With the rapid advancement of computing power and the widespread adoption of high-density servers, liquid cooling technology has become a critical solution for energy efficiency and heat dissipation in modern data centers. Within these cooling systems, the Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) serves as the core hub for fluid management, and the application of DCL electric actuators has significantly enhanced the precision and reliability of CDU operation.
DCL electric actuators are installed on regulation or shut-off valves inside CDUs. They receive electrical signals from the control system to adjust valve openings, thereby precisely regulating coolant flow and pressure. This ensures that each cabinet—or even individual servers—receives stable and adequate cooling, preventing local overheating and improving overall cooling efficiency.
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Flow Balancing
DCL actuators enable fine-tuning of coolant flow in each branch pipeline, ensuring balanced cooling distribution across server racks and avoiding flow imbalances caused by varying pipeline lengths or resistance. -
Pressure Control
By dynamically adjusting valve openings, the actuators maintain system pressure within a safe and efficient range, preventing leaks or cavitation. -
Redundancy Switching
In redundant designs (e.g., dual pumps or dual circuits), DCL actuators control switching valves. If the primary unit fails, the actuators quickly redirect the flow to the backup unit, ensuring uninterrupted cooling. -
Automated Operation
Integrated with Building Management Systems (BMS) or Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) systems, DCL actuators enable fully automated cooling optimization based on real-time server workloads.
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High Precision: Allows millimeter-level valve adjustments for accurate flow control.
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Rapid Response: Quickly adapts to sudden changes in server load (e.g., AI computational bursts).
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High Reliability: Compact design with minimal maintenance requirements, suitable for 24/7 operation.
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Energy Efficiency: Reduces pump energy consumption by optimizing flow, thereby lowering the PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) of the data center.
When selecting DCL electric actuators for CDUs, key factors include:
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Torque/output force matching the valve requirements.
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Compatibility with control signals (e.g., 4-20mA analog, Modbus, Profinet).
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High ingress protection (e.g., IP67) for leak-prone environments.
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Compatibility with coolant materials (e.g., stainless steel components).
DCL electric actuators serve as the "smart hands" of CDUs, translating control commands into precise mechanical actions. Their application ensures efficient and reliable coolant delivery to high-density IT equipment, playing an indispensable role in the safe and stable operation of liquid-cooled data centers. As data centers continue to evolve toward higher efficiency and intelligence, the role of DCL electric actuators will become increasingly critical.
