Introduction
Data centres are the powerhouses of our digital world, consuming vast amounts of energy to keep our lives running smoothly. As AI accelerates the demand for data processing, the challenge of managing energy consumption becomes more pressing. Discover the overlooked champions of eco-friendly cooling systems: copper pipes. With its superior thermal conductivity and reliability, copper is at the forefront of efforts to make data centres more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly
The Main Challenge for Data Centres: Cooling
The International Energy Agency estimates that Data Centres consume approximately 1% of the world’s total energy, with cooling systems accounting for around 40% of this usage. Efficient and sustainable cooling solutions are crucial for addressing this significant environmental impact. While air cooling is energy-intensive, liquid cooling offers superior heat removal. Innovations like adaptive cooling, which employs AI to adjust in real-time, and edge data centres, which introduce new cooling possibilities, are paving the way for more sustainable operations. By integrating renewable energy sources with these advanced cooling methods, data centres can significantly reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a greener future.
Why Use Copper Pipes in Data Centres
The circulation of liquids in cooling systems often poses a significant challenge in daily operations. Therefore, implementing appropriate plumbing infrastructure is essential for the efficient and sustainable functioning of data centres. Copper pipes are ideal for this role due to their high thermal conductivity of 398 W/mK, which enhances heat dissipation and maintains optimal temperatures within the systems. Their durability and resistance to corrosion ensure long-lasting performance, while their low thermal expansion characteristics improve system reliability and reduce maintenance costs. Copper’s inherent recyclability supports sustainability efforts, aligning with circular economy principles and reducing the overall environmental footprint of data centre operations.
In HVAC systems, copper pipes and coils facilitate effective temperature control and air circulation, enhancing overall system efficiency. As data centres evolve to meet higher performance and sustainability standards, copper remains a vital component in advancing these goals. Its use in plumbing and HVAC systems not only optimises thermal management but also plays a crucial role in reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable data centre operations.
Innovations with Small-Diameter Copper Tubes
Small-diameter copper tubing is revolutionising heat exchanger design, offering compact, lightweight, and efficient solutions. For example, 5 mm inner-grooved small-diameter copper tubes consistently outperform larger 9.52 mm tubes, increasing local heat transfer coefficients by 15 to 20 percent across a range of flow conditions. These tubes, with improved inner-grooved surfaces, enhance heat transfer and lower operational loads. The reduced material usage leads to cost-effective installations, while the recyclability supports sustainable building practices. In data centres, where space is a limiting factor, copper’s compactness makes it more suitable than aluminium for example, enabling more compact coil designs and smoother integration with next-gen refrigerants. This optimises system performance and contributes to a more sustainable infrastructure, ensuring efficient use of available space without compromising performance.
The Growth of AI: Leading Copper Innovations as the Future of Cooling Systems
Aside from sustainability concerns, the rise of AI is driving the need for advanced cooling solutions, speeding up the transition from air to liquid cooling. AI optimises these systems for energy efficiency, making them more intelligent and predictive. Copper plays a crucial role in this transformation, with liquid cooling systems using copper cold plates and tubing networks. As AI workloads intensify, copper’s role in cooling infrastructure becomes even more critical. By integrating copper into these systems, data centres can achieve greater energy efficiency, reduce their carbon footprint, and support the sustainable growth of AI technologies.
Copper pipes are not just a traditional material; they are a strategic asset in the development of future-ready data centres. By leveraging copper’s thermal efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, data centres can enhance their performance and reduce their environmental impact. As the backbone of modern infrastructure, copper is poised to play a crucial role in supporting the growth of AI and the digital transformation of industries worldwide, ensuring a more sustainable future for all.
