Thermal.AI

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, 5G, and cloud computing in China has led to a significant increase in the number of data centers, which now face the critical challenge of managing the intense heat generated by high-density computing. It is estimated that data centers in China consumed over 200 billion kWh in 2020, with projections reaching 400 TWh by 2030. Approximately 40-43% of this energy is dedicated solely to cooling systems, a crucial function as a 10-degree Celsius rise in temperature can increase a data center's failure rate by 50%.

Traditional air-cooling systems are proving insufficient for modern computing demands. In response, China is exploring more sustainable and efficient solutions, including liquid cooling, underwater data centers, and strategic relocations to cooler climates under initiatives like the "Eastern Data, Western Compute" (EDWC) program. This national strategy aims to leverage the natural environmental advantages of western and northern regions to reduce cooling costs. The Chinese government has also been promoting the construction of "green data centers" since 2021, focusing on improving Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and utilizing cleaner energy sources. For instance, the tech firm Hailanyun has launched the world's first commercial underwater AI data center off the coast of Shanghai, which uses seawater for cooling and is powered almost entirely by a nearby offshore wind farm.

Keywords: data center cooling, thermal management, AI infrastructure, energy efficiency, liquid cooling, green data centers, power usage effectiveness, sustainable computing, high-density computing, data center solutions, China data centers, heat dissipation, cloud computing infrastructure, 5G infrastructure, edge computing