Data Center Cooling Solutions
Advanced thermal management solutions for modern data centers - Water Cooling, Cold Plate Liquid Cooling, and Immersion Cooling
Data Center Cooling Overview
Modern data centers are experiencing unprecedented thermal management challenges driven by the rapid growth of AI/ML workloads, high-performance computing (HPC), and hyperscale cloud infrastructure. Traditional power densities of 5-10 kW/rack have evolved to 50+ kW/rack in advanced facilities, with some next-generation data centers targeting 100+ kW/rack densities.
Effective thermal management is no longer just about maintaining equipment reliability—it's a critical factor in achieving sustainability goals, reducing operational costs, and meeting increasingly strict energy efficiency regulations. Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) has emerged as the primary benchmark, with industry leaders consistently achieving PUE ratings below 1.3, and some immersion cooling facilities reaching PUE as low as 1.1.
Glacier Coolant offers a comprehensive portfolio of specialized heat transfer fluids optimized for the full spectrum of data center cooling requirements. Our solutions address the unique demands of each cooling architecture, ensuring maximum efficiency, reliability, and longevity.
The three primary cooling approaches in modern data centers represent distinct stages of thermal management evolution:
● Water Cooling Systems - Traditional chilled water loops ideal for mid-density facilities (up to 20 kW/rack), achieving PUE 1.3-1.5. This proven technology remains the foundation of most enterprise data centers, offering cost-effective cooling with compatibility for free cooling strategies.
● Cold Plate Liquid Cooling - Direct contact cooling that removes heat at the source for high-density computing environments (up to 50 kW/rack), achieving PUE below 1.3. Essential for GPU/TPU-based AI training systems and HPC clusters where air cooling reaches its physical limits.
● Immersion Cooling - The pinnacle of thermal management, submerging IT equipment directly in dielectric fluid for extreme-density applications (100+ kW/rack), achieving PUE 1.1-1.2. This revolutionary approach eliminates traditional air cooling infrastructure entirely, enabling unprecedented energy efficiency and silent operation.
Each cooling approach requires specialized heat transfer fluids with unique properties—from freeze protection and corrosion inhibition for water cooling systems to dielectric strength and thermal stability for immersion cooling applications.
Data Center Cooling Applications
Water Cooling Systems
Water cooling is a proven, reliable solution for data center thermal management, particularly suitable for traditional and mid-density facilities. This approach uses water-based secondary refrigerants to transfer heat from IT equipment to cooling towers or chillers, offering excellent efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Application in Data Centers:
Water cooling systems circulate coolant through chilled water loops, air handling units, and cooling towers. The coolant absorbs heat from server racks and transfers it to the external environment. This method is widely used in enterprise data centers, colocation facilities, and green data centers seeking to optimize PUE ratings.
● Ideal for power densities up to 20 kW/rack
● Compatible with existing chilled water infrastructure
● Supports free cooling and waste heat recovery
● Enables PUE ratings of 1.3-1.5
LM-4
25% Ethylene Glycol Content
LM-4 is a premium ethylene glycol-based coolant designed for water cooling systems in data centers. Its formulation provides excellent heat transfer efficiency and freeze protection for chilled water loops.
✅️ High thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer
✅️ Excellent freeze protection down to -20°C
✅️ Corrosion inhibitors protect system components
✅️ Compatible with copper, steel, and aluminum
✅️ Long fluid lifespan in closed-loop systems
| Glycol Type | Ethylene Glycol |
|---|---|
| Concentration | 25% |
| Freeze Point | -20°C |
| Operating Temp | -15°C to 90°C |
| pH Value | 8.5-9.5 |
LM-4ABG
25% Propylene Glycol Content
LM-4ABG is a propylene glycol-based coolant offering similar performance to LM-4 with enhanced environmental and safety characteristics. Ideal for data centers prioritizing non-toxic formulations.
