💧Schneider Study: Liquid Cooling Cuts Datacenter Water Use by 50%
Liquid cooling slashes water use, but at what cost?
TL;DR
Schneider Electric's study shows liquid cooling can reduce water consumption by 50% compared to air cooling. But the trade-offs in equipment and energy use are significant. Datacenters must weigh PUE and water costs.
Schneider Electric's study reveals that switching from air to liquid cooling can reduce water consumption by at least 50%. This is a big deal for datacenters in water-stressed regions. However, the study also highlights the need to balance water savings with energy efficiency and equipment costs. For instance, raising the coolant supply temperature to 45°C can further reduce water use but may increase energy consumption. Datacenters must carefully assess these trade-offs early in the design process. The study models four different cooling scenarios for datacenters in Paris and Dallas, showing the impact of location on water and energy use.
Key Points
Schneider Electric's study models four cooling designs for 100 MW datacenters in Paris and Dallas.
Traditional air cooling uses the most water, with onsite consumption peaking at 100 million liters per year in Dallas.
Liquid cooling with 45°C coolant supply reduces water use by at least 50%, saving up to 50 million liters annually.
Cooling towers can consume five to 20 times more water than dry coolers for equivalent-sized facilities.
Higher coolant temperatures produce substantial water savings but may increase energy consumption and equipment costs.
Why It Matters
Datacenters in water-stressed regions like Texas and California should consider liquid cooling to reduce water consumption. However, the higher upfront costs and potential energy trade-offs must be carefully evaluated. For example, a 100 MW datacenter in Dallas could save up to 50 million liters of water annually with liquid cooling at 45°C, but the energy costs could increase by 10%. Smaller datacenters may not see the same benefits.
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