The Refroid Immersion Cooling Solution Conference, on September 21 in Dubai, and organised by a consortium comprising AG Engineering, Lexzander, Refroid, 2CRSI, and Noorvia, discussed the evolving landscape of data centre cooling. The conference highlighted the increasing importance of immersion cooling systems with enhanced Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and explored the future of data centres and sustainable energy management. Moreover, the discussions were driven by the rising demand for expanded storage capacity, fuelled by digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and related technologies.

V Sekhar Reddy, Managing Director, Lexzander, kicked off the discussions by sharing an overview of the conference and emphasising the importance of addressing energy generation and consumption for sustainable energy management. He said the conference underlines how next-generation data centres can enhance sustainability by reducing consumption and improving data input efficiency. Furthermore, Reddy said that with the rise of artificial intelligence and digital solutions, there is a growing need for cost-effective, sustainable, energy-efficient data centres, and the objective of the conference is to address this and offer a ground-breaking solution. Reddy said: “The objective is to create carbon-neutral data centres that are cost-effective and well-coordinated. Moreover, we [as a consortium] aim to provide end-to-end solutions, including software engineering, construction management, and more, and the critical elements of our approach will include anticipating challenges, realistic project forecasting, and maximising efficiency and return on investment.

Additionally, Reddy provided insights into the consortium, shedding light on its role and contributions. He said the companies that are part of the consortium will offer comprehensive, cost-effective solutions and services, such as feasibility studies, risk management, design, procurement, construction, testing and maintenance. Reddy pointed out that there are nuanced benefits of collaborating with the consortium, which recognises the importance of energy management in today’s world. The consortium, he said, would mean unified systems, integrated solutions, energy efficiency and a focus on sustainability beyond just data centres.

Andrew Schumer, CTO, 7Ci, making the Keyonte Address, gave an overview of the energy landscape in the GCC region, the challenges, and the need for sustainable and reliable energy projects. Speaking on the topic, ‘Powering up: Technological Innovations for Energy Efficiency and Reliability in the GCC region’, Schumer underlined the substantial energy consumption in the GCC region, driven by factors like population growth and a need for a high-quality life. Schumer emphasised the critical intersection of technology and energy consumption in fields like Bitcoin mining and blockchain technology. Furthermore, pointing to the challenges in the GCC region relating to implementing renewable energy sources, he highlighted the importance of technological innovations. He said they are essential to improve the efficiency of energy production, transmission and distribution, reduce waste and increase the use of renewable energy sources.

Schumer’s presentation also delved into emerging technologies, such as solar power, hydrogen, smart grids, and the role of AI and automation in efficient energy management while underscoring the significance of energy efficiency in various sectors. He further said Government initiatives in the UAE could be crucial in promoting technological innovations for energy efficiency and reliability in the GCC region. The Government, he said, can provide funding, incentives and regulatory frameworks to encourage the adoption of innovative technologies. Moreover, he said, the UAE Government’s commitment to sustainability, and various initiatives and incentives for energy efficiency, are addressing challenges like the skills gap and cultural barriers. He concluded his speech by discussing the future of data centres, stressing the shift towards distributed data centres and IoT networks and their potential application in data-intensive tasks.

Speaking after Schumer and giving the Plenary Address, Jacob John, CEO, Construction & Services, Al Ghurair Investment (AGI), shared a detailed overview of the various verticals of AGI. John spoke on the Group’s initiatives and showcased AGI’s data centre and District Cooling projects. John highlighted AGI’s involvement in the construction of data centres. He also discussed the challenges associated with data centre construction, including the need for substantial power and infrastructure. He spoke of how AGI offers comprehensive solutions, such as data centre construction, high-voltage power substations and District Cooling plants, with a fast-track approach and commitment to uptime and safety standards.

In the latter half of his Plenary Address, John was joined on stage by Prakasha Rudrappa, Executive Vice President, AG Engineering & Power and by Sathik Batcha, Senior Vice President- Electrical, AG Engineering & Power, who gave a detailed overview of the core solutions offered by the company in the domains of data centre design, execution and maintenance. Batcha said the solutions encompass the entire data centre lifecycle – from design to maintenance. He spoke of how the company boasts a substantial workforce, along with the necessary licences and certifications. He further said the final phase of a project – testing and commissioning – is vital for ensuring data centre functionality, capacity and seamless integration.