✅️ Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
✅️ Excellent heat transfer properties
✅️ Food-grade propylene glycol formulation
✅️ Corrosion protection for all common metals
✅️ Compatible with water cooling infrastructure
| Glycol Type | Propylene Glycol |
|---|---|
| Concentration | 25% |
| Freeze Point | -18°C |
| Operating Temp | -15°C to 90°C |
| pH Value | 8.5-9.5 |
Water Cooling System Flow Diagram
System Components: Cooling Tower → Chiller Unit → Primary Pump → Heat Exchanger → Server Racks → Return Pump → Cooling Tower
Cold Plate Liquid Cooling
Cold plate liquid cooling represents the next evolution in data center thermal management, delivering heat directly from high-performance components to cooling units. This approach is essential for high-density computing environments where traditional air cooling reaches its limits.
Application in Data Centers:
Cold plate cooling systems circulate coolant through cold plates attached directly to CPUs, GPUs, and other heat-generating components. This direct contact cooling method removes heat at the source, enabling higher power densities and improved thermal performance. It's particularly effective for AI/ML workloads, HPC clusters, and hyperscale facilities.
● Supports power densities up to 50 kW/rack
● Enables PUE ratings below 1.3
● Ideal for GPU/TPU-based AI training systems
● Reduces fan noise and improves acoustic environment
● Compatible with both direct and indirect cooling architectures
LM-4D
25% Ethylene Glycol Content - Enhanced
LM-4D is specifically formulated for cold plate liquid cooling applications, providing superior thermal conductivity and low viscosity to ensure efficient heat transfer in high-density computing environments.
✅️ Optimized for cold plate cooling systems
✅️ Low viscosity for efficient pumping
✅️ High thermal conductivity (0.1364 W/m·K)
✅️ Excellent chemical stability
✅️ Extended fluid lifespan (8-10 years)
| Glycol Type | Ethylene Glycol |
|---|---|
| Concentration | 25% |
| Viscosity (20°C) | 10.40 cP |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.1364 W/m·K |
| Operating Temp | -50°C to 200°C |
LM-4D-YE
25% Ethylene Glycol Content - Yellow Edition
LM-4D-YE offers the same high-performance characteristics as LM-4D with enhanced visual identification for system monitoring and maintenance tracking in complex data center environments.
✅️ Yellow color for easy fluid identification
✅️ Same thermal performance as LM-4D
✅️ Facilitates leak detection and maintenance
✅️ Compatible with all cold plate materials
✅️ Corrosion inhibitors for long-term reliability
| Glycol Type | Ethylene Glycol |
|---|---|
| Concentration | 25% |
| Color | Yellow |
| Viscosity (20°C) | 10.40 cP |
| Operating Temp | -50°C to 200°C |
LM-4ABG
25% Propylene Glycol Content
LM-4ABG is also suitable for cold plate liquid cooling applications, particularly in environments where non-toxic formulations are required. Its propylene glycol base provides excellent thermal performance with enhanced safety characteristics.
✅️ Non-toxic formulation for sensitive environments
✅️ Compatible with cold plate materials
✅️ Excellent heat transfer efficiency
✅️ Corrosion protection for system longevity
✅️ Environmentally friendly
| Glycol Type | Propylene Glycol |
|---|---|
| Concentration | 25% |
| Freeze Point | -18°C |
| Operating Temp | -15°C to 90°C |
| pH Value | 8.5-9.5 |
Cold Plate Liquid Cooling System Flow Diagram
System Components: Chiller Unit → Coolant Pump → Cold Plates (CPU/GPU) → Heat Exchanger → Chiller Unit
Immersion Cooling
Immersion cooling represents the pinnacle of data center thermal management, enabling unprecedented power densities by submerging IT equipment directly in specialized dielectric fluids. Glacier Coolant's immersion cooling solutions provide superior heat transfer efficiency and electrical safety for the most demanding computing environments.
