Nidec Corporation has announced the development of a prototype Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) based on the Google Open Compute Project (OCP) specification for Project Deschutes. The prototype was showcased at Super Computing 2025 (SC25) in St. Louis, USA, in November 2025.
The unit is designed to address the rising thermal demands of AI-focused data centers, where increasing server heat density and component power consumption are pushing the limits of traditional air cooling. Nidec's CDU supports the transition to high-efficiency liquid-cooling systems in response to these industry pressures.
The prototype complies with Google’s Project Deschutes CDU specification, achieving a cooling capacity in the 2 MW class and operating at 80 PSI to support high-performance cold plates. It also features a low Approach Temperature design that reduces return water temperature to the chiller, improving chiller efficiency and lowering total power consumption.
To maintain stable power quality, the CDU integrates an IEEE 519 Ultra-Low Harmonic Distortion (ULHD) Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), minimizing electrical noise and preventing interference with sensitive hardware.
Nidec stated it will continue accelerating development toward commercial release while supporting industry-wide standardization and collaboration within the OCP community.
