LiquidStack, a division of Trane Technologies, has launched a new coolant distribution unit (CDU) platform that targets the unique cooling needs of AI data centers. This introduction comes as demand for liquid cooling solutions escalates, driven by rising performance and rack density of AI accelerators.
The LiquidStack CDU 2.X was revealed at Yotta 2026 in Ireland. This architecture-agnostic platform is designed to accommodate various generations of AI processors, allowing data center operators to unify their cooling infrastructure without needing constant redesigns as new hardware emerges. According to the company, the CDU 2.X can achieve flow rates up to 3,750 liters per minute at pressures of 3.5 bar, which is sufficient for current high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs) while also providing the necessary cooling headroom for future, denser systems.
Scott Smith, LiquidStack’s general manager, emphasized that operators require a cooling solution that evolves alongside their hardware. The CDU 2.X is built to offer performance and adaptability, enabling operators to deploy a cooling strategy that fits their specific facility designs rather than forcing a layout around the cooling system.
The platform’s deployment configurations include options for end-of-row and rack-adjacent settings, giving data center managers the flexibility they need to manage increasing thermal loads effectively. It features configurable control valves, power feeds, and redundancy options, including dual-feed configurations and support for automatic transfer switches, allowing for tailored solutions based on varying architectural and resilience needs.
Additionally, the CDU 2.X is designed to operate efficiently in high-temperature environments, accommodating facility inlet temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). This capability, combined with reduced approach temperatures, enhances the efficiency of liquid cooling systems in high-density AI applications.
Pre-orders for the LiquidStack CDU 2.X are currently available, with the first shipments expected to take place in the second quarter of 2027.