In their presentation, Rudrappa and Batcha also outlined AGI’s approach to data centre design, encompassing concept design, schematic design and construction phases. Batcha said that collaboration with leading data centre designers was a highlight of AGI’s approach, where the emphasis was on the importance of involving the project team and conducting walkthroughs to ensure a deep understanding of the design intent. Rudrappa and Batcha concluded their presentation by underlining the significance of coordination and accessibility during installation, which is crucial for facility maintainability and certifications and for shaping the future of the data centre landscape.

While the first few presentations of the day delved into the various aspects of data centres, ranging from the current landscape to the need for emerging technologies in ensuring sustainability in energy management, the presentation by Srikanth Kanduri discussed in detail the workings of the Refroid pod and sustainable cooling solutions for data centres. Kanduri, CEO and Co-founder of Refroid Technologies Private Limited, began by discussing the diverse portfolio of Refroid, including electrical switch gears, air conditioners and transport applications and by pointing out how this product portfolio complements the company’s expertise in electrical equipment for data centres. A significant highlight of his presentation was the part in which he discussed the challenges associated with traditional data centre cooling and the advantages of immersion cooling. Kanduri said some challenges include high OPEX, low or medium rack intensities, increased water usage and significant CO2 emissions. He further elaborated on the advantages of immersion cooling while pointing out that the technology dates back to the 1950s but has seen recent innovations.

The advantages of immersion cooling, he said, include superior heat dissipation capabilities, lower water usage, reduced power requirements, compact server arrangements, improved IT hardware life, efficient operation at higher temperatures and up to 95% reduction in cooling power. In his presentation, Kanduri also introduced the EcoPod, MiniPod and ISOpod and said the key components of an immersion cooling system include pods, cooling distribution units, and the dielectric liquid. He concluded his presentation by underlining immersion cooling as an efficient and sustainable cooling solution for data centres, highlighting its advantages, components and potential benefits for the industry. He said adopting the technology aligns with the response to evolving computing needs and environmental concerns.

Joining the discussions, Nirmal Menon, Director – Channel and Sales, Noorvia, underlined how disruptive technologies can be leveraged to drive business growth. Menon also gave an overview of Noorvia and said the company works to engage various stakeholders in the technology ecosystem, including system integrators, consultants, end-users and channel partners. The company, he said, aims to provide opportunities for testing disruptive technologies in real time to showcase their value.

Furthermore, Menon delved into the importance of disruptive technologies in various sectors, including high-performance computing, edge computing, enterprise cloud, and blockchain and crypto mining. He said these technologies are expected to bring benefits, such as increased processing power, reduced energy consumption and quicker project implementation. Menon also said Noorvia offers value-added services, such as training and certification, consultancy, software-defined data centres and third-party logistics. He also pointed out the importance of events and conferences in the GCC region to promote sustainability and collaboration among stakeholders.

Alain Wilmouth, CEO, 2CRSi, delivered the last technical presentation for the day, in which he underlined the need for a shift in the data centre industry due to increasing demands of computing power and the challenges related to energy consumption and sustainability. He said reducing power consumption through using innovative technologies, like immersion cooling is essential to address the challenges confronting the data centre industry. In addition, Wilmouth addressed the data centre industry’s evolving needs with innovative sustainability efforts and power-efficient server solutions and said 2CRSi explores ways to reuse heat generated by data centres, such as providing hot water and distributing excess heat to nearby buildings. He further said his company aim to contribute to sustainability by generating electricity from solar farms and using hydrogen boilers for data centres. His presentation also delved into the potential benefits of disaggregated data centres and edge computing for more efficient computing power distribution. His presentation underlined the increasing power demands of modern GPUs, especially for AI applications and emphasised the need for more energy-efficient solutions.

