A Path to Commissioning of Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling for Hyperscale Data Centers using Experimental and CFD Techniques

The escalating demand for computing power in hyperscale data centers necessitates innovative cooling solutions to enhance energy efficiency and ensure sustainable operations. Direct-to-chip liquid cooling has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional air-cooling methods, offering improved thermal management and reduced energy consumption. This dissertation explores a comprehensive approach to commissioning direct-to-chip liquid cooling systems in hyperscale data centers by integrating experimental analyses and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques. The study begins by examining design modifications for air-cooled servers and later analyzes the impact of different parameters for a hybrid-cooled server. It explores the fundamental principles of direct-to-chip liquid cooling and its potential advantages over conventional cooling methods. The dissertation then details the experimental setup used to assess the thermal performance and energy efficiency of the proposed system under varying operational conditions. A rack-level study was performed, and a control strategy was developed to implement dynamic liquid cooling. Through iterative simulation and validation processes, this research identifies key parameters and best practices for optimizing the design and implementation of direct-to-chip cooling solutions. The findings demonstrate significant improvements in cooling efficiency and overall energy savings, highlighting the viability of this technology for hyperscale applications. Ultimately, this dissertation offers a practical roadmap for the deployment of direct-to-chip liquid cooling systems, addressing the technical challenges and operational considerations crucial for successful integration into modern data centers. By leveraging both experimental and CFD methodologies, this work contributes to the advancement of cutting-edge cooling technologies that meet the growing demands of the digital era. the digital era.