ICT Liquid Cooling

Overview

ICT liquid cooling refers to liquid-based thermal management systems used in information and communications technology infrastructure, including server cooling and switch liquid cooling. Coolant chemistry and quality control are among the most critical operational factors in these systems: the choice between pure water coolant and formulated coolant has significant implications for material compatibility, maintenance complexity, real-time monitoring capability, and long-term operational cost.

TCT validated pure water coolant in a Core Switch Server Liquid Cooling System over five years (July 2018 – June 2023) in Guizhou Province, China. End-of-project water quality measurements showed conductivity of 6.71 µS/cm, pH of 6.7, and turbidity of 0.0 NTU — all within acceptable ranges. The pipeline inner walls showed no microbial attachment, the water remained clear and impurity-free, and the system operated unmanned for the full period, requiring only one MPM replacement triggered by a conductivity alarm.