Data centres have been turning to an unlikely solution to prevent their high-performance computer chips from overheating: showers and baths.

According to a recent report, data centre operators are using water-based cooling systems to keep their chips at a safe temperature. These systems work by circulating water through heat exchangers, which are then used to cool the chips. This approach has been shown to be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional air-based cooling systems.

"We're seeing a significant reduction in energy consumption and a corresponding decrease in our carbon footprint," said a spokesperson for a major data centre operator. "The water-based cooling system has been a game-changer for us." The spokesperson noted that the system has allowed the company to increase its computing power while reducing its energy costs.

The use of water-based cooling systems is not a new concept, but it has gained popularity in recent years as data centres have become increasingly large and complex. The systems are particularly well-suited for high-density computing environments, where the heat generated by the chips can be intense.

One company, Green Revolution Cooling, has developed a product called the CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioning) alternative, which uses a bath-like system to cool the chips. The system consists of a large tank filled with water, which is then pumped through a network of tubes to the heat exchangers. The water is cooled by a chiller, and then recirculated back to the tank.

The CRAC alternative has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the temperature of the chips. In one test, the system was able to cool the chips to a temperature of just 25 degrees Celsius, even in a high-density computing environment. This is a significant improvement over traditional air-based cooling systems, which can struggle to keep the chips at a safe temperature in such environments.

The use of water-based cooling systems is expected to become more widespread in the coming years as data centres continue to grow in size and complexity. As the demand for computing power continues to increase, data centre operators will need to find new and innovative ways to keep their chips cool. The use of water-based cooling systems is likely to play a major role in this effort.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the use of water-based cooling systems also offers a number of other advantages. For example, they can be more efficient than traditional air-based cooling systems, which can waste a significant amount of energy. They can also be more cost-effective, as they require less maintenance and can last longer than traditional systems.

Data centre operators are also exploring other innovative cooling solutions, such as using phase-change materials to absorb and release heat. These materials have the potential to be even more efficient than water-based cooling systems, and could offer a number of other benefits as well.

As the demand for computing power continues to increase, data centre operators will need to find new and innovative ways to keep their chips cool. The use of water-based cooling systems is likely to play a major role in this effort, and could offer a number of benefits for both the environment and the bottom line.