What is Glycol?

Glycol, specifically ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, is a type of alcohol used in various industrial applications. It is known for its excellent thermal properties and ability to lower the freezing point of water, making it an ideal choice for cooling systems. In data centers, glycol is commonly mixed with water to create a solution that circulates through the cooling infrastructure.

Importance of Cooling in Data Centers

Data centers house a vast array of servers and networking equipment that generate significant amounts of heat. Effective cooling is essential to prevent overheating, which can lead to equipment failure, data loss, and increased operational costs. The use of glycol-based cooling systems helps maintain optimal operating temperatures, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the data center infrastructure.

Types of Glycol Used

  1. Ethylene Glycol: This type is widely used due to its superior heat transfer capabilities. However, it is toxic and requires careful handling and disposal.
  2. Propylene Glycol: This type is less efficient in terms of heat transfer but is non-toxic, making it a safer alternative, especially in environments where human exposure is a concern.

Advanced Glycol Formulation: Coolflow DTX™

Coolflow DTX™ was introduced in 2010 as a high-performance non-toxic heat transfer fluid, suitable for replacing propylene glycol in process cooling systems. The ground-breaking coolant, formulated by glycol experts Hydratech, utilizes the performance benefits of ethylene glycol and the non-toxic safety of propylene glycol. Specific benefits include:

  1. Reduced energy consumption
  2. Increased COP & outputs
  3. Less volume required
  4. Cheaper per litre
  5. Comprehensive freeze protection
  6. High-performance inhibitor formulation

How Glycol Cooling Systems Work

Glycol cooling systems typically involve a closed-loop system where the glycol-water mixture absorbs heat from the data center equipment and then dissipates it through heat exchangers. These systems can be air-cooled or water-cooled, depending on the design and requirements of the data center.

  1. Air-Cooled Systems: In these systems, the glycol solution absorbs heat and transfers it to the outside air through radiators or dry coolers. They are simpler and generally require less maintenance.
  2. Water-Cooled Systems: These systems use a secondary water circuit to transfer the heat from the glycol solution to a cooling tower or chiller, which then dissipates the heat. Water-cooled systems are more efficient and suitable for larger data centers with higher cooling demands.

Benefits of Using Glycol

  1. Improved Heat Transfer: Glycol solutions, especially an advanced formulation like Coolflow DTX™ , can enhance the heat transfer properties of water, allowing for more efficient cooling.
  2. Freeze Protection: Glycol lowers the freezing point of water, preventing the coolant from freezing in colder climates.
  3. Corrosion Inhibition: Many glycol formulations, including Coolflow DTX™ , include inhibitors that protect the cooling system components from corrosion, extending their lifespan.
  4. Flexibility and Scalability: Glycol-based systems can be easily scaled to meet the growing cooling demands of expanding data centers.

Considerations for Using Glycol

  1. Toxicity: Ethylene glycol is toxic, and leaks or spills can pose significant health and environmental risks. Proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures must be in place. An advanced formulation like Coolflow DTX™ can mitigate some of these risks.
  2. Maintenance: Glycol solutions require regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure they remain effective. This includes checking glycol concentrations, pH levels, and inhibitor efficacy.
  3. Cost: The initial cost of glycol-based cooling systems can be higher compared to other methods, though the long-term benefits often outweigh these initial expenses.

Conclusion

Glycol, and especially an advanced formulation like Coolflow DTX™ , plays an indispensable role in the efficient cooling of data centers. Its ability to enhance heat transfer, provide freeze protection, and inhibit corrosion makes it a valuable component in maintaining optimal operating conditions. While there are considerations regarding toxicity and maintenance, the benefits of using glycol in data center cooling systems are substantial. As data centers continue to evolve, glycol-based cooling solutions will remain a cornerstone of effective thermal management, ensuring the reliability and longevity of critical infrastructure.

By understanding the properties, applications, and considerations associated with glycol, data center operators can make informed decisions to optimize their cooling strategies and support the growing demands of modern computing environments.