Palonova Coolant Distribution Unit(CDU)

 

With the growing demands of AI applications, traditional data centers with rack power requirements around 10 kilowatts (kW) struggle to meet the new demands of GPU servers, which typically require up to 50 kW or more. Newer-generation CPUs and GPUs exhibit higher thermal density properties than previous generations, and many data centers are now packing more of these components into each rack to meet the accelerating demand for high-performance AI computing applications.

 

However, most data centers built years ago rely on air cooling systems, which are increasingly inadequate. These older technologies cannot effectively cool racks equipped with GPU servers due to their higher thermal output and high-density power consumption.

 

To address these challenges, liquid cooling systems have been introduced. Liquid cooling leverages the superior thermal transfer properties of water or other fluids to provide efficient and cost-effective cooling for high-density racks. This method is often more effective than air cooling, as it establishes a secondary cooling loop that enhances efficiency by distributing liquid to the rack. The key component, the coolant distribution unit (CDU), manages temperature and flow rate control, capturing the heat returned from the racks and dissipating it through the chilled water system.

 

Palonova’s CDU system is composed of various components designed to fit within the row or the rack backplane, allowing them to be positioned close to the racks they support. Our CDU, equipped with a liquid-to-air heat exchanger, is easy to deploy. Additionally, the CDU can utilize a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger to capture the heat returned from the racks and dissipate it through the chilled water system. Palonova offers an efficient solution that supports both hybrid air- and liquid-cooling as well as fully liquid-cooled data centers, incorporating the different components outlined in our CDU system.