How Hybrid Cooling Is Future-Proofing Data Centers For The Next Generation Of AI

Data center demand is at an all-time high, with vacancy rates declining across most global markets. The rise of artificial intelligence is expected to push this demand even further, calling for more higher-density facilities. 

Higher computing power generates more heat, putting pressure on overworked data center cooling systems. In response, more operators have been opting for hybrid systems that utilize both liquid and air cooling to keep their data centers running.

“Hybrid systems have been a key focus for Airedale by Modine globally. Our liquid cooling team, led by Global Product Manager Richard Burcher, is addressing this fast-growing market in detail,” Airedale by Modine Global Account Manager James Betts said. “As AI advances and we progress into more high-performance computing, data center rack densities are increasing significantly. At this level, liquid cooling becomes necessary. A hybrid data center will utilize direct-to-chip liquid cooling along with some form of traditional air cooling to keep facilities running.” 

While the UK-based Airedale by Modine has only been operating in the U.S. data center cooling space for a few years — as a part of U.S.-based Modine, which has been a leader in thermal management for more than 100 years — Airedale by Modine has more than 50 years of mission-critical system experience and is committed to growing its operations in the U.S., Betts said. 

“We are expanding our plant in Grenada, Mississippi, which is over 1M SF, to focus specifically on mission-critical units,” he said. “We are also expanding our plant in Rockbridge, Virginia, and we already have plans to build more plants as needed. We understand the importance and longevity of this market, and we’re making the investments and the partnerships to be a part of its future.” 

Bisnow spoke with Betts to learn more about the future of data center cooling and why hybrid cooling systems are leading the way. 

Bisnow: What are the benefits of liquid cooling and why are providers choosing to use a hybrid liquid and air cooling system? 

Betts: Right now, most colocation data centers operate at about 10 to 15 kilowatts of power per rack, with hyperscale facilities seeing 15 to 20 kilowatts per rack, with pockets of higher-density compute racks. In these examples, air cooling will work just fine. Air cooling systems can handle up to around 50 kilowatts per rack, but the new AI will require much more power to operate — some of the next-generation chips will be over 1,200 to 1,500 watts. At these levels, only liquid cooling can remove the heat they will generate. 

Installing a liquid cooling system to work in tandem with an air cooling system will future-proof a facility for AI. 

Bisnow: Does liquid cooling offer any specific sustainability benefits? 

Betts: In terms of an all-liquid-cooled approach, you are driven by workload and a requirement for all-out high-density. For facilities with extremely high-density server deployments and heat loads that exceed the capacity of air, all-liquid cooling may be necessary to efficiently dissipate heat and prevent equipment overheating. 

In those instances, liquid can offer a greater runway and more precise temperature control and efficient heat dissipation, maximizing the performance. In environmentally sensitive locations where minimizing energy consumption and carbon footprint is a top priority, all-liquid cooling systems may be preferred for their sustainability benefits.

Bisnow: What are some of Airedale’s liquid cooling products, and what sets them apart from other liquid cooling offerings on the market? 

Betts: Airedale offers a complete line of immersion cooling and direct-to-chip cooling distribution units designed specifically for mission-critical data center applications. These units would be partnered with highly efficient chillers that allow the utilization of free cooling. In addition to the complete line of liquid cooling solutions, Airedale by Modine also has a full suite of fan walls and computer room air handler units to supplement the air cooling. We also have a software optimizer that provides the hybrid system with the dedicated controls platform it needs to be optimized for performance and system efficiency, integrating the solution as a whole. 

We like to stress that a partnership with Airedale by Modine provides certainty. Certainty in design, engineering, production, service and in-territory support. Airedale by Modine has been in the mission-critical cooling space for over 50 years, and a vital part of Modine Manufacturing since 2005. In the years that we have been manufacturing here in the U.S., we continue to make significant strides in the market and expand at scale, working with some of the industry’s leading colocation, hyperscale and edge-based players.

We offer a complete solution for thermal management throughout the data center, from outdoor to indoor, combined with intuitive controls. Our ability to provide quality service and commissioning throughout the project really sets us apart if you have a unique design idea or you're looking for secure or dedicated manufacturing, a full-service cooling partner. 

Bisnow: What does the future of cooling look like? 

Betts: Like most electronics, the price of advanced chips will decline in years to come. As they do, it will be cost-effective to reduce an entire data hall into a few liquid-cooled cabinets. Hybrid cooling offers an upgrade path for almost every existing facility with lower capital expenditure, greater sustainability and a much faster time to market. This creates an excellent opportunity for both colocation and hyperscale providers.

This article was produced in collaboration between Airedale by Modine and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.