‘With rising demand for computing power, traditional methods of power management won’t suffice’

The consensus is that advanced solutions, like immersion cooling, are necessary to meet these escalating requirements

One of the highlights of the Refroid Immersion Cooling Solution Conference, organised by the consortium comprising AG Engineering, Lexzander, Refroid, 2CRSI and Noorvia, was a panel discussion on emerging technologies in the domain of data centre cooling. Moderated by V Sekhar Reddy, Managing Director, Lexzander, it featured C V Ramana Murthy, Managing Director, Al Moyyed International; Jeán van Loggerenberg, Partner, CKR Consulting Engineers; Muhammad Naveed Saeed, Vice President, Global Service Management; Ehab Ibrahim, Regional Director, Meinhardt Group; Elie Al Chami, Director, Business Development, Uptime Institute; Sathik Batcha, Senior Vice President – Electrical, AG Engineering & Power; Srikanth Kanduri, CEO & Co-Founder, Refroid Technologies Private Limited; Alain Wilmouth, CEO, 2CRSi; Mahmoud Qammaz, Senior Vice President – Mechanical, AG Engineering & Power and Nirmal Menon, Director – Channel and Sales, Noorvia.

Naveed Saeed, who joined the conference virtually, said data centre technologies and lifecycles are in a phase of evolution, especially in the Middle East, but this trend is observable worldwide. Data centres, he said, are rapidly evolving, growing denser and facing increasing regulatory demands that must be carefully balanced by the teams responsible for their design, operation, construction and ownership. He said that these demands encompass aspects like efficiency, sustainability, total cost of ownership and data security. Furthermore, he said, engineers are pushing previously unchallenged boundaries, and some of the technological innovations influenced by data centre engineers are also making strides in commercial cooling. He said: “This technology promises to deliver significantly improved efficiency, even in regions with extreme temperatures, such as the Middle East, where average temperatures can reach as high as 48 degrees Celsius. This signifies a crucial effort to bring sustainability to future data centre designs, focusing on practical and implementable solutions, even in areas with limited water resources and high temperatures.”

Al Chami said, “The surge of new technologies, such as AI and blockchain, puts data centres under huge pressure to increase the computing capacity and load capacity per cabinet.” Ibrahim, sharing a consultancy perspective, said: “I believe that addressing these two crucial aspects has been a long-awaited endeavour, and we currently encounter challenges, particularly in regions where power infrastructure and high-density labs for data centres are lacking. It’s clear that the system [immersion cooling] still faces certain obstacles.” Therefore, he said, consultants, professionals and solution providers worldwide are responsible for collaborating and working towards comprehensive solutions in these areas. Al Chami said immersion cooling is a matter of great interest, adding that stakeholders are eager to embark on the journey of innovation in power infrastructure and data centre expansion. Ibrahim said: “I anticipate numerous discussions to explore potential solutions and overcome the challenges. We are enthusiastic about engaging with our partners and colleagues to develop a holistic and effective solution for the entire system.”

Murthy said that while the main discussion revolves around immersion cooling solutions, it’s essential to understand that the demand for these solutions comes from diverse sectors like finance, healthcare, government and businesses, as these sectors increasingly require high computing power for their services. He spoke of a need for efficient solutions capable of handling heavy workloads to meet this demand. “Immersion cooling,” he said, “whether customised or standardised, addresses these growing needs. With the rising demand for computing power, traditional methods of power management won’t suffice. Advanced solutions, like immersion cooling, are necessary to meet these escalating requirements.”

In the latter half of the panel discussion, Reddy posed questions to the members of the consortium through a structured Q&A session. Excerpts…

Reddy: What is it about Refroid that you feel makes it better than your competitors?

Kanduri: When assembling our immersion cooling system, we addressed various concerns regarding coolant management and safety, and we opted for a single-phase system to ensure that water remains far from the IT equipment, enhancing user confidence. This choice was deliberate, as we wanted to avoid using harmful chemicals associated with two-phase dielectric coolants. Moreover, our selection is centred on sustainability and eco-friendliness, and our system has been fine-tuned accordingly. These key points highlight our differentiation from competitors.

Reddy: What are your thoughts on the consortium approach? Where do you perceive its strengths? How do you view the collaborative effort that has been meticulously developed over the past year and is now being implemented? What advantages does this collective culture bring?

Qammaz: At AGI (Al Ghurair Investment), we prioritise innovation and sustainability, with a strong focus on the MSSQL system. Moreover, as data centre pioneers, we have extensively researched machine cooling systems. We offer a one-stop solution through the consortium to address past client challenges like information gaps and coordination issues. Clients can provide their data centre details, and we will handle design, execution, testing and coordination, delivering a certified, Uptime-guaranteed data centre. Our immersion cooling system also has an impressive PUE of around 1.05.

