[Dubai, June 2026]— In a groundbreaking new paper, Haris M. Khalid and colleagues present a comprehensive survey on the role of chilled water hybrid cooling technologies in data center thermal management. Titled Chilled Water Hybrid Cooling: A Sustainable Path for Data Center Thermal Management, this study addresses the pressing need for more sustainable, energy-efficient methods to cool the ever-growing number of data centers worldwide.
As data centers consume vast amounts of energy, the traditional approach to cooling — mainly based on air cooling — is becoming increasingly inadequate. With the expansion of cloud computing, AI, and IoT, the demand for data storage and processing continues to increase, placing additional strain on data centers to manage heat more efficiently.
This paper outlines the potential of chilled water hybrid cooling systems, which combine water cooling with traditional air cooling technologies, to reduce energy consumption and lower the carbon footprint of data centers. By integrating advanced control systems powered by AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), hybrid cooling solutions provide enhanced efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
Haris M. Khalid’s team also explores the use of renewable energy sources to power cooling systems, making the case for a greener approach to data center operations. The hybrid systems discussed not only promise to enhance cooling performance but also integrate well into sustainable operational strategies, utilizing technologies like solar power, wind energy, and energy storage.
Key Findings:
- Sustainable Thermal Management: Chilled water hybrid cooling systems can achieve significant energy savings while improving cooling performance and reliability.
- Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact: The combination of water cooling and AI-powered smart controls reduces energy consumption and minimizes the environmental impact of data centers.
- Hybrid Cooling Systems: The study shows that hybrid systems can outperform traditional air-based cooling solutions, particularly in regions with high ambient temperatures.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Hybrid cooling solutions are most effective when paired with renewable energy sources, enabling data centers to operate in a more sustainable manner.
Challenges:
While the benefits of hybrid cooling technologies are significant, the study also identifies key challenges to adoption. These include the initial cost of retrofitting existing data centers with hybrid cooling systems and the need for advanced infrastructure and expertise to manage water and air cooling systems effectively.
Implications:
The authors argue that hybrid cooling systems represent the future of data center thermal management. As data centers continue to grow in number and complexity, adopting sustainable technologies like chilled water hybrid cooling will be critical to achieving long-term energy efficiency and environmental goals. The paper advocates for continued innovation and investment in cooling technologies to meet the evolving demands of the digital age.
About the Authors:
Haris M. Khalid is a leading researcher in the field of sustainable energy and technological innovations. His work spans energy systems, climate change mitigation, and the application of advanced technologies in industrial sectors, with a strong focus on improving the sustainability of data centers and other energy-intensive industries.
Contact:
Haris M. Khalid
Email: [harism.khalid@ieee.org]
Website: [https://harismkhalid.com/]
Source: FG Newswire