7 Benefits of Liquid Cooling
Liquid cooling of computers offers several advantages over air cooling. Not only do they run quieter but given the right set-up they can operate for longer, more reliably, and at higher temperatures. Captec’s Jake Macwhirter MSc, Rack Product Manager, runs through the key advantages in more detail.
1. Quieter
Liquid cooling when compared to a similar performance of air cooling typically has a notable reduction in system noise generation and is especially evident when comparing high performance and high-density systems.
2. Wider operating temperature
The improved thermal transfer possible with liquid cooling means that reducing component to ambient delta is less challenging. The operating temperature when combined to heating and chilling capability can be extended beyond the local ambient temperature.
3. Sealed enclosure (IP Rating)
Given the right cooling implementation, sealing a box and negating the need for exchanging large volumes of air for an application not only simplifies the management of the system but offers a greater level of control and improved equipment operating conditions, such that equipment reliability and operational life can be maximised.
4. EMI, EMC & NEMP Protection
At higher signal frequencies it becomes increasingly difficult to manage shielding effectiveness and requires the use of specially engineered air paths, intakes and exhausts. In addition, more open enclosures allow for greater potential for signal propagation into conductors in proximity to or entering/exiting the enclosure by having a sealed enclosure.
Utilising bonding of cable shields immediately to the enclosure skin, it is possible to not only minimise the potential for EMI/EMC issues and interception, but to also protect the enclosure and enclosed equipment and devices from EMP/NEMP and other effects.
5. Room Neutral
When working in close proximity to equipment racks, or in confined and enclosed environments, it is quickly apparent the impact that personnel numbers and equipment performance has in raising the local ambient temperature.
Left unmanaged, this can exceed levels suitable for extended operation for either the operators or equipment. Liquid cooling is better suited to ensuring the needs of both user and equipment are met, especially in confined spaces.
6. Secure enclosure (Restricted Access)
Sealed enclosures are generally considered to offer a greater level of tamper protection and prevent the intrusion of fingers or smaller objects into the enclosure which may interfere with normal operations.
Fully sealed enclosures can be secured such that protection is possible for both accidental and malicious incidents and so ensure maximum system availability irrespective or incidental interaction within the local environment.
7. Improved Fire protection/suppression
Sealing the enclosure provide some unique advantages for fire protection and suppression. Sealing of the enclosure ensures the fire is contained and managed in as effective manner as is possible and so prevents the spread of fire. With correct sealing, equipment within the enclosure can in many case be reused and re-commissioned.
This protection can be further enhanced through the use of automated self-contained suppression system built into the enclosure that will deploy a suitable extinguishing agent such as CO2, Novac 1230, FM-200 or similar.
Captec Ltd
Established in 1985, we are an award-winning designer and manufacturer of specialist computing equipment engineered to meet the exact requirements of any application across multiple industries, irrespective of complexity or environmental demands.
To learn more about liquid-cooled industrial computers, contact us here, or alternatively, visit our industrial computers or industrial rack computers web page.