It’s no secret that data centers around the world are heating up. And if you are a cutting edge facility like the University of Pisa, you are not going to let that stand in your way to provide the processing power your customers need to meet the demand for bandwidth-intensive applications such as AI, HPC and machine learning. After all, the University’s Green Data Center, inaugurated in 2016 in San Piero a Grado, represents a beacon of cutting-edge technology, housing many state-of-the-art servers from Dell Technologies, high-performance processors from Intel, Nvidia, AMD, next-generation networks, and robust security measures.
Their Journey to Liquid Cooling and Net Zero Emissions
Despite a formidable set-up, the University’s traditional hot-air-containment aisle with water chillers needed a new energy-efficient cooling solution to help the University realize its net-zero goals. Recognizing the industry’s pivot towards liquid cooling for next-generation processors, the University sought a solution that would address the immediate need for more effective cooling, enhanced performance, and contribute to a more energy-efficient future.
The answer came from ZutaCore® HyperCool®, a game-changing waterless liquid cooling solution. This direct-to-chip two-phase dielectric liquid cooling solution operates at low pressure and efficiently displaces heat from the hottest processors (up to 1500W and beyond) and away from the servers. It has proven to be a scalable solution that can be implemented in new or retrofitted data centers, delivering outstanding performance while reducing power usage across various workloads.
Retrofitting Existing Servers was Seamless and Efficient
Like every data around the world, the University of Pisa had an existing infrastructure and HyperCool’s ability to allow retrofitting of existing servers was a significant advantage. Working with Mactronics, a ZutaCore Certified Partner based in Milan, Italy, the University was able to retrofit 10 Dell R740XD and C6525 servers at the University of Pisa in just one day. They seamlessly integrated the HyperCool air-based solution, which can effectively liquid cool up to 20kW of rack power. This swift installation process caused minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Maurizio Davini, CTO of the University of Pisa, praised the efficient transition, recognizing the potential of this system in enhancing power within the rack and enabling an energy-efficient leap towards next-generation servers.
Liquid Cooling Leads to Operating Efficiency and Enhanced Rack Utilization
ZutaCore’s solution has enabled the University to leverage its servers under full load, previously unattainable with traditional air cooling. This breakthrough has paved the way for the University to expand its scientific computing and research endeavors. Furthermore, ZutaCore’s HyperCool has significantly improved operational efficiency, with enhanced rack space utilization and flexibility. Encouraged by the positive outcome, the University plans to expand its investment in ZutaCore’s technology, with prospective deployment across the data center.
If you’re ready to transform your data center to effectively meet the growing demands for more power but maintain sustainability goals, download our eBook to learn how HyperCool® can help you.