Cooling of data centres with AQUATHERM piping systems
Data centres form the backbone of the digital world and are experiencing enormous growth due to cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Data centre air conditioning is a critical success factor here. A key aspect of this is energy efficiency, particularly in terms of cooling. Data centres generate considerable amounts of heat, which must be dissipated effectively in order to ensure the operational reliability and functionality of the systems.
We have established ourselves as an experienced partner for energy-efficient data centre cooling and, with aquatherm blue, offer an innovative pipe system made of polypropylene PP-RCT specifically for the challenges of modern data centres. Especially for liquid cooling, aquatherm blue offers decisive advantages over traditional systems: higher cooling capacity with lower energy consumption and precise customisation to individual requirements. We therefore offer a sustainable cooling infrastructure and energy-efficient solution to cope with increasing cooling requirements.
Our experts have already successfully completed numerous projects worldwide and can support you in planning and implementing a sustainable, energy-efficient, and long-lasting solution for your data centre infrastructure.
Challenges in data centre cooling
The cooling of modern data centres is facing growing challenges, as heat generation is continuously increasing due to rising computing power. With every technological leap in chip development and the integration of AI-accelerated workloads, the heat density in the server racks increases dramatically. A trend that will continue to intensify with the next generation of AI applications. This development makes conventional cooling concepts increasingly inefficient and requires innovative technologies that meet the special requirements of air conditioning in data centres.
Reliability is the top priority for operators of critical IT infrastructures. The requirements for redundancy, scalability and energy efficiency are therefore particularly high. Cooling systems must continue to guarantee sufficient cooling in the event of maintenance or malfunction (N+1 or 2N redundancy) and at the same time be able to grow with the expanding data centre. Modern liquid cooling offers decisive advantages here: it not only enables the efficient dissipation of high heat outputs, but also helps to improve power usage effectiveness (PUE) through optimised operating parameters - a critical factor for sustainable operating concepts and the reduction of operating costs.
The sophisticated containment in the data centre plays a key role in efficiency. The consistent separation of hot and cold air using cold/hot aisle containment minimises energy losses and significantly increases cooling efficiency. The physical barrier between the air flows prevents mixing, allowing the supply air temperature to be precisely controlled. This enables higher return air temperatures, which in turn increases the efficiency of cooling systems. Modern models with aquatherm components can be seamlessly integrated into these enclosure concepts to support energy-efficient operation.
Areas of application for AQUATHERM systems in data centres
aquatherm systems provide an energy-efficient basis for liquid cooling in data centres in closed cold water circuits. The corrosion-free polypropylene PP-R material with a non-stick inner surface guarantees long-term operational reliability and constant flow rates - crucial in sensitive IT environments. Cooling of heat exchangers
aquatherm offers customised solutions for the air conditioning of all critical areas in the data centre: precise temperature control in cold aisles, reliable cooling at rack level despite extreme heat loads, optimum heat dissipation in technology centres, and easy integration in heat exchangers. The durable, low-maintenance plastic pipe systems ensure a consistent, highly efficient cooling concept for the entire IT infrastructure. Integration into enclosure concepts and free cooling systems
The aquatherm infrastructure integrates seamlessly into modern enclosure concepts and free cooling systems and increases efficiency by optimising heat dissipation while minimising energy consumption. The high temperature and pressure resistance of aquatherm blue also enables direct connection to direct liquid cooling systems for servers with high power density - indispensable for modern AI applications.
Data centre: waterless cooling as a key technology
Waterless cooling offers significantly higher efficiency than air cooling and supports sustainable concepts such as free cooling and heat recovery. aquatherm blue is a corrosion-free, flexible pipe system made of PP-RCT that is ideal for data centres. It enables precise temperature control and protects the sensitive IT infrastructure from deposits and corrosion. The integration of aquatherm blue reduces energy consumption and extends the service life of the cooling systems.
Liquid cooling: The new standard
aquatherm blue enables cooling with dielectric liquids in the closed circuit system of secondary liquid networks (SFN). This prevents water consumption, corrosion, and mineral deposits, while at the same time supporting the latest sustainable high-performance cooling technologies.
Developed for the future of data centres
- Compatibility with SFN and TCS: aquatherm blue can be seamlessly integrated into secondary fluid networks (SFN) and thermal control systems (TCS), making it ideal for edge, modular, and AI-enabled data centres.
- Hybrid integration: Our API-compatible connection system enables the transition from copper or PEX pipes and supports evolving infrastructure requirements.
- Flexibility for expansions: The hybrid capability of aquatherm blue ensures adaptability and long-term scalability.
Certified for global standards
- Meets and exceeds standards such as ASHRAE, Uptime Institute Tier IV, and ASTM F2023 for mission-critical environments.
