ABB, ETM develop direct-drive motors for data centre cooling

Author: Joe Peck

ABB, a multinational corporation specialising in industrial automation and electrification products, has expanded its partnership with Electric Torque Machines (ETM), a subsidiary of Graco, to develop and commercialise motors using ETM’s patented Transverse Flux Motor (TFM) technology for data centre cooling.

TFM technology generates high torque at low speeds, making it suitable for large cooling fans, pumps, and heat rejection towers used in high-density data centres.

The motors use a direct-drive architecture intended to reduce mechanical complexity, energy losses, noise, and maintenance requirements, whilst lowering lifetime ownership costs.

Combined with ABB’s variable speed drives and motor portfolio, the technology is intended to provide additional options for cooling infrastructure.

Meeting growing cooling demands

Justin McMahon, EVP, Global Business Line, NEMA Motors Division at ABB, says, “As AI reshapes data centre design, operators are looking for cooling solutions that deliver more with less: less energy, less complexity, and less downtime. Our expanded partnership with ETM brings a differentiated motor technology that addresses exactly these needs.”

Mark Sheahan, Chief Executive Officer of Graco, adds, “Our partnership with ABB is the right path to bringing Transverse Flux Motor to the data centre market at scale. ABB’s global reach and deep expertise in electrification make it an ideal partner to commercialise this technology in applications where reliability and efficiency matter most.”

The partnership comes as data centre electricity demand increases alongside AI infrastructure expansion. The release cites global data centre electricity demand growth of 17% in 2025, with AI-focused facilities growing by 50%.

The TFM technology will complement ABB’s existing portfolio of high-efficiency motors, ultra-low harmonic variable speed drives, and liquid cooling experience, as operators seek cooling systems designed for continuous operation and higher heat loads.

The motors will be marketed under the ABB brand.

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