Liquid-cooled containers: a new option for efficient cooling in crypto mining

Bitcoin hit a record high of $124,496 on the evening of August 13th, continuing a months-long rally. So far this year, the world's largest cryptocurrency has surged approximately 33%. This surge in value has reignited the enthusiasm of investors and miners. This price surge not only brought lucrative returns to early holders but also presented attractive opportunities for new entrants. For those considering venturing into crypto mining, now may be a good time. However, before deciding, it's crucial to thoroughly understand all aspects of mining, especially heat dissipation.

Crypto Mining Feasibility Analysis

Today, global computing power has reached a new peak. To meet this demand, miners have significantly upgraded their equipment, transitioning from air-cooled mining machines to more efficient water-cooled ones. Mining facilities have also undergone a transformation from cottage industries to specialized industrial sites. Crypto mining has long entered the industrial age. Mining farms are pursuing greater efficiency and scale. Therefore, the layout and location of mining sites have become crucial, as they are directly linked to miners' profitability. Large-scale mining operations require a cheap and stable electricity supply, prompting miners to establish large-scale operations in remote areas with abundant electricity, such as near hydroelectric power stations. For example, low electricity prices and suitable climates, such as in Canada (particularly Quebec), Russia, and Texas, USA, have become hotspots for global mining. To meet the demand for sites in remote areas, traditional mining farms are gradually transitioning to mobile, modularly expandable crypto mining containers. These containers offer a more flexible and efficient solution, allowing miners to quickly relocate mining containers to new locations based on changes in electricity prices or policies.

What are crypto mining containers?

Crypto mining containers use standard or modified shipping containers as mobile and expandable units for cryptocurrency mining operations. These containers are customized with specialized equipment, such as mining equipment (rigs), cooling systems, and power distribution networks, creating an efficient and portable environment for mining digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This innovative approach combines the portability and durability of shipping containers with modern technology to meet the growing demand for cryptocurrency mining.

Crypto mining containers can be divided into three main categories based on their cooling methods: Air Cooling Mining Container, Immersion Cooling Mining Container, and Hydro Cooling Mining Container. Each method has its own unique characteristics, suiting different mining scenarios and requirements.

Limitations of Traditional Air-Cooled Containers

During the development of crypto mining, traditional air-cooled containers were once a common cooling solution. They used air as the cooling medium, removing heat from the equipment through a large number of fans installed within the container to create air circulation. However, as the power of mining equipment continued to increase, their limitations became increasingly apparent.

In terms of heat dissipation efficiency, air has a low specific heat capacity and limited heat dissipation capacity. When mining machines are deployed in high density, heat easily accumulates within the container. In hot summer environments, equipment temperatures often exceed critical thresholds, causing frequent throttling of mining machines and a hashrate loss of up to 10%-20%. Liquid-cooled containers use a liquid cooling medium, which has a much higher specific heat capacity than air. This allows them to quickly absorb and transfer heat, keeping equipment temperatures within the optimal operating range even in high-temperature environments and maintaining stable computing power.

In terms of energy consumption and noise, traditional air-cooled containers require numerous fans running at high speed 24/7. Fan power consumption accounts for 15%-20% of the mining farm's total energy consumption, significantly increasing operating costs. Furthermore, the noise generated by these numerous fans can reach over 85 decibels, severely impacting the surrounding environment. In residential or noise-sensitive areas, this can easily lead to complaints and even shutdowns. Liquid-cooled containers eliminate the need for dense fans and only require a small number of circulation pumps to maintain liquid flow. This reduces energy consumption by over 30% and keeps noise levels below 55 decibels, effectively addressing both energy and noise issues.

In terms of maintenance costs, the fans in traditional air-cooled containers accumulate dust over time, requiring regular cleaning and maintenance. Monthly maintenance costs account for 3%-5% of the total equipment investment. Dust accumulation further reduces heat dissipation efficiency, creating a vicious cycle. Liquid-cooled containers utilize a closed circulation system, reducing the chance of dust entering the equipment, reducing equipment failure rates by over 60%, and extending maintenance cycles to 3-6 months, significantly reducing maintenance costs and labor.

Core Advantages of Liquid-Cooled Containers

Flexibility and Scalability

Liquid-cooled containers typically feature a modular design, allowing for flexible configuration based on the needs of mining sites. Whether small or large, mining operations can adjust their scale by adding or removing containers. Furthermore, their design makes them easy to transport and install, enabling rapid deployment in remote locations or urban centers. In contrast, traditional air-cooled containers require reconfiguration of fan layout and ventilation systems when expanding, resulting in less flexibility.

Adaptable to Harsh Environments

Crypto mining equipment often operates in a variety of environments, including high temperatures, high humidity, and high dust levels. Liquid-cooled containers offer excellent sealing and protective properties, effectively preventing the ingress of dust and moisture, protecting the equipment from environmental factors. Liquid-cooled containers ensure normal operation even in extremely harsh environments. Traditional air-cooled containers, on the other hand, require certain openings for ventilation, making them less effective in blocking dust and moisture, leading to significantly higher equipment failure rates in harsh environments.

Reduced Operating Costs

Liquid-cooled containers can help mining sites reduce operating costs in the long term. By improving equipment performance and lifespan, and reducing the need for replacement and repairs, they can save significant money. The energy-saving and noise-reduction advantages also help reduce energy costs and avoid fines due to noise. It has been calculated that for a mining farm of the same size, using liquid-cooled containers can reduce annual operating costs by 20%-30% compared to traditional air-cooled containers.

How to Choose the Right Liquid-Cooled Container

When choosing a liquid-cooled container, several factors need to be considered. First, cooling capacity: Choose a container with appropriate cooling capacity based on the size of the mining farm and the power of the equipment. Second, the quality and reliability of the container. Choosing a well-known brand with a good reputation (such as Lianli and Bitmain) can ensure stable equipment operation. Furthermore, consider the ease of maintenance and servicing of the container and whether the supplier provides good after-sales service.

With Bitcoin prices reaching new highs, crypto mining has regained its appeal. However, while pursuing profitability, heat dissipation cannot be overlooked. A comprehensive comparison with traditional air-cooled containers shows that liquid-cooled containers, as an innovative cooling solution, offer significant advantages in heat dissipation efficiency, energy consumption control, noise reduction, and maintenance costs, providing a more reliable and economical option for crypto mining. For those hoping to succeed in the crypto mining space, investing in liquid-cooled containers is undoubtedly a wise decision.