Reddy: How does the Refroid Pod align with customer requirements in various scenarios, whether they lean towards green, brown or hybrid solutions? In situations where data centres demand has increased storage capacity, where the footprint significantly influences investor returns and the need for faster ROI, how does your product and approach address these challenges?

Wilmouth: Refroid excels in listening to its customers, a crucial factor in any industry; by understanding market needs and consistently delivering, it establishes itself as a reliable long-term partner. Refroid has developed a wide range of products and launched essential products tailored for the rapidly growing edge cloud market. This adaptability and foresight sets it apart. Another significant advantage is the competitive pricing. Unlike some manufacturers who raise prices excessively, Refroid maintains affordability while delivering quality. It understands that total savings from cooling systems must exceed tank costs to be truly beneficial. Furthermore, Refroid’s approach includes offering tank leasing options, allowing customers to see immediate savings, often around 60% in just one month. This financing flexibility makes adopting the technology more accessible and attractive to investors. Additionally, Refroid’s immersion technology and data centre designs, requiring minimal AC, significantly reduce data centre costs, ultimately benefiting investors. Moreover, it’s essential to note that high-end solutions, while impressive, are only necessary for some. Refroid aims t\o cover 85% of the market’s needs, making the technology accessible and practical for many businesses. This inclusivity is crucial for the industry’s success and aligns with the interests of consulting and technical professionals who rely on versatile solutions.

Reddy: As one of the team leads, how do you plan to guide the consulting team when clients prefer conventional systems but need encouragement to explore emotional innovation?

Batcha: Our purpose at AG Engineering is to enhance lives and continually pursue improvement, and we recognise that immersion cooling systems are advancing, thanks to insights like those stated by Wilmouth on cost. However, these discussions should occur on a project-by-project basis, considering factors such as project capacity, location and purpose. By approaching these qualities holistically, we can better assess costs. As contractors, we believe consultants must specify the system’s speed to facilitate smooth implementation. This collaborative process helps ensure a successful first step.

Reddy: Considering your experience with 2CRSi and your extensive footprint throughout the GCC region, how do you envision addressing key components and maintainability in this initiative?

Menon: Only some people require an immersion solution initially, and it’s crucial to acknowledge this from the start to meet each client’s specific needs. In addition, it is also essential to understand that only some things fit the same formula. We primarily address a niche market where immersion cooling is the only viable option, especially for high-density requirements. This might sound aggressive, but it aligns with the reality of the situation. Additionally, for those expanding, whether in hyperscale or co-location, it’s advisable to prepare for the future, even if we can’t impose it on them.

The next session of the panel discussion featured another round of Q&A in which the members of the panel representing the public sector, consultants and end users asked questions to the members of the consortium. The discussions revolved around several key topics such as standards for certification when implementing the immersion cooling solution in data centres, especially considering the mentioned advantages and Uptime certification; efficiency, redundancy and reliability of an immersion cooling system potentially used in data centres; the design and reliability of immersion cooling systems in data centres, emphasising the system’s success, particularly in avoiding leaks, handling maintenance and replacements, and ensuring uptime and electrical connectivity; limitations and energy inefficiencies of conventional cooling systems in data centres, and the need for immersion cooling due to its efficiency in reducing energy consumption and heat generation; and the challenges in achieving a complete transition to immersion cooling, especially in regions with existing infrastructure. Furthermore, the discussion touched on various topics, including data centres and high-performance computing; challenges and considerations involved in brownfield retrofitting; comparison between data centre projects in terms of cost, capacity and technology; future computing demands; and the need to consider vertical expansion in data centres.

The panel discussion ended with the consortium members responding to questions from members of the audience. Some major highlights of this session included the discussions around converting additional faades into immersion cooling without changing the surface; a brownfield retrofitting scenario; the need for compatibility of hardware components with immersion cooling systems; certifications and standards related to data centre design and operation; the importance of resilience and concurrent maintainability in immersion cooling systems; and the need for redundancy, environmental impact, and the adoption of immersion cooling in different regions, including Asia and Africa. – IR