- EPD 15804 and Cradle to Cradle Silver certified for low carbon content and high recyclability.
- UL 2024-certified for dielectric liquid tanks - future-proof for next-generation liquid cooling.
Secondary liquid networks for IT and technical rooms
Modern liquid cooling is not only used in large data centres, but also in smaller IT environments or technical rooms. aquatherm offers customised solutions with aquatherm blue, the industry's leading cooling pipe system specially developed for secondary liquid networks (SFN). The lightweight PP-RCT pipe system is ideal for use in confined spaces and enables efficient water-based cooling options that serve as an alternative to traditional air conditioning systems.
aquatherm blue has been specially developed to ensure peak performance and sustainability in demanding environments such as data centres and edge computing installations. The solution offers a fast thermal response and stable temperature distribution while reducing energy consumption. It is optimised for the rapid management of heat peaks and sustained high loads, such as in AI and ML clusters, and enables thermal stabilisation of <50 ms.
The technology also provides corrosion resistance, zero contamination, and high reliability, thanks to its oxygen-tight, non-stick coated inner surfaces. The advanced fusion welding technology ensures a leak-proof system - ideal for protecting sensitive IT infrastructures. aquatherm blue is also lightweight and flexible, making it easy to retrofit into existing systems or integrate into new builds.
In edge computing environments and decentralised applications, aquatherm blue delivers scalable cooling - applied precisely at the source of the heat load - for maximum efficiency and reliable protection of IT infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions about cooling data centres with AQUATHERM
Modern data centres are increasingly turning to advanced cooling solutions such as direct-to-chip (DLC) cooling and 2N redundancy systems. Traditional air cooling is becoming less viable for future-ready infrastructures - particularly with computing loads reaching 100 kW per rack or more, as is common in today’s AI-driven environments. DLC enables efficient heat dissipation directly at the processor via liquid circuits, allowing for significantly higher cooling capacity and improved energy efficiency. When combined with 2N redundancy concepts, this approach ensures not only maximum reliability but also the scalability needed to meet future demands. Emerging trends, such as AI chips with power densities exceeding 200 kW, make one thing clear: the cooling technology of tomorrow must be built to handle extreme computing loads.
2N cooling stands for complete redundancy of the cooling systems: every active cooling unit has an identical backup system. This design significantly increases reliability and ensures that the cooling of the IT infrastructure is guaranteed at all times, even in the event of maintenance work or a component failure. In modern data centres, especially in Tier III and Tier IV designs, 2N cooling is becoming increasingly important - not only to meet regulatory requirements, but also as an investment in long-term operational reliability. In combination with energy-efficient system solutions, it offers a future-proof basis for stable and scalable IT environments.
The cooling of modern data centres can be scaled flexibly in line with growth using modular concepts. The use of prefabrication by aquatherm, in which pipework systems are prefabricated to fit precisely and delivered to the construction site ready for installation, is particularly effective. This speeds up installation, reduces sources of error and minimises downtime during extensions. In combination with design assistance services and digital planning tools such as Revit, the cooling infrastructure can be planned efficiently and implemented in a future-proof manner. Pipe systems such as aquatherm blue can be easily retrofitted, while oversized main pipes and intelligent control systems allow new components to be integrated without major conversion work.
Mission-critical cooling systems place the highest demands on pipework infrastructure: absolute leak protection, long-term corrosion resistance, and maximum operational reliability - even under extreme thermal loads. Systems like aquatherm blue offer a smoother inner surface than metallic alternatives, are non-leaching, and completely corrosion-resistant. Their long service life and low maintenance requirements make them an ideal choice for critical environments. They also support flexible system expansions that keep pace with the dynamic growth of modern data centres - without compromising security or efficiency.
Modern cooling systems with efficient pipework, such as aquatherm blue, significantly reduce energy consumption, directly lowering the carbon footprint. The targeted reuse of waste heat for district heating networks transforms a former cost factor into a valuable energy resource. In addition, free cooling and intelligent control systems further optimise resource efficiency. With up to 42% less embodied carbon, full recyclability, and substantial reductions in energy and water use, these solutions offer a fast return on investment while actively supporting your ESG goals.
Our resin, a byproduct of oil production, is used to create robust, sustainable products. aquatherm begins with green waste and closes the loop, while materials like steel, stainless steel, and copper contribute to rising CO₂ emissions. With aquatherm, we offer an environmentally friendly alternative that meets standards such as EPDM and BREEAM, helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint.
Absolutely. Our system is ideal for SFN and TCS loop retrofits and supports incremental upgrades for edge and modular deployments - without major infrastructure disruption.