Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU): The Core of an Efficient Heat Dissipation System

2026-01-28

In today's high-density computing and industrial sectors, thermal management is a critical requirement. There is a key component for advanced liquid cooling systems: the Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU). Whether you operate a high-performance data center, manufacturing facility, or research laboratory, the CDU is essential for unlocking equipment reliability, efficiency, and performance.

What is a Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU), and why is it so important?

The Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) serves as the central control and distribution hub within liquid cooling systems. It is a critical component of the cooling infrastructure in modern data centers and high-performance computing environments. Acting as the interface between the internal coolant loops of electronic devices—such as servers, GPUs, or power electronics—and the technical cooling system (TCS), it bridges the gap with the facility water system (FWS), enabling comprehensive thermal management.

As processors and hardware capabilities grow increasingly powerful, and with the proliferation of AI and GPU chips, applications like deep learning, large model training, supercomputing, and edge computing rely on high-power data center GPU platforms. This has led to a dramatic increase in heat generation. Traditional air cooling is nearing its limits in terms of efficiency, noise, and space. The CDU enables precise direct-to-chip or immersion liquid cooling, significantly enhancing heat transfer efficiency

Core Components and Working Principle of CDU

CDU components and working principle

A typical CDU is an engineered assembly comprising several key components:

Heat Exchanger: The core component where heat from the internal clean coolant loop is transferred to the facility water loop without mixing the two fluids.

Pump: Drives the dedicated coolant to circulate in a closed loop through IT equipment, ensuring stable fluid flow to absorb device heat.

Control System (PLC/Controller): The CDU's brain, monitoring temperature, flow, pressure, and leak detection. It adjusts pump speed and valve openings to maintain precise conditions.

Monitoring Sensors: A sensors network for temperature, flow, pressure, and humidity.

Fluid Distribution tubes: Fluid distribution tubes deliver coolant to various components within the CDU system, ensuring uniform cooling across all parts.

Basic Working Principle: The cooling distribution unit (CDU) operates through a complex pump system that circulates coolant (typically water or a specialized fluid) via an intricate network of pipes or channels. This circulating coolant is critical for dissipating heat from key components such as processors and exchangers within large, high-power data center systems. The CDU integrates additional components like valves, filters, and monitoring mechanisms to optimize cooling efficiency and system reliability. Precisely calibrated valves enable dynamic adjustments to coolant distribution based on individual component demands, while filters ensure purity by screening out impurities and contaminants. Equipped with sensors, the CDU continuously monitors coolant parameters such as temperature, flow rate, and pressure levels, enabling real-time interventions to maintain optimal thermal performance and reliability within complex environments.

The CDU pumps coolant to heat-generating devices such as servers, absorbs the energy, and then returns it to the external cooling source (such as a cooling tower, chiller, or dry cooler) for heat dissipation, thus forming a closed-loop cooling cycle.

CDU Classification

Types for Different Needs

Classified by design and integration level:

Lori In-rack Liquid Cooling Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) for Data Center

In-rack CDU

The rack-level CDU compact units installed directly inside or beside server cabinets. Ideal for high-density equipment cooling in single cabinets or small clusters.

Data Center In Row Liquid Cooling CDU

Room-level or Row-level CDU

Larger, more centralized units designed to cool entire rows, multiple cabinets, or dedicated rooms. The In-row or room level CDU offer greater cooling capacity and centralized management capabilities.

Classified by cooling method:

In Rack Air-liquid Hybrid Cooling CDU for CPU/GPU Server

Liquid-to-air CDUs (L2A CDU)

Liquid-to-air CDUs (L2A CDU): Liquid-to-air CDU combines air cooling and liquid cooling technologies, deploying liquid cooling systems within or at the edge of server cabinets, but ultimately dissipating heat into the environment via air cooling. Its workflow is as follows: Coolant absorbs heat inside the server, the heated coolant exchanges heat with the internal heat exchanger via the CDU, and the final heat is expelled into the environment through data center air conditioning or fans. Compatible with existing air-cooled infrastructure, requiring minimal retrofitting for easy deployment and maintenance with lower operational costs.

300KW Liquid-to-liquid Centralized Cold Plate Cooling CDU

Liquid-to-Liquid CDUs (L2L CDU)

Liquid-to-liquid CDU employs a fully liquid-cooled architecture, relying entirely on coolant for heat transfer. Server heat is transferred to the coolant within a closed loop via cold plates or immersion cooling. The heated coolant is then routed to the CDU, where it exchanges heat with external building-grade coolant through an exchanger. The cooled coolant is subsequently returned to the servers for reuse in the cycle.

Advantages of the CDU Cooling System

01
Outstanding cooling efficiency
The cooling efficiency of liquid is much higher than that of air, allowing for higher heat loads and quieter operation.
02
Energy saving and cost reduction
Significantly reduces reliance on room air conditioners (CRAC) and chillers, significantly lowers total energy consumption and costs.
03
Improved reliability
Stable and precise temperature control extends hardware lifespan and reduces failure rates.

04
Design flexibility
Supports higher power density and innovative cabinet/rack designs.
05
Sustainability
Lower energy consumption directly contributes to reducing the carbon footprint and supports ESG goals.

Lori CDU Solution: Designed for Outstanding Performance

Lori Open Type Liquid Cooling Coolant Distriution Unit (CDU)

Liquid Cooling Row-mounted CDU for Supercomputing Server

Supercomputing Liquid Cooling In-Row CDU

Lori More Liquid Cooling CDU Solutions

Why choose Lori's CDU?

Deep domain expertise

We are experts in liquid cooling, not only manufacturers and suppliers of liquid cooling components (liquid cooling plates, manifolds, tubue, quick connectors, etc.), but also provide liquid cooling system equipment (CDU, dry coolers, liquid cooling cabinets, etc.).

Comprehensive customization services

We collaborate with you to design a CDU solution that fully meets your thermal, space, and connection requirements.

High quality and reliability

Our products are manufactured to the highest standards to ensure stable operation in critical environments 24/7.

Global support and services

From initial consultation to deployment and maintenance, our team provides comprehensive technical support.

Are you ready to revolutionize your thermal management?

Contact Lori immediately! Let our experts show you how our custom-designed CDU solution can provide future security for your operations, reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), and offer you the key thermal management advantages you need.