Luca Melluso, Head of Customer Solutions, AirTrunk
With the tipping point of artificial intelligence (AI) growth fast approaching and AI technologies proliferating, the demand for data centre capacity is skyrocketing. Increasingly powerful computing operations required by AI are testing the limits of traditional cooling methods in data centres, necessitating new solutions and cooling methods like liquid cooling.
Anticipating this trend and with a focus on the potential sustainability gains offered by reduced energy use from liquid cooling, AirTrunk started a program of research and development in 2019. Fast forward to 2024 and AirTrunk’s soon-to-open data centre in Johor Bahru Malaysia, JHB1, features an AI-ready design with direct-to-chip liquid cooling technology alongside traditional indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) systems for cooling high-density racks.
The Rise of Liquid Cooling Technology
Liquid cooling has emerged as a game-changer for data centres, capable of supporting the accelerated growth of AI and high-performance computing. Since commencing research, testing and then deployment of liquid cooling technology starting in 2019, AirTrunk has reported a reduction in energy consumption by up to 23 percent.
Using its own data tracking the effectiveness of liquid cooling solutions in its data centres, AirTrunk predicts that in the near future 30-60 percent of all new data centre loads deploying AI hardware will be liquid cooled. This transition is essential, not just for managing the exponential growth of AI workloads but as a necessary evolution for the energy efficiency of the technology deployed in data centres.
Liquid cooling can not only reduce total cost of ownership, but it also reduces emissions and minimises space requirements per megawatt (MW) compared to traditional air-cooled deployment.
Enhanced Efficiency and Scalability
Through liquid cooling, AirTrunk can achieve an average annual Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of less than 1.12. PUE is the ratio of how much of the total energy consumed by a data centre goes specifically to computing equipment, in contrast to cooling and other energy uses. A desirably low PUE is achieved by eliminating or reducing refrigeration and air handling plants. This efficiency gain is complemented by higher rack capacities, significantly increasing IT capacity per unit of floor space and whitespace density by between 1.2 – 3.0 times.
These advancements underscore AirTrunk’s commitment to pioneering innovations to create scalable and sustainable growth in the Asia-Pacific and Japan region.
Advancing Technology and Sustainability
AirTrunk has always prioritised the integration of advanced technologies that deliver sustainability and operational efficiency.
The stainless-steel secondary ring loop system in the liquid cooling solution, ensures optimal fluid distribution, reduces operational risks and enhances visibility. By leveraging a compressor-less system for heat rejection, AirTrunk has been able to further reduce PUE, Water Usage Efficiency (WUE), and carbon footprint.
Pioneering Innovation
Since 2019, AirTrunk has been researching and developing liquid-cooling technologies.
In 2022, AirTrunk conducted prototype and factory testing at the Industrial Technology and Research Institute of Taiwan, followed by the development of a prototype built onsite at AirTrunk JHB1 in Malaysia where the design was tested and fined tuned prior to implementation.
In 2023, AirTrunk celebrated its first successful implementation of liquid-cooling technology, collaborating closely with industry leaders and manufacturers to refine practical applications.
Since then, AirTrunk has continued to invest in prototype development and factory testing of critical components like cooling distribution units (CDUs) and liquid load banks.
Engineering Excellence and Future Prospects
Today, AirTrunk is continuing its development and factory testing of secondary distribution systems and rack-manifolds.
AirTrunk’s liquid cooling CDUs are best in class, showcasing commitment to state-of-the-art engineering, enhanced fitouts, operations, reliability, maintenance, and security. The company has innovated redesigned components and developed scalable CDU systems, including robust 400-kilowatt units that have the potential to scale up to 700 kilowatts.
AirTrunk’s capability extends to deploying large-scale liquid cooling systems that range from tens to hundreds of megawatts.
Putting the research and development into action, the deployment of liquid cooling at AirTrunk’s JHB1 campus is substantial, at over 20 megawatts, and there are further real-world deployments at scale already in the pipeline.
Preparing for the Future
AirTrunk remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the accelerated growth of AI and other data-intensive technologies. AirTrunk’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and scalable solutions highlights the pivotal role it can play in shaping the future of data centres throughout the region (and beyond).
The next wave of data is taking shape right now. The future is here. AirTrunk is ready to enable the accelerated growth of AI.