Skip to Main Content
513.777.7722

Process Cooling Water & Coolant Distribution Units for AI Chips

AI chip

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated into many facets of everyday life. From virtual assistants, chatbots, navigation apps, fraud detection, and smartphone features like facial recognition, AI is becoming a regular part of our day-to-day. AI is not a new technology, but the progression of machine-learning algorithms, a wealth of data, and the evolution of AI chips have advanced the industry’s capabilities in recent years. The facilities that manufacture and then utilize AI chips require liquid cooling to dissipate the large quantities of heat generated in the process.

AI chips such as graphics processing units (GPUs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), are specialized integrated circuits designed to handle AI functions. With parallel processing capabilities, AI chips can perform multiple tasks at the same time. They are more energy efficient than conventional chips, yield more accurate results, and can be customized.

All microchips, including AI chips, are semiconductors. With the properties of both insulators and conductors, a semiconductor is a material used in electrical circuits and components that partially conducts electricity. Semiconductors can be found in televisions, computers, mobile phones, gaming hardware, medical equipment, and automotive technologies.

Semiconductor

Semiconductor Supply Chain

The semiconductor industry has experienced supply chain disruptions and increased consumer demand. The top semiconductor supplier is Nvidia and is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in Taiwan. As the producer of 90 percent of the world’s advanced chips, TSMC’s limited production capacity and resources created a disruption in the global supply chain.

To address supply shortages, TSMC’s subsidiary, Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM), built a factory in Kumamoto with mass production expected by the end of 2024. Additionally, TSMC recently announced that it will be building its third advanced semiconductor manufacturing plant in Arizona. Its first Arizona plant is set to begin chip production in 2025. The goal of the US government is to onshore semiconductor manufacturing and these plants play a role in onshoring.

Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are designing their own custom AI chips, and Intel and AMD have created their own processors for laptops and computers to lessen dependency on Nvidia.

Modular Utility Solutions for Process Tools

Many process tools, such as those used in the semiconductor industry, generate heat that must be removed continuously and consistently. Process Cooling Water (PCW) is applied when constant control of process temperatures is required. Coolant Distribution Units (CDU) are a key component of liquid cooling systems that distribute coolant or water to maintain optimal temperature and flow rate.

PCW and CDU systems circulate process water at a consistent temperature and pressure for more efficient use of water-cooled tools. Systecon provides PCW and CDU systems for industrial, process, and data clients requiring specific temperature cooling water for their production tools. Cooling distribution can manage power-dense hot spots in the range of 1MW+.

Systecon’s PCW and CDU package consists of a specialized pump, horizontal or vertical low micron filter housing, plate and frame heat exchanger, VFD, I/O panel, temperature control valve, and temperature and pressure transmitters. The system can be isolated from the system piping and building using springs and snubbers in the structural base and flex connectors at the package connections. Systecon has the production capacity for larger CDUs (3MW+) with lower pressure drops to reduce building pump horsepower and total dynamic head (TDH).

Designed, assembled, and tested at its West Chester, Ohio facility, Systecon’s engineering and production personnel have extensive knowledge of systems and assembly. Building in a controlled factory environment means greater workplace safety, avoiding weather-related delays, and improved security and protection of system components. Further, Systecon's ability to test systems before delivery and installation is an important offering that ensures performance and quality.  

Copied!
^TOP
close
ModalContent
loading gif