Application in Data Centers
Immersion cooling systems completely submerge IT equipment in dielectric fluid, which directly absorbs heat from all components including CPUs, GPUs, memory modules, and storage devices. This approach eliminates traditional air cooling entirely, dramatically improving energy efficiency and enabling power densities exceeding 100 kW/rack. Ideal for HPC clusters, AI training facilities, and next-generation data centers aiming for ultra-low PUE ratings.
● Supports power densities up to 100+ kW/rack
● Enables PUE ratings of 1.1-1.2
● Eliminates need for air conditioning infrastructure
● Enables efficient waste heat recovery for district heating
● Silent operation - no fans or air handlers required
● Extends equipment lifespan through uniform cooling
LM-14C
Dielectric Immersion Coolant
LM-14C is a specialized dielectric coolant designed for single-phase immersion cooling applications. Its formulation provides excellent thermal properties while maintaining electrical insulation for safe operation with submerged electronics.
✅️ Dielectric strength > 25 kV/mm
✅️ Low viscosity for natural convection
✅️ High thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer
✅️ Chemically stable and non-corrosive formulation
✅️ Compatible with all electronic components
| Type | Dielectric Coolant |
|---|---|
| Dielectric Strength | > 25 kV/mm |
| Viscosity (20°C) | 10.40 cP |
| Operating Temp | -50°C to 200°C |
| Flash Point | > 200°C |
LM-15B
Modified Polysiloxane Immersion Coolant
LM-15B is a modified polysiloxane-based coolant engineered for immersion cooling systems. Its unique formulation provides excellent dielectric properties, thermal stability, and long-term reliability in demanding immersion environments.
✅️ Modified polysiloxane composition for superior performance
✅️ Excellent dielectric properties (>25 kV/mm)
✅️ High thermal stability across wide temperature range
✅️ Low volatility and minimal fluid loss
✅️ Extended fluid lifespan (10+ years)
✅️ Excellent hydrophobicity and dispersibility
| Composition | Modified Polysiloxane |
|---|---|
| Dielectric Strength | > 25 kV/mm |
| Density (20°C) | 0.942 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (20°C) | 10.40 cP |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.1364 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat | 1.7040 kJ/kg·K |
| Operating Temp | -50°C to 200°C |
| Flash Point | > 200°C |
| Shelf Life | 30-60 months |
LM-14
Dielectric Immersion Cooling Fluid
LM-14 is a specialized dielectric coolant designed for immersion cooling applications in data centers, providing excellent thermal properties while maintaining electrical insulation for safe operation with submerged electronics.
✅️ Excellent dielectric properties for electrical safety
✅️ Temperature range: -110°C to 135°C
✅️ Non-flammable with zero flash point
✅️ Low viscosity for efficient heat transfer
✅️ Compatible with metals and plastics
| Temperature Range | -110°C ~ 135°C |
|---|---|
| Composition | Dielectric Fluid |
| Key Feature | Immersion Cooling |
| Applications | Data center immersion cooling |
LM-17
High-Performance Immersion Coolant
LM-17 is a high-performance immersion cooling fluid designed for advanced data center cooling applications, offering superior thermal conductivity and stability for next-generation computing systems.
✅️ Temperature range: -50°C to 200°C
✅️ High thermal conductivity
✅️ Excellent thermal stability
✅️ Low viscosity for efficient pumping
✅️ Long service life
| Temperature Range | -50°C ~ 200°C |
|---|---|
| Composition | High-Performance Fluid |
| Key Feature | Advanced Cooling |
| Applications | High-performance computing |
Product Application Guide
Comprehensive guidance on selecting and implementing the optimal cooling solution for your data center requirements
Water Cooling Implementation
Traditional Chilled Water Systems
Water cooling systems remain the backbone of enterprise data center thermal management, offering proven reliability and cost-effectiveness for mid-density facilities.
