In the current era where AI and high-density computing equipment drive the rapid evolution of data centers, liquid cooling technology has become the core direction for solving the problem of heat dissipation. However, the industry has long faced the issue of compatibility between working fluids and materials, which has restricted the large-scale application of liquid cooling systems in the industry. Against this backdrop, the Global Computing Consortium (GCC) has joined forces with the Open Computing Standard Working Committee of the China Electronic Industry Standardization Technology Association, the New Generation Computing Standard Working Committee of the China Electronic Industry Standardization Technology Association, and the Liquid Cooling Special Committee of the Information and Communication Industry Intellectual Property Alliance to launch the "Zero Zero" initiative. They have also collaborated with user enterprises, working fluids, components, and server manufacturers in the industry to form a component compatibility whitelist through pre-testing and post-deployment feedback, providing it for reference by industry users and complete machine enterprises.
On August 19th, the "Double Zero Initiative" released the "Test Method for Compatibility of Single-phase Cold Plate-Type Liquid Cooling Working Medium and Materials (Ethylene Glycol) of the Double Zero Initiative (Draft for Trial Use)", aiming to promote the standardization and industrialization process of liquid cooling technology and assist in the green and low-carbon transformation of data centers. The full version of this test method can be downloaded from the "Liquid Cooling Special Committee" section of the GCC official website.
Currently, there are numerous product categories such as liquid cooling fluids, CDUs, hoses, and ball valves. Different manufacturers' products lack a unified compatibility evaluation standard, which requires enterprises to repeatedly conduct adaptation tests when deploying liquid cooling cabinets. This not only significantly increases time and manpower costs but also may cause corrosion, leakage and other risks due to compatibility issues, seriously affecting the reliability of data center operations.
Therefore, the testing method, by clearly defining the requirements for the working fluid liquid, the material compatibility test specifications, and the selection range of the flow-through materials, provides a unified technical guideline for addressing these pain points. This fundamentally reduces the trial-and-error costs for users and improves the deployment efficiency and operational stability of the liquid cooling system in data centers.
Thanks to the joint participation of all manufacturers in the entire liquid cooling industry chain, this testing method integrates the practical experience from multiple aspects such as coolant development, equipment manufacturing, and data center application. It also draws on and references over 20 national and industry standards as technical support. The scheme focuses on two dimensions: "Basic verification of coolant liquid - Material compatibility testing", and designs a complete testing methodology system covering all stages from sample preparation, environmental control, process operation, and result determination. The testing method first clearly defines the testing indicators and methods for the coolant liquid, ensuring that the coolant quality meets the standards, and establishing a solid foundation for material compatibility testing. It also designs "Simulating actual working conditions + Accelerated aging" testing scenarios for the four types of materials directly in contact with the coolant in the liquid cooling system, ensuring the long-term compatibility of the materials.
This "full-chain participation + multi-standard integration" formulation model not only ensures the operability of the testing methods, but also guides the industry to shift from the "individualized and customized" development model of "each doing their own thing" to the "standard unified" and large-scale development path, laying the foundation for the popularization of liquid cooling technology.
Furthermore, the formulation of this testing method adopts an open writing and revision mechanism: led by the complete machine manufacturers and user enterprises, during the formulation process, it encourages relevant manufacturers to actively provide feedback, promptly incorporate the latest technological achievements and practical experiences in the industry, promote the continuous optimization and upgrading of liquid cooling technology, keep the standard in sync with the new demands for liquid cooling technology brought about by the development of computing power equipment, facilitate the technological iteration of liquid cooling media and materials, and drive the entire industry towards a more efficient, more reliable, and more environmentally friendly direction.
This testing method will be applied to the compatibility testing of liquid-cooled components. The brand and material model of the working fluid, etc. that pass this test will be included in the white list of the "Double Zero Initiative" and made public to the industry. Data center users can refer to the white list for procurement, avoiding the repeated conduct of compatibility tests, reducing the waiting time after equipment entry, and promoting the healthy development of the liquid cooling industry.
