As the demand for AI and crypto mining facilities surge, so does their energy footprint. These technologies power the future, but they come at a cost: carbon emissions. One of the most under appreciated contributors to this issue? Cooling towers in data centers. These essential systems manage the intense heat generated by servers but often operate inefficiently, wasting energy and water and increasing carbon emissions.
In this blog, we’ll explore how cooling towers impact the environment, why they’re vital to AI and crypto mining operations and the innovative solutions available to make them more sustainable. By optimizing cooling systems, businesses can not only reduce emissions but also save on energy and water costs—benefiting both the planet and their bottom line. Keep reading to discover actionable insights and strategies to minimize your data center’s environmental footprint.
The Carbon Footprint of Cooling Towers
Data centers, especially those supporting AI and cryptocurrency, consume vast amounts of energy, much of which is devoted to cooling. The cooling process, often managed by evaporative cooling towers, can result in substantial water and energy usage, increasing indirect carbon emissions. According to a report from Uptime Institute, cooling accounts for nearly 40% of a typical data center’s energy consumption.
Additionally, cooling towers traditionally rely on chemical water treatments that come with environmental risks, including chemical runoff and increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from chemical production and transport.
3 Emerging Technologies to Combat Emissions
1. Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) Systems
Hydroxyl-Based AOP water treatment systems for cooling towers offer a chemical-free or non-chemical biocide alternative. By leveraging reactive oxygen species, AOP (advanced oxidation process) improves water quality, prevents scaling and reduces biofilm formation – all of which enhance cooling efficiency. Higher efficiency translates into reduced energy use and lower carbon emissions.
2. Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC)
Emerging direct liquid cooling (DLC) technologies, where cooling fluid is applied directly to heat sources, offer another solution for AI and crypto centers. This technology reduces reliance on traditional cooling towers, cutting both energy and water use.
3. Heat Recovery Systems
Innovative heat recovery systems are emerging that capture and repurpose waste heat from data centers for other applications, such as district heating or industrial processes. This reduces the total carbon footprint by turning a liability into a resource.
The Environmental Impact: A Positive Shift
The adoption of these technologies not only helps data centers meet growing cooling demands but also aids in carbon reduction. For example, using AOP systems in cooling towers can reduce water and energy usage by up to 30%, cutting associated emissions. This change can be pivotal for crypto facilities, which often operate in areas with stringent environmental regulations.
Moreover, by reducing the need for chemical treatments, AOP systems minimize the emissions tied to chemical production and disposal. These solutions align with the broader sustainability goals of the tech sector, pushing for a carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative future.
By eliminating chemical treatments, AOP also reduces GHG emissions tied to chemical production, transportation, and disposal. These benefits align with the tech sector’s push toward carbon neutrality. For crypto mining facilities, especially in regions with strict environmental regulations, these innovations are more than sustainable—they’re essential for compliance and growth.
AI & Crypto Mining Facilities’ Call to Action
As AI and crypto mining facilities expand, so does their responsibility to innovate sustainably. Cooling systems are a critical, though often hidden, piece of this puzzle. By adopting advanced technologies like AOP water treatment and heat recovery systems, data centers can reduce their environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.
It’s time for the industry to acknowledge and act on the carbon footprint of cooling towers, ensuring that the future of tech doesn’t compromise the future of our planet.
Arin McNemar
Executive VP of Sales
