AIDC液冷行业调研

Summary of Liquid Cooling Industry Research Industry Overview - The liquid cooling industry is driven by the increasing power consumption of GPUs, particularly when GPU power exceeds 1,000 watts, making traditional air cooling insufficient [1][2] - Liquid cooling technology aligns with carbon neutrality goals due to its energy efficiency and superior heat dissipation capabilities [1][2] Key Points Current Technology and Market Trends - Cold plate liquid cooling is the dominant technology, accounting for over 90% of the market, with single-phase liquid cooling being the primary form [1][5] - Despite the potential of microchannel and phase change technologies, traditional single-phase non-direct contact cold plate liquid cooling remains the leading solution in the short term [1][5] - The application of liquid cooling in data centers is increasing, especially for high-power GPU cabinets, despite initial costs being 10%-20% higher than air cooling [1][6] Cost and Efficiency - Liquid cooling systems are more energy-efficient, reducing air conditioning energy consumption and lowering Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) [2][6] - The cost of liquid cooling systems ranges from 3,000 to 3,500 yuan per kilowatt, compared to 2,500 to 3,000 yuan for air cooling, but the performance advantages make liquid cooling increasingly attractive [6] Market Dynamics - The power equipment configuration ratio in data centers is shifting from 70% IT load and 30% infrastructure in air cooling to 80% IT load and 20% infrastructure in liquid cooling [7] - Major suppliers in the liquid cooling market include companies like Vertiv, Delta, Baode, and Schneider, with Vertiv holding a significant share due to its collaboration with NVIDIA [3][13] Future Projections - The large-scale application of liquid cooling technology is expected to surge from 2024 to 2025, particularly in overseas markets, driven by the deployment of high-power GPUs [4] - The domestic market is anticipated to follow suit by 2026, contingent on policy changes and access to high-performance chips [4] Challenges and Considerations - Liquid cooling systems require careful design to account for IT load and CPU ratios, often necessitating redundancy to ensure stability under extreme conditions [7][9] - The integration of power and cooling systems is a growing trend, with major players acquiring companies to enhance their competitive edge and provide comprehensive solutions [21][22] Market Potential - The liquid cooling market has significant growth potential, with estimates suggesting a market size reaching billions if 40,000 units are deployed [20] - The trend towards prefabricated solutions in power and cooling systems is expected to reshape the competitive landscape in the industry [22] Additional Insights - The cooling liquid prices have decreased significantly, further narrowing the cost gap between liquid and air cooling systems [6] - The future of liquid cooling technology may involve the use of smaller refrigeration units to achieve lower temperature cooling, indicating a shift towards more advanced cooling solutions [12]