RHSP has revolutionised datacenter server cooling by transitioning from air-cooled servers to immersion-cooled servers. Immersion cooling is a modern and environmentally friendly approach to cooling servers in data centers. Instead of relying on traditional air-cooling methods, immersion cooling submerges servers directly into a bath of dielectric, non-conductive liquid. Since heat transfers to a fluid at a faster rate than air, this technique allows for efficient heat dissipation and offers several advantages over conventional air-cooling systems.
The installation of the immersion cooling system at RHSP is a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate health equity. By harnessing the power of immersion cooling, RHSP is realising remarkable improvements in datacenter server sustainability, availability, and IT operational cost reduction. This project is supported by the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology (NIH’s OCICB), highlighting the importance of innovative solutions in advancing public health.
Benefits of Immersion Cooling:
- Energy Efficiency: Immersion cooling is significantly more energy-efficient than traditional air cooling. It eliminates the need for power-hungry fans and air conditioning units, reducing overall energy consumption by up to 90%.
- Space Efficiency: By submerging servers in a dielectric fluid, immersion cooling allows for higher server density. This means more servers can be housed in a smaller space, optimising the use of physical infrastructure.
- Hardware Longevity: Immersion cooling reduces thermal stress and oxidation on server components by displacing air from the server environment. This leads to fewer hardware failures and extends the lifespan of the equipment.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: By lowering energy consumption and enabling heat reuse, immersion cooling significantly reduces the carbon footprint of data centers. This aligns with RHSP’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
- Improved Performance: Immersion cooling helps maintain optimal operating temperatures for servers, ensuring consistent performance and reducing the risk of overheating.
The adoption of immersion cooling at RHSP is not just a technological upgrade; it is a commitment to sustainability and innovation. This cutting-edge cooling method supports RHSP’s mission to advance global public health through efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. As RHSP continues to lead in health research and service delivery, the benefits of immersion cooling will play a crucial role in enhancing the organization’s operational efficiency and environmental impact.