Google is a leader in The Forrester Wave™: Public Cloud Platforms, Q3 2026
cloud.google.com·4d ago
Cloud & Infrastructure
Google Cloud Blog·Jun 16·5 min read
Introducing Brazos: Bringing liquid cooling to air-cooled data centers
TL;DR
Data centers struggle to cool high-performance computing chips that exceed 1000 W Thermal Design Power using traditional air cooling. Google developed Brazos, a modular, closed-loop liquid-to-air cooling system that can be installed one rack at a time in existing facilities.
✦ Why It Matters
Engineers can implement Brazos to enhance cooling efficiency in existing data centers without extensive renovations.
Key Takeaways
- Consider Brazos for high-density computing in existing data centers.
- Utilize the open-source design for custom cooling solutions.
- Implement hot-swappable components to reduce maintenance time.
- Monitor cooling performance using the built-in human-machine interface.
How It Works
Brazos operates as a self-contained liquid ecosystem, capturing heat at the component level and rejecting it into the data center's hot aisle through high-efficiency liquid-to-air heat exchangers. This design allows for effective cooling without the need for extensive facility modifications.