BASX Unveils Cutting-Edge Cooling Technology for AI Data Centers

In an exciting partnership that sets the stage for the future of computing, BASX, a leading developer in specialized cooling solutions, has joined forces with Applied Digital Corporation. The collaboration, focused on innovative cooling technologies for AI data centers, is a response to the increasing demand for high-performance computing infrastructures.

Advanced Cooling Solutions for High-Density Environments

BASX, a subsidiary of AAON, Inc., is recognized for its commitment to creating advanced cooling systems that cater to the unique needs of data centers and mission-critical environments. Their latest innovation, a custom free cooling chiller system, was specifically designed for Applied Digital's Polaris Forge 1 facility in Ellendale, North Dakota, which aims to meet the dynamic performance expectations of AI infrastructures.

This new cooling system showcases a unique design that functions effectively in cold climates through three optimized operational modes. The system operates entirely without water, significantly reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing its energy efficiency.

1. Full Free Cooling: Completely utilizes ambient air to manage the IT load, requiring only pumps and fans, therefore rejecting 100% of the IT load.
2. Partial Free Cooling: Strategically employs ambient air to address as much load as possible, supplemented by direct expansion cooling during peak needs.
3. Full Mechanical Cooling: Activates compressors and coils in high-demand situations, offering maximum cooling capacity.

Meeting the Challenges of AI Infrastructure

As Todd Gale, Chief Development Officer at Applied Digital, stated, “Innovation is at the heart of our operations.” The Polaris Forge 1 facility is specially designed to support advanced AI applications, including NVIDIA liquid-cooled GPUs. Each requirement reinforced the necessity for BASX’s bespoke engineering to tackle the challenges presented by AI and liquid-cooled servers.

Matt Tobolski, CEO of AAON and co-founder of BASX, emphasized that their collaboration went beyond traditional HVAC solutions. He noted that the partnership focused on customizing the cooling solution to the very core of the challenges laid out by Applied Digital, marking a significant step away from cookie-cutter designs to tailored responses.

The demands of AI factories call for cooling strategies that far exceed the capacity of conventional systems, with power densities reaching up to 30 times that of traditional data centers. Thus, BASX's innovative systems demonstrate an adeptness in engineering necessary solutions that effectively accommodate these staggering requirements.

Sustainability and Efficiency at the Forefront

With a growing need for efficient cooling systems, BASX's initiative responds to the global shift towards sustainability within data center operations. The ability of their chiller system to maintain higher return fluid temperatures through direct-to-chip cooling facilitates more effective heat rejection without over-reliance on power during warmer conditions, signifying a substantial leap toward operational sustainability.

This scalable approach to thermal management showcases how infrastructure can evolve to support the increasing computational loads of AI technologies. It embodies a dedication to efficiency while addressing the pressing issues of energy consumption and environmental impact, ensuring longevity in both performance and operational efficacy.

About BASX and Applied Digital

BASX has a stellar reputation built over 40 years, known for their high-efficiency products and custom solutions in cooling technologies. Their headquarters in Redmond, Oregon, alongside additional facilities, focuses on combining innovation with practical engineering to develop solutions that are tailored to meet clients' specific requirements.

Similarly, Applied Digital stands out in the industry as a leading designer and operator of next-generation data centers, emphasizing secure, scalable, and sustainable digital hosting. Their forward-thinking approach ensures that they remain at the cutting edge of technology, offering solutions that range from AI factories to cloud infrastructure designed to handle the complexities and demands of modern computational tasks.

Through this partnership, both companies are not only embracing technological advancement but also paving the way for a more sustainable future in data center operations. As the world moves further into an era dominated by artificial intelligence and data reliance, innovative collaborations like this will redefine expectations and set new industry standards.