The Future of Cooling: An In-depth Look into Two-Phase Immersion Cooling by LiquidStack

Hello, dear readers!

I'm excited to share a recent white paper from LiquidStack, a global leader in two-phase liquid immersion cooling technology for data centers. This white paper delves into the details of their cooling method, providing an in-depth comparison between two-phase immersion cooling (2-PIC) and single-phase immersion cooling (1-PIC).

The white paper is available for download at the following link: Fluorinated Cooling Fluids 101

To give you a glimpse into the contents of the document, I've summarized the key points in an executive summary and a comparison table.

Executive Summary:

This white paper provides a comprehensive analysis of 2-PIC, highlighting its advantages over 1-PIC in terms of system complexity, operating expenses, fluid losses, fluid costs, space efficiency, overclocking enablement, environmental impact, and the overall effect on capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), and total cost of ownership (TCO).

2-PIC systems are less complex, being passive systems that do not require pumps to remove heat. They have lower energy costs due to their higher energy efficiency, and their fluid replacement costs account for less than 5% of annual maintenance costs. A well-maintained 2-PIC system typically has less than 2% fluid loss per year.

The fluid costs for 2-PIC are initially higher but are offset by lower infrastructure costs. 2-PIC provides higher power density per Rack Unit space, allowing for more compact server layouts and a reduction in the required fluid volume. The technology also enables overclocking, allowing for increased performance without negatively impacting hardware lifespan.

2-PIC utilizes fluids that are low-toxicity, non-flammable, and non-corrosive, offering wide operating temperature ranges and ease of maintenance. This makes them more environmentally friendly and safer than the fluids used in 1-PIC systems.

Overall, the paper concludes that 2-PIC technology is a superior alternative to 1-PIC due to its favorable environmental, health, and safety profile, its higher energy efficiency, and its overall impact on reducing CAPEX, OPEX, and TCO.

Comparison Table:

	Two-Phase Immersion Cooling (2-PIC)	Single-Phase Immersion Cooling (1-PIC)
System Complexity	Less complex. Passive system that does not require pumps to remove heat.	More complex. Requires pumps to circulate the dielectric fluid.
Operating Expenses and Upfront Costs	Lower energy costs due to higher energy efficiency. Fluid replacement costs represent less than 5% of annual maintenance costs.	​Higher energy costs. Fluid replacement costs can be higher.
Fluid Losses	Typically less than 2% per year with good practices and high-quality tanks.	Fluid losses can be higher.
​Fluid Costs	Higher fluid costs, but these are offset by lower infrastructure costs, leading to comparable initial costs.	Lower fluid costs but higher infrastructure costs.
Space Efficiency and Power Density	Provides higher power density per Rack Unit space, allowing more compact server layouts and reducing the required fluid volume.	​Lower power density per Rack Unit space.
Overclocking Enablement	Enables overclocking without negatively impacting hardware performance or lifespan.	Does not have the same level of overclocking capabilities.
​Environmental, Health, and Safety Profile	Utilizes fluids that are low-toxicity, non-flammable, and non-corrosive. They offer wide operating temperature ranges and are easy to maintain.	Utilizes fluids that may not have the same environmental, health, and safety benefits as 2-PIC fluids.
Impact on Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Operational Expenditure (OPEX), and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)	Leads to a reduction in both CAPEX and OPEX, reducing TCO.	​May not have the same level of impact on reducing CAPEX, OPEX, and TCO.

The white paper provides valuable insights into the future of data center cooling technologies and the potential that two-phase immersion cooling holds in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. I highly recommend giving it a read to understand the nuances of this innovative cooling method and its potential implications