In an era where data centres are under increasing scrutiny for their energy consumption and environmental impact, Nathan Blom, Co-CEO & CCO at Iceotope, sheds light on how precision liquid cooling technology is set to transform the industry. This innovative approach not only enhances cooling efficiency but also significantly reduces energy and water usage.
In an exclusive conversation with CarbonWire during his recent visit to Singapore to attend the Data Centre World Asia, Nathan Blom highlighted Iceotope’s precision liquid cooling technology’s potential to revolutionise data centres in Southeast Asia. As the demand for efficient and sustainable solutions continues to rise, Iceotope is well-positioned to lead the charge towards a more energy-efficient future for the data centre industry.
Understanding Precision Liquid Cooling
Blom explains, “Precision liquid cooling is a unique technology that integrates a loop within the data centre infrastructure, linking directly to the back of server racks. It offers a more efficient means of heat rejection compared to traditional air-cooling systems.
What sets precision liquid cooling apart is its operation within the server chassis itself. “It employs a core technology known as single-phase dielectric fluid, which is a non-conductive substance, generally oil-based, that is safe for humans and fully recyclable,” he elaborates. This fluid, derived from byproducts of major oil companies, maintains its liquid state due to a high boiling point, effectively absorbing heat generated by the components within the chassis. By directing this fluid to critical components such as CPUs, GPUs, power supplies, memory DIMMs, and SSDs, Iceotope achieves nearly 100% heat capture, resulting in significant electricity savings and nearly eliminating water usage within the data centre.
The system operates within a low-pressure framework, allowing the fluid to coat the components gently. This efficient setup enables a consistent temperature within the ecosystem without requiring hundreds of litres of liquid to be in constant motion. The use of energy-efficient pumps translates to substantial electricity savings, particularly significant in energy-conscious regions like Singapore.
One of the key advantages of Iceotope’s liquid is its high boiling point, which prevents evaporation. “This means there’s no fluid loss,” Blom notes. The precision liquid cooling system operates within a sealed chassis, which protects it from environmental factors such as dust and humidity, ensuring optimal performance. “As a result, the sealed chassis and pumps create an ideal environment for the server, requiring no additional maintenance,” he explains.
Composition of the Liquid
Blom confirms the proprietary nature of the liquid, stating, “Yes, we collaborate with several major oil companies worldwide, including PETRONAS in Malaysia.” The liquid is a refined hydrocarbon-based product, each major company offering its own proprietary formulation. Iceotope maintains flexibility in its choice of fluid, ensuring compatibility and environmental standards. “Additionally, some companies offer plant-based versions of this liquid, and there are many such firms globally that serve as strategic partners for us,” he adds.
Challenges and Barriers
Transitioning to precision liquid cooling does involve some engineering. “You can’t just take an existing air-cooled server and attach something to it to make it work with precision liquid cooling,” Blom cautions. However, Iceotope’s systems are designed to support hybrid environments, enabling air-cooled servers to coexist with precision liquid-cooled servers.
The need for liquid cooling becomes even more pressing with the rise of AI and high-performance computing. Blom highlights that as companies like Nvidia, Intel, and AMD announce plans for more demanding chips, the demand for efficient heat management will only grow.
Despite the advantages of precision liquid cooling, Blom acknowledges that “the entire ecosystem must evolve together” for widespread adoption. Significant capital investment and time are required to integrate water loops and associated heat rejection units into existing data centre infrastructure. “Companies like Vertiv, Invent, and Schneider Electric are experiencing massive backlogs due to overwhelming demand from large hyperscale customers,” he adds.
Singapore’s Data Centre Ambitions
When discussing Singapore’s aspiration to become a global data centre hub, Blom believes the country can maintain its leadership by focusing on efficiency and sustainability. “One significant step was Singapore’s decision to impose a three-year moratorium on the construction of new data centres,” he notes. This forward-thinking approach enables the development of denser, more efficient facilities, which can ultimately lead to competitive operational costs.
Iceotope’s technology is projected to play a crucial role in helping Singapore meet its sustainability goals for 2030. Blom asserts, “Our technology enables a 40% reduction in energy consumption in data centres and achieves a 96-98% reduction in water usage.” With the backing of ABC Impact, Iceotope aims to leverage partnerships to maximise efficiency and sustainability across the region’s data centres.
Iceotope has chosen Singapore as its headquarters for the Asia-Pacific market for several strategic reasons. Blom states, “One of our key investors, ABC Impact, is based here and has strong connections within the local market.” The company’s commitment to establishing Singapore as a centre for the next generation of liquid cooling technology is evident. “We intend to continue investing here as the market evolves both regionally and globally,” he confirms.
Currently, Iceotope has established partnerships in Singapore, focusing on smaller deployments that will pave the way for future growth as the market transitions towards larger-scale implementation.
Blom underscores Iceotope’s versatility in catering to the entire ecosystem, stating, “Our technology is designed to deliver cold fluid across different parts of any ecosystem.” This adaptability positions Iceotope well to meet future demands, from traditional data centres to edge computing environments.
Establishing the Iceotope Brand
Drawing from his experience in North America’s IT and infrastructure landscape, Blom emphasises the importance of recognising first movers who adopt next-generation technology. “Southeast Asia can benefit from looking to these regions,” he advises, as they adapt to liquid cooling solutions to keep pace with advancing technologies.
As Iceotope expands in Southeast Asia, Blom outlines the company’s strategy to develop commercialised products and partner with channel players. “We want to leverage the region’s talented workforce to drive development and create a local ecosystem tailored to this market,” he explains.
Although Iceotope’s technology may be integrated into other products, the brand remains vital. “The Iceotope brand is currently significant as it represents precision liquid cooling,” Blom asserts. While long-term relevance will depend on market development, the brand’s recognition is crucial for growth in the competitive landscape of liquid cooling technology.