SKT, Iceotope and SK Enmove Join Forces for AI Data Center Innovation

Rhea-AI Summary

SK Telecom (SKM) partners with Iceotope Technologies and SK Enmove to develop energy-efficient liquid cooling solutions for AI data centers. The collaboration aims to reduce power consumption in data centers by deploying Precision Liquid Cooling technology.

Energy Efficiency Expert

The collaboration between SK Telecom, Iceotope Technologies and SK Enmove to develop an advanced liquid cooling solution for AI data centers represents a significant stride in energy efficiency and sustainability. The traditional air-cooled systems in data centers are notorious for their high energy consumption, which often accounts for a substantial portion of operational costs. By transitioning to Precision Liquid Cooling (PLC), the partnership aims to tackle one of the most energy-intensive aspects of data center operations. This shift can potentially lead to a reduction in cooling energy consumption by directly cooling components instead of the entire room, thereby translating to lower electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

Moreover, the integration of an AI-based autonomous cooling system further enhances the potential for energy savings. By analyzing real-time data and adjusting cooling parameters accordingly, the system can operate at peak efficiency, avoiding the waste associated with overcooling. Such technological advancements not only benefit the companies involved by reducing operational costs and boosting their competitive edge but also align with global sustainability goals, appealing to environmentally conscious investors and customers.

Data Center Technology Analyst

The development of an integrated Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) by SK Telecom, with the support of Iceotope, is a noteworthy innovation in the data center cooling industry. The CDU's role is critical in managing the distribution of cooling fluids and ensuring consistent temperatures across various systems. This integration could set a new standard for liquid cooling solutions, potentially influencing future designs of data center infrastructure. As data centers continue to scale and the demand for processing power increases, especially with the proliferation of AI and machine learning workloads, effective cooling solutions like PLC become increasingly vital.

The demonstration of PLC's effectiveness in SKT's AI Data Center Testbed will serve as a crucial case study for the industry. If successful, it could accelerate the adoption of liquid cooling technologies across the sector, impacting suppliers, manufacturers and operators of data centers. The implications for the stock market could include increased investor interest in companies providing these innovative cooling solutions, as well as in data center operators who adopt them to cut costs and improve efficiency.

Environmental Sustainability Analyst

The environmental implications of the MOU signed by SK Telecom, Iceotope Technologies and SK Enmove are substantial. As businesses and governments around the world intensify their focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the adoption of energy-efficient technologies becomes critical. The data center industry, in particular, has been under scrutiny for its high energy consumption and consequent environmental impact. By developing solutions that significantly reduce the power consumption of cooling systems, the partnership is addressing a core challenge in the path toward a more sustainable data center industry.

The move toward energy-efficient cooling solutions like PLC not only supports corporate social responsibility goals but can also be a factor in regulatory compliance. As more regions implement stringent energy use regulations, data centers employing such advanced cooling technologies could benefit from incentives or avoid penalties associated with energy consumption. This proactive approach to sustainability can enhance the public image of the companies involved, potentially leading to a more favorable market perception and an advantage in attracting eco-conscious investors.

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM, "SKT"), Iceotope Technologies, the global leader in Precision Liquid Cooling, and SK Enmove, Korea's leading base oil and lubricants provider developing thermal fluids for data center, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of liquid cooling technique/solution that optimizes energy-efficiency of AI data centers.

Since air conditioning and cooling systems consume the largest amount of energy in data centers, the key to realizing an energy-efficient AI data center lies in reducing the power consumption of these systems.

Under the MOU, SKT, Iceotope and SK Enmove will collaborate to deploy Precision Liquid Cooling (PLC)* using SK Enmove's thermal fluid at SKT's AI Data Center Testbed. The deployment is to demonstrate PLC's value in cooling efficiency and power savings. Moreover, SKT will develop an integrated Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) to support various liquid cooling systems with the technical support of Iceotope.

*Iceotope's Precision Liquid Cooling (PLC) technology uses a precise delivery of dielectric fluid to remove heat from the hottest components of the server, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption.

Going forward, SKT plans to develop an AI-based autonomous cooling system. The AI Autonomous Cooling System will analyze the temperature and power load in the AI data center and automatically control the supply temperature and flow rate of thermal fluids in the CDUs to increase the operational efficiency of the AI data center.

"By combining core technologies and capabilities of SKT, Iceotope and SK Enmove, we expect to develop innovative energy efficiency solutions that can not only help us strengthen our competitiveness in AI data centers, but also put us on the right path towards sustainability," said Lee Jong-min, Vice President and Head of Future R&D at SKT.

"We are thrilled to be collaborating with SKT and SK Enmove on AI data center innovation and look forward to helping them and their customers to realize energy-efficiency in their facilities with our Precision Liquid Cooling solutions," said David Craig, CEO of Iceotope.

"Importance of establishing sustainable environment is increasing these days. Through this cooperation, we aim to contribute to the vitalization of the immersion cooling market and solidify our position as an Energy Saving Company," said Seo Sang-hyuk, Vice President and Head of e-Fluids B2B Business Office at SK Enmove.

About SK Telecom

SK Telecom has been leading the growth of the mobile industry since 1984. Now, it is taking customer experience to new heights by extending beyond connectivity. By placing AI at the core of its business, SK Telecom is rapidly transforming into an AI company with a strong global presence. It is focusing on driving innovations in areas of AI Infrastructure, AI Transformation (AIX) and AI Service to deliver greater value for industry, society, and life.

For more information, please contact skt_press@sk.com or visit our LinkedIn page www.linkedin.com/company/sk-telecom.

About Iceotope

Using industry-standard form factors, Iceotope's Precision Liquid Cooling solutions offer extreme cooling performance, simplified maintenance, hot swapping, and significant cost reductions both inside and outside the data center. For more information visit www.iceotope.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About SK Enmove

SK Enmove is a global market leader with its largest market share of Group Ⅲ/Ⅲ+ premium lube base oil. It has solidified its position with its premium base oils and ultra-low viscosity lubricants to improve fuel economy in automobiles by enhancing fuel efficiency. SK Enmove has also strengthened new businesses including data center immersion cooling and battery thermal management with an aim to improve electrical efficiency, which could lead to becoming an "Energy Saving Company".

For more information, visit https://www.skenmove.com or https://skinnonews.com/global/

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SOURCE SK Telecom

What is the collaboration about between SK Telecom, Iceotope Technologies, and SK Enmove?

The collaboration aims to develop liquid cooling solutions for AI data centers to optimize energy efficiency and reduce power consumption.

What technology will be used for cooling in the collaboration?

Precision Liquid Cooling (PLC) technology will be deployed using SK Enmove's thermal fluid at SK Telecom's AI Data Center Testbed.

What is the goal of SK Telecom in developing an AI-based autonomous cooling system?

SK Telecom plans to develop an AI-based autonomous cooling system to analyze temperature and power load in AI data centers for increased operational efficiency.

Who are the key executives involved in the collaboration?

Lee Jong-min, Vice President and Head of Future R&D at SK Telecom; David Craig, CEO of Iceotope; Seo Sang-hyuk, Vice President and Head of e-Fluids B2B Business Office at SK Enmove.