Coolant Distribution (CDU)
Data Center
Coolant distribution is the hydraulic interface between the facility water loop of a data centre and the technology loop inside the rack. A coolant distribution unit keeps both loops physically separate, holds the secondary supply temperature above the dew point of the rack environment, matches flow rate to the heat the servers actually release and keeps system pressure inside the window the cold plates allow. Heat exchanger, circulation pump, pressure maintenance, filtration and instrumentation for temperature, pressure and conductivity all belong to this assembly. Direct-to-chip cooling cannot be run safely without it.
This section currently lists no articles. The branch is structured by function in the cooling loop first, and the range is being built up: distribution units, water-to-water heat exchangers, pump groups, pressure maintenance and spare parts. Until stock arrives, the subcategories set out what each assembly does in the loop and which materials survive in the water-glycol mixture of an IT loop. Requests for specific assemblies are handled as project business.
Categories
Which assembly performs which task in the secondary loop
| Assembly | Task in the loop | Selection criterion | Material note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant distribution unit | separates primary and secondary loop, controls temperature and flow | heat load, temperature spread, pump redundancy | wetted parts in stainless steel and plastics |
| Water-to-water heat exchanger | transfers heat between the loops | approach temperature, pressure drop, cleanability | stainless steel plates, check the brazing material |
| Circulation pump and pump group | generates the flow rate in the secondary loop | head at the duty point, control mode, redundancy | housing in stainless steel or plastics |
| Expansion vessel and pressure maintenance | absorbs volume change and holds system pressure | system volume, temperature swing, static height | membrane resistant to water-glycol |
| Spare and wear parts | replace seals, filters and sensors | device series, sealing material | EPDM and PTFE are common in glycol loops |
- Direct-to-chip cooling of AI and HPC racks with cold plates
- Rear door heat exchangers on existing server cabinets
- Retrofitting air cooled floor space with individual liquid cooled islands
- Colocation sites where facility loop and customer loop are owned separately
- Test benches and laboratory loops with a defined supply temperature
- Secondary loops for power electronics and power supplies inside the rack