIGABYTE Liquid Cooling Solutions at Happyware
With 25 years of experience, numerous successful client projects, and a deep understanding of complex IT infrastructures, Happyware supports you from consultation to implementation. As your established partner for highly efficient cooling technologies, we offer a comprehensive selection of liquid-cooled servers from leading manufacturers such as Supermicro and GIGABYTE, as well as tailored infrastructure solutions for immersion cooling and Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC). Our offerings are designed to ensure maximum efficiency, reliability, and scalability for your data center.
Benefit from our comprehensive range of services:
- Tailored Consultation: Our liquid cooling experts provide personalized, vendor-independent advice. Based on a thorough analysis of your existing infrastructure, we develop a solution precisely tailored to your individual requirements—powerful, cost-effective, and with maximum investment security.
- Exclusive Access to the Latest Technology: As an official distributor for market leaders such as Supermicro and GIGABYTE, and thanks to long-standing, direct partnerships with the manufacturers, you benefit from immediate access to the latest liquid cooling technologies—often before they are available to the broader market.
- Comprehensive Project Partnership from A to Z: We relieve your internal resources by guiding you through the entire process. Leveraging our experience from numerous successful HPC, AI, and cloud projects, we manage everything—from planning and delivery to integration, commissioning, and maintenance. This ensures smooth, efficient, and professional implementation.
- Europe-Wide Support for Maximum Operational Reliability: Our local presence in Germany and Europe-wide service structures guarantee fast response times and personalized support. Rely on a dependable partner who ensures the long-term operational reliability of your critical IT systems.
Our experienced specialists are always available to answer your questions and support you in the successful implementation of your liquid cooling projects. Together, we find the optimal solution to increase energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and sustainably enhance the performance of your data center or servers.
Arrange a free initial consultation now – work with us to find the Liquid Cooling Solution that really fits!