As we power ahead with breakneck speed towards a greener future, sustainability has become a critical focus for industry leaders like Amphenol. And as computational power surges, so does the challenge of managing the heat output. Traditional cooling methods were reliant on noisy fans and inefficient air circulation. These are proving to be very inadequate.

Enter Immersion Cooling — a technology that uses servers submerged in non-conductive, dielectric liquids, effectively dissipating heat without the need for bulky cooling infrastructure. This innovative approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also creates a quieter, more reliable environment for high-performance computing.

In this article, we’ll explore how Amphenol’s rugged connectors are integral to the success of immersion cooling systems, paving the way for a more sustainable future in data center operations. We will also look at Amphenol’s partnership with a leading data center liquid cooling solution provider, and this unique factor that gives us the upper hand in the industry when it comes to developing rugged connectors for immersion cooling systems.

Understanding Immersion Cooling Systems

Immersion cooling technology represents a revolutionary approach to thermal management in data centers, where servers are completely submerged in a specially designed dielectric fluid. This method offers several significant benefits over traditional air-cooling systems. First and foremost, immersion cooling enhances thermal efficiency by allowing heat to be absorbed directly from the electronic components, resulting in superior heat dissipation capabilities.

There are two primary types of immersion cooling liquids: single-phase and two-phase. In single-phase immersion cooling, the dielectric fluid remains in a liquid state throughout the process, absorbing heat from the components and circulating it to external heat exchangers for cooling. Conversely, two-phase immersion cooling utilizes a fluid with a low boiling point; as it heats up, it vaporizes, transferring heat away as gas, which is then condensed back into liquid form and recirculated.

When it comes to cooling data centers, immersion cooling systems are changing the game in a big way. Here’s why they’re gaining traction:

  • Energy Efficiency: Immersion cooling uses significantly less energy as compared to traditional air-cooling methods. In fact, it can cut power consumption for IT cooling by up to 90%. This means lower electricity bills and leave behind smaller carbon footprint—something we all care about.
  • Space-Saving Design: These systems take up much less space than conventional setups. Without the need for bulky air conditioning units and ductwork, data centers can maximize their available area, allowing for higher density and more computing power in a smaller footprint.
  • Reduced Noise Levels: Say goodbye to the constant hum of fans and air conditioning units. Immersion cooling operates quietly since it relies on liquid rather than air, creating a more pleasant working environment.
  • Enhanced Reliability: By submerging servers in a non-conductive liquid, immersion cooling not only keeps components at optimal temperatures but also protects them from dust and moisture. This leads to increased reliability and reduced downtime.
  • Futureproofing: As technology advances and computing demands grow, immersion cooling systems can easily adapt to accommodate higher power densities, making them a smart investment for the future.

In summary, immersion cooling isn’t just about keeping things cool; it’s about creating a more efficient, quieter, and reliable data center that meets the demands of modern computing while being kinder to our planet.

Amphenol Rugged Connectors in Immersion Cooling Systems

With the transition from air-cooled systems to immersion cooling systems, there arise unique challenges. The harsh conditions in which these connectors typically operate—exposure to environmental fluids that can corrode or degrade materials or cause short circuits if they are allowed to enter an enclosure, resulting in costly failures and downtime—demand a higher standard of durability and sealing.

The same sealed Amphenol designs created to keep moisture and liquids from entering an enclosure and be used to keep Immersion cooling liquids inside an enclosure from leaking out.  

Amphenol tackles the major challenge of adapting connectors that are suited to the harsh and immersed environments of an immersion cooling system. Amphenol has a large portfolio of rugged connectors that suit servers submerged in dielectric fluids so that the integrity of electrical connections is not compromised, since they are critical to ensuring uninterrupted operation and preventing potential failures.

Amphenol's Rugged Connector Solutions

Amphenol addresses the need for reliable connectivity in immersion cooling systems with its line of IP67 sealed rugged connectors. These connectors are specifically engineered to withstand the rigors of harsh operating environments while providing superior sealing against immersion cooling liquids. Among Amphenol’s offerings suited to such an environment are the Harsh MRJR Connectors, Harsh MUSBR Connectors, and Harsh MDBR Connectors. Each of these series features a robust design that ensures a secure connection even when subjected to extreme conditions. The IP67 rating indicates that these connectors are dust-tight and capable of withstanding immersion in water up to certain depths, making them ideal for use in immersion cooling applications.

Modular Jack - Rugged Rugged USB 3.0

The Amphenol Advantage

Amphenol has the unique advantage of being the sole designer and manufacturer of rugged connectors that can be used in immersion cooling systems. Amphenol's partnership with a leading provider of data center liquid cooling solutions provider has been instrumental in advancing our product development for immersion cooling systems. This collaboration has allowed us to leverage their expertise in immersion cooling technology to create innovative interfaces that address specific industry needs. Through this partnership, we have developed unique connector solutions that has given Amphenol and the provider a significant competitive edge in in immersion cooling technology. 

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Amphenol's rugged connectors are essential components in the advancement of immersion cooling systems, providing unmatched reliability and performance in demanding environments. Our IP67 sealed rugged connectors, including the MRJR, MUSBR, and MDBR series connectors, are specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions associated with immersion cooling.

As we continue to lead in the development of innovative solutions for immersion cooling applications, it is crucial for our internal teams to recognize and leverage this competitive advantage.

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