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ELIPS: Developing enhanced liquid cooling immersion products to create cost-effective, energy-efficient systems for data centres

Date: 23.07.2025

Topics: Power Electronics

A dimly lit data center with rows of server racks illuminated by blue LED lights, extending into the distance. Each rack is filled with multiple servers, and the floor has ventilation grates. The setup gives an organized and futuristic appearance. - CSA Catapult

ELIPS

Data centres and telecoms are estimated to consume over 2% of global energy—a figure expected to rise with growing demand. This trend underscores the need for advanced cooling systems that reduce both energy consumption and operational costs. 

ELIPS (Enhanced Liquid Immersion Power Systems), a £3.3 million project funded by Innovate UK, established a sovereign UK supply chain to deliver Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology across the power electronics sector. The project developed power modules, bespoke components, sub-assemblies, and services to support scalable manufacturing and system integration—ultimately enabling energy-saving systems for data centres. 

The challenge

While many UK companies offer standalone computing solutions for energy-efficient systems, the country lacks a domestic immersion cooling market. Currently, no immersion-cooled products are available to support or integrate with these systems. Incompatible materials further limit performance and scalability. 

The approach

Project partners collaborated to close this market gap by developing enhanced liquid immersion cooling products that are cost-effective and competitive. By establishing a UK-based supply chain, the project aimed to reduce product costs, mitigate thermal hotspots, and extend product lifespan by 2–3 years. 

Immersion cooling has the potential to reduce operational carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from approximately 76% to 40% or lower, depending on system design and deployment scale. 

CSA Catapult contributed by reviewing supply chain requirements and delivering a market research study that assessed market size, dynamics, and potential cost reductions. Its expertise and targeted support also helped accelerate product development across the consortium. 

The outcome

The project delivered a distinct cooling method that provides: 

  • Greater packaging density 
  • Increased reliability 
  • Smaller product sizes 
  • Reduced power consumption 
  • Improved environmental performance 

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) advanced from 3 to 7, significantly accelerating time to market. 

ELIPS created three new jobs, safeguarded six existing roles, and upskilled three individuals. All industry partners are now expanding their commercial offerings and driving revenue growth by marketing a new solution that enhances efficiency in data centres and other applicable environments. 

Impact

Diversifying the market

Until now, conduction and convection cooling have dominated hardware design. Robust manufacturing solutions for liquid cooling open new opportunities across vertical markets, including automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy.

Impact

Delivering energy efficiency and performance

ELIPS has strengthened the UK sector’s ability to deliver energy-efficient products and sub-components through expanded domestic networks, while also extending product lifespan.

Impact

Inspiring the next generation

Project partners will share the benefits of ELIPS technology with students in schools, aiming to inspire future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

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