Best Practices:
✅️ Maintain glycol concentration at 25% for optimal freeze protection (-18°C to -20°C)
✅️ Monitor pH levels (8.5-9.5) to prevent corrosion and ensure system longevity
✅️ Implement regular fluid analysis every 6-12 months to detect degradation
✅️ Use corrosion inhibitors compatible with copper, steel, and aluminum components
✅️ Ensure proper circulation to prevent stratification and hot spots
System Requirements:
✅️ Compatible with existing chilled water infrastructure
✅️ Supports free cooling strategies in suitable climates
✅️ Requires periodic water treatment and filtration
✅️ Ideal for facilities with power densities up to 20 kW/rack
Maintenance Schedule:
| Daily | Visual inspection for leaks, monitor pressure gauges |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Check glycol concentration, pH levels, and temperature readings |
| Quarterly | Full system flush, filter replacement, corrosion inhibitor analysis |
| Annually | Complete fluid replacement (8-10 year lifespan in closed-loop systems) |
Cold Plate Cooling Implementation
Direct Contact Liquid Cooling
Cold plate liquid cooling represents the next evolution in thermal management, delivering heat directly from high-performance components to cooling units with unprecedented efficiency.
Best Practices:
✅️ Select low-viscosity fluids (10-12 cP at 20°C) for efficient pumping and heat transfer
✅️ Ensure high thermal conductivity (>0.13 W/m·K) for optimal performance
✅️ Implement leak detection systems for early problem identification
✅️ Use color-coded fluids (LM-4D-YE) for easy visual monitoring
✅️ Maintain proper flow rates to prevent thermal throttling of components
System Requirements:
✅️ Compatible with cold plate materials (copper, aluminum, nickel-plated surfaces)
✅️ Requires precision flow control and temperature monitoring
✅️ Ideal for GPU/TPU-based AI training systems and HPC clusters
✅️ Supports power densities up to 50 kW/rack
Maintenance Schedule:
| Daily | Monitor flow rates, pressure differentials, and component temperatures |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Check for leaks, verify pump operation, inspect cold plate connections |
| Monthly | Analyze fluid condition, check for particulate contamination |
| Quarterly | Full system inspection, fluid quality analysis, performance verification |
Immersion Cooling Implementation
Dielectric Fluid Submersion
Immersion cooling represents the pinnacle of data center thermal management, enabling unprecedented power densities by submerging IT equipment directly in specialized dielectric fluids.
Best Practices:
✅️ Ensure dielectric strength > 25 kV/mm for electrical safety
✅️ Maintain fluid purity to prevent component degradation
✅️ Implement continuous filtration to remove particulate contamination
✅️ Monitor fluid level and temperature distribution across the tank
✅️ Use compatible tank materials (stainless steel, specialized polymers)
System Requirements:
✅️ Requires specialized immersion tank infrastructure
✅️ Eliminates need for traditional air conditioning systems
✅️ Ideal for extreme-density applications (100+ kW/rack)
✅️ Enables ultra-low PUE ratings (1.1-1.2)
Maintenance Schedule:
| Daily | Monitor fluid temperature, tank pressure, and pump operation |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Check fluid level, inspect for leaks, verify filtration system |
| Monthly | Fluid quality analysis, dielectric strength testing, particulate inspection |
| Quarterly | Complete fluid analysis, filtration system maintenance, performance audit |
Success Stories & Case Studies
Real-world implementations demonstrating the transformative impact of advanced cooling solutions
Xinjiang Petroleum Administrative Bureau - CNPC
Challenge: Affiliated with China National Petroleum Corporation, the Xinjiang Petroleum Administrative Bureau required a reliable cooling solution for its data center's air conditioning and cold storage systems in 2020. The harsh desert environment with extreme temperature variations demanded a solution that could deliver exceptional reliability and long-term stability.
Solution: After extensive evaluation, the bureau selected 80 tons of LM-4 Glacier Coolant for their cooling infrastructure. The solution was specifically chosen for its superior heat transfer performance, comprehensive corrosion protection, and proven reliability in demanding environments.
