Schneider Electric, through its Motivair division, has introduced a groundbreaking high-capacity Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) specifically engineered to tackle the escalating cooling requirements of artificial intelligence data centres. This new solution, named the MCDU-70, represents a significant advancement in liquid cooling technology, offering up to 2.5 megawatts of cooling power, making it the most robust CDU in the company's portfolio to date.
Addressing the Heat Challenge in AI Infrastructure
The MCDU-70 is meticulously designed to support high-density computing environments, including AI factories and hyperscale data centres that operate on a gigawatt scale. According to the firm, this capacity is perfectly aligned with the needs of large-scale facilities, such as those utilising NVIDIA Omniverse DSX Blueprint, where deployments aim to reach 10MW and beyond. The system's design allows for efficient scaling, with six MCDU-70 units capable of providing a 4+2 redundancy configuration for such ambitious projects.
CEO Insights on AI-Driven Cooling Demands
Rich Whitmore, Chief Executive Officer of Motivair by Schneider Electric, emphasised the critical role of liquid cooling in the AI era. He explained that the GPUs powering AI Factories generate 20 to 50 times more heat compared to traditional Central Processing Units (CPUs), creating unprecedented cooling challenges. Whitmore stated, "Organisations deploying AI clusters are grappling with extreme rack power densities, which are projected to reach 1MW and beyond. Our solutions enable customers to meet these demands and scale smarter with CDU models or custom-built units tailored to specific capacity requirements."
He further highlighted that AI technology is rapidly evolving, and Schneider Electric's cooling solutions are designed to keep pace with advancements in chip and silicon technology. "AI isn't slowing down. We're delivering next-generation performance when it matters most, ensuring data centre success through scalable, reliable, and efficient infrastructure," Whitmore added.
Ensuring Reliability and Support
To guarantee reliability, each MCDU-70 CDU undergoes rigorous testing under real-world conditions. This includes digital twin simulations and full-load pump testing at the end of the production line. Schneider Electric's global technical teams provide comprehensive support, covering everything from initial system design to long-term maintenance, ensuring seamless integration and operation for clients worldwide.
This launch underscores Schneider Electric's commitment to innovation in digital infrastructure, positioning the MCDU-70 as a key enabler for the future of hyperscale AI data centres, where efficient cooling is paramount for sustained performance and growth.
