Liquid Cooling
The application of sanitary-grade valves in liquid cooling systems aims to address three critical challenges in high-power equipment thermal management: zero-tolerance leakage, material compatibility, and precise flow control. As the power density of single server racks in AI data centers exceeds 30 kW, liquid cooling has emerged as the mainstream thermal management solution, making sanitary-grade valves essential components for ensuring safe and efficient system operation.
The following outlines the key application scenarios and technical requirements for sanitary-grade valves in liquid cooling systems:
1. Key Application Scenarios and Valve Configuration
Liquid cooling systems comprise multiple levels—such as Coolant Distribution Units (CDUs), rack distribution piping, and server-level interfaces—with varying valve requirements depending on the specific location.
2. Key Technical Requirements
Sealing Performance: Zero Tolerance for Leakage
Electronic equipment, such as servers, is highly sensitive to coolant leakage; consequently, standards for external leakage are extremely stringent. When tested using helium mass spectrometry, the leakage rate must be less than 1×10⁻⁹ Pa·m³/s, while critical valves must meet ANSI Class VI standards for internal leakage (no detectable leakage). This is why liquid cooling systems predominantly utilize sanitary clamps (quick-connect fittings) and welded connections, thereby eliminating at the source the use of materials like PTFE tape or sealants that are prone to aging or clogging the piping.
High Material-Medium Compatibility
Valve materials must be fully compatible with the coolant to prevent corrosion, seal failure, or coolant contamination.
Cleanliness Requirements
Liquid cooling systems are highly sensitive to particulate contaminants, which can clog the intricate micro-channel cold plates inside servers. Therefore, sanitary-grade valves undergo precision degreasing and cleaning before shipment; internal surfaces must be smooth and free of dead zones, and particulate cleanliness must meet NAS 1638 Class 6 standards or higher.
Reliability and Service Life
Data centers and energy storage systems typically require uninterrupted operation for over a decade, necessitating an exceptionally long service life for core components like valves. Electric and solenoid valves must withstand at least 100,000 mechanical cycles, and actuators must have an ingress protection rating of IP65 or higher. 3. Key Technical Specifications
Nominal Pressure: While the system operating pressure is typically 0.3–0.6 MPa (on the cold plate side), the valve design pressure must be no less than 1.0 MPa (10 bar) and capable of withstanding transient water hammer surges of 1.3–1.5 times the operating pressure.
Operating Temperature Range: -10°C to 100°C, accommodating various environments and media.
Flow Characteristics: Electric control valves used for temperature regulation should feature ideal equal-percentage flow characteristics and a control accuracy of ≤±1% FS. They must support 4–20 mA analog signals or digital communication protocols (such as Modbus) to enable integration with monitoring systems.
In summary, sanitary-grade valves in liquid cooling systems are not merely for simple on/off operation; they represent a comprehensive solution combining high-purity materials, zero-leakage sealing, and precision regulation. From data center CDUs to thermal management for energy storage battery packs, proper valve selection is critical to the heat dissipation efficiency and operational safety of high-power equipment.