Implementation Highlights:
● 80 tons of LM-4 coolant deployed across data center cooling systems
● Comprehensive system integration with existing infrastructure
● Professional technical support throughout implementation
Results: The systems have operated flawlessly, with minimal equipment loss and excellent long-term stability. This success has led to ongoing partnerships and recommendations to other petroleum industry facilities.
80 tons
LM-4 Deployed
2020
Implementation Year
0
Equipment Failures
China Railway Data Center - Core Infrastructure Cooling
Challenge: The China Railway Corporation's main data center, located in Wuqing District, Tianjin, serves as the central hub for critical railway data storage, including 12306 ticketing system data and railway operations information. This mission-critical facility requires highly reliable cooling solutions to support core data storage, key business computing, and data backup operations.
Solution: Since 2020, the data center has been using 80 tons of LM-4 Glacier Coolant for its air cooling systems, outdoor cooling circuits, and indoor freezing-side professional refrigeration. The LM-4 solution was selected for its superior heat transfer performance, comprehensive corrosion protection, and proven reliability in supporting 24/7 critical infrastructure operations.
Implementation Highlights:
● 80 tons of LM-4 coolant deployed for comprehensive cooling
● Air cooling systems for indoor server environments
● Outdoor cooling circuits for heat rejection
● Indoor freezing-side professional refrigeration support
Results: The LM-4 cooling solution has provided reliable operation since 2020, supporting the railway industry's most critical data infrastructure with excellent thermal management performance and system stability.
80 tons
LM-4 Deployed
2020
Implementation Year
12306
Key Application
Application Flow Process
System Assessment
Analysis of cooling requirements and power density
Product Selection
Choose coolant based on application type
System Integration
Professional installation and commissioning
Performance Monitoring
Continuous monitoring and optimization
Optimal Operation
Sustained efficiency and reliability
Frequently Asked Questions
Glacier Coolant offers comprehensive cooling solutions:
● Water Cooling Systems - Using LM-4 (ethylene glycol) and LM-4ABG (propylene glycol) for traditional chilled water loops
● Cold Plate Liquid Cooling - Using LM-4D, LM-4D-YE, and LM-4ABG for direct contact cooling of high-performance components
● Immersion Cooling - Using LM-14, LM-14C, LM-15B, and LM-17 dielectric fluids for submerging IT equipment directly
Our cooling solutions help achieve PUE ratings ranging from 1.1 to 1.5 depending on the cooling approach:
● Water Cooling: Achieves PUE 1.3-1.5, ideal for mid-density facilities
● Cold Plate Cooling: Achieves PUE below 1.3, suitable for high-density computing
● Immersion Cooling: Achieves PUE 1.1-1.2, the most efficient solution for extreme densities
Different cooling systems support varying power densities:
● Water Cooling: Supports up to 20 kW/rack, ideal for traditional enterprise data centers
● Cold Plate Liquid Cooling: Supports up to 50 kW/rack, perfect for GPU/TPU-based AI training systems
● Immersion Cooling: Supports 100+ kW/rack, enabling next-generation extreme-density facilities
Yes, our products are designed with environmental considerations in mind:
● LM-4ABG uses non-toxic propylene glycol, making it safer for the environment and personnel
● All products are formulated to be biodegradable and meet international environmental standards
● Our solutions help reduce energy consumption, supporting sustainable data center operations
We recommend the following maintenance schedule:
● Daily: Visual inspection for leaks, monitor pressure and temperature gauges
● Monthly: Check fluid concentration, pH levels, and conduct basic fluid analysis
● Quarterly: Full system inspection, filter replacement, and comprehensive fluid analysis
● Annually: Complete system flush and fluid replacement (every 8-10 years for closed-loop systems)
Ready to Optimize Your Data Center Cooling?
Our team of experts will conduct a comprehensive system assessment and design a customized solution tailored to your specific requirements.
Post time: Jul-21-2026