ExxonMobil, the renowned oil and gas company, is making a foray into the world of data centers with the launch of their new range of immersion cooling fluids. Aimed at revolutionizing the cooling process, these fluids offer enhanced heat removal capabilities and cost savings for data centers. This announcement comes amidst growing concerns over the environmental impact and efficiency of traditional air cooling methods.
The Array of Synthetic and Non-Synthetic Fluids
ExxonMobil’s portfolio comprises a diverse range of both synthetic and non-synthetic fluids. These cutting-edge cooling solutions have been carefully designed to meet the unique challenges faced by data centers. The company’s innovative research and development have resulted in a selection of fluids that can effectively transfer heat away from electronic equipment, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Unveiling at the Open Compute Project Global Summit
The launch of these immersion cooling fluids is set to take place at the prestigious Open Compute Project Global Summit, a platform known for fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of data centers. By introducing their fluids at this international event, ExxonMobil aims to demonstrate its commitment to advancing energy-efficient technologies for the industry.
Enhancing Heat Removal with Immersion Cooling Tanks
At the heart of this breakthrough technology lies immersion cooling tanks. These tanks submerge data center equipment in a dielectric fluid, enabling more efficient heat removal compared to traditional air cooling systems. By directly immersing the components, heat is dispersed more effectively, leading to lower operating temperatures and increased reliability.
Considerations for Selecting the Right Cooling Fluid
When opting for immersion cooling technology, data center operators need to carefully select the appropriate cooling fluid based on its thermal capacity and physical attributes. The choice of fluid must align with the specific requirements of the data center, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
The Shift from 3M Novec
Early iterations of immersion cooling systems utilized a chemical called 3M Novec. However, this fluid has since been withdrawn, necessitating the development of alternative solutions. ExxonMobil’s immersion cooling fluids offer a novel approach, providing efficient and sustainable alternatives to address this gap.
Unparalleled Cost Savings and Energy Efficiency
ExxonMobil proudly asserts that their immersion cooling fluids can reduce the total cost of ownership of IT equipment by up to 40% when compared to traditional air-cooling methods. This dramatic cost reduction is achieved through increased energy efficiency and reduced reliance on expensive cooling infrastructure. Furthermore, the power usage effectiveness (PUE) of data centers can be significantly improved with these advanced cooling fluids, resulting in reduced energy consumption and a smaller environmental footprint.
The Environmental Context
While ExxonMobil’s move into data center cooling represents a step towards energy efficiency, it is important to consider the company’s overall environmental record. ExxonMobil has faced criticism in relation to its contribution to climate change and its involvement in fossil fuel production. While the introduction of efficient cooling fluids is a positive development, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach towards sustainability.
The Plant-Based Alternative from Cargill
For data centers looking for an environmentally friendly alternative, Cargill offers a plant-based immersion cooling fluid. This innovative cooling solution harnesses the power of renewable resources to enhance cooling efficiency without compromising environmental values. The availability of alternatives further highlights the importance of balancing technological advancements with sustainability objectives.
ExxonMobil’s entry into the data center cooling market marks a significant development for the industry. The launch of their immersion cooling fluids, alongside the utilization of cutting-edge technology and diverse fluid options, promises improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced environmental sustainability. Leveraging their expertise in fluid innovation, ExxonMobil aims to contribute to a more energy-efficient and ecologically conscious future for data centers.