In one embodiment, a data center cooling system includes one or more information technology (IT) rooms having multiple electronic racks that generate heat. An external cooling unit is positioned above the IT rooms and is configured to provide cooling fluid and to exchange heat carried by the cooling fluid. The external cooling unit has a supply line to distribute cooling fluid downwardly to the IT rooms. As the cooling fluid cools the electronic racks, the cooling fluid heats up and at least partially turns to vapor which rises due to convection. The external cooling unit also has a return line to return the rising vapor to the external cooling unit, which cools the vapor. The vapor changes phase to liquid and is recirculated to the IT rooms.
展开▼