Immersion cooling involves submerging server hardware into a dielectric liquid to dissipate heat. This method allows for significantly higher power density compared to traditional air-cooled data centers, enabling the cooling of up to 120 kW per unit, whereas standard racks typically handle 6–15 kW.
The process is irreversible for hardware. Once submerged, components are difficult to clean and maintain for future air-cooled use, often leading to damage. Consequently, this technology is primarily applied to older, out-of-warranty equipment to extend its operational life by 1–3 years through overclocking.
Immersion cooling improves energy efficiency by lowering the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) to approximately 1.1, compared to 1.3–1.6 in air-cooled facilities. The system utilizes a closed-loop circuit with pumps and heat exchangers, eliminating the need for complex air filtration and cooling infrastructure.
Technical preparation is required before submersion. This includes removing all mechanical fans, replacing standard wiring with heat-resistant insulation, and using non-soluble thermal paste. Specialized software drivers are often necessary to bypass hardware error checks triggered by the absence of cooling fans.
