Cooling

Ecolab launches new cooling management technology

Ecolab, a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions, has announced the launch of a new technology to drive high-performance data centre cooling. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has created exponential growth for data centres, with US data centre energy demand expected to grow from 25 GW in 2024 to more than 80 GW by 2030. By aiming to enable reliable uptime, reduce water consumption, and optimise energy efficiency, Ecolab's technology intends to help operators address the water, energy, and performance demands of AI-driven computing. As part of the launch, Ecolab will highlight the full portfolio in Booth 102 at Datacloud Global Congress 2025, taking place in Cannes, France, from 3 to 5 June. “The accelerated growth of AI, which is driving rapidly increasing rack densities, creates complexity for data centre operators as they address competing resource and business demands,” comments Mukul Girotra, Vice President and General Manager, Global High Tech. “By integrating monitoring, performance insights, and global expertise, we can help data centres prepare with scalable solutions that enable them to navigate the pressure of reliably doing more with less.” The new development is referred to as 3D TRASAR Technology for Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling, and has been designed for next-generation server environments. The system delivers real-time monitoring of coolant health, tracking coolant concentration, temperature, pH, flow rates and other fluid health indicators to help protect direct-to-chip servers and critical cooling infrastructure. The new solution is supported by Ecolab’s Water Quality IQ performance insights, which provide data and recommended actions for operators. It also includes field service and lab analysis provided by multiple research facilities around the world, with results advertised to be available in as little as five days. “Data centre operators need cooling systems that can keep pace with rapidly advancing heat loads,” says Mukul. “This portfolio, anchored by 3D TRASAR Technology for Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling, expands our capabilities with advanced cooling technology for the data centre white space.” Ecolab’s full suite of cooling management solutions also consists of previously established programs: • 3D TRASAR for Cooling Water — which aims to help enhance cooling tower and chiller efficiency while minimising water use. • 3D TRASAR for Adiabatic Cooling — which seeks to optimise direct evaporative cooling system performance through continuous water quality monitoring, and to support longer asset life and consistent operation with maintenance-free conductivity sensing. • Water Flow Intelligence — which aims to deliver real-time visibility into water usage at the enterprise, site, and asset levels. For more from Ecolab, click here.

Panasonic and Tecnair’s split solution for critical environments

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions, a division of Panasonic that provides energy-efficient climate control systems, has collaborated with Tecnair, a supplier of custom pneumatic engineering solutions, to introduce a comprehensive split solution designed for critical environments up to 21 kW. This solution marks a milestone in precise cooling technology, combining Panasonic's outdoor PACi NX condensing units with Tecnair's P Series direct expansion (DX) units. The system utilises R32 refrigerant, known for its low Global Warming Potential (GWP), with the aim to ensure effective cooling with minimal environmental impact. It is intended as a solution for environments where precise temperature and humidity control is crucial, yet space and load capacities are limited. Examples include laboratories, museums, archives, office buildings, and server rooms with compact equipment and small capacity requirements. The Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) DX unit provides control of indoor climate, maintaining strict parameters for temperature and humidity. The control system on the P Series units offers full Modbus control, featuring a Wide Full Graphic LCD display, configurable digital inputs-outputs, and predictive safety systems. The system’s design allows integration into various settings, while a compact footprint maximises space. Energy-conscious users are likely to appreciate its reportedly low operating costs and energy efficiency. Additionally, a wide selection of accessories enables customisation to meet specific needs. Designed for quiet operation, the system places the compressor outdoors, reducing noise levels. Installation is versatile, with the ability to connect indoor and outdoor units across distances of up to 100 metres. For larger applications, the system supports networked configurations, allowing up to 12 CRAC units to be cascaded for expanded coverage and precise climate control. Panasonic says its collaboration with Tecnair reflects a commitment to innovation and market responsiveness, offering solutions that reduce design, manufacturing, and operational costs, and that the range of units and accessories ensures the ability to meet diverse design and installation specifications.

Shell cooling fluids certified for use in data centres

Shell Lubricants’ immersion cooling fluids have become the first to receive official certification from a major chip manufacturer, allowing its innovative products to be used with confidence in data centres worldwide. Jason Wong, Global Executive Vice President, Shell Lubricants, says, “Upgrading existing air-cooling methods with immersion fluids can reduce data centre energy use by up to 48%, as well as help reduce capital and operating expenditure by up to 33%. “We have been working with Intel for the last two years to certify our immersion cooling fluids, which have the potential to transform the way that data centres are cooled and how much energy they use.” Extensive testing by Intel showed that Intel Xeon processors remain as reliable with Shell’s immersion cooling fluids as with traditional air-cooled systems. Immersion cooling involves servers and networking equipment being placed in electrically non-conductive fluid. The specialised liquid absorbs and dissipates heat from IT equipment more than 1,000 times more efficiently than air cooling. With no need for coolers, chillers, fans or evaporative cooling systems, immersion cooling fluids can cut the floor space needed for a data centre by up to 80%. “We’re pleased to be partnering with Shell in accelerating the adoption of more sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for data centres,” says Karin Eibschitz Segal, Corporate Vice President and Interim General Manager of the Data Centre Group at Intel. “Through these advancements we’re paving the way for the next generation of high-performance, environmentally conscious computing.” According to the International Energy Agency, energy consumption from data centres currently accounts for 1.5% of global electricity demand and is expected to double from 415 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2024 to around 945 TWh by 2030. This is mainly driven by the growth in AI. Conventional cooling systems typically account for around 30-40% of a data centre’s energy demand. Shell’s immersion cooling fluids can be retrofitted to existing data centres, as well as allowing new data centres to use space more efficiently. As a renowned lubricants supplier, Shell is investing in new products such as fluids for electric cars, battery storage systems and data centres. This focus is aligned with Shell’s strategy to grow sales of premium, high value products, while helping its customers meet their own emission reduction goals. For more from Shell, click here.

ODATA announces launch of largest data centre in Mexico

ODATA, an Aligned Data Centers company and a provider of data centre construction and operations in Latin America, has announced the launch of the first facility at its DC QR03 campus – the company’s largest data centre development in Mexico. Located in the PyME Industrial Park in Querétaro, the new campus represents a total investment of over $3 billion (£2.3bn) and will provide up to 300 megawatts (MW) of IT capacity upon full build-out. The site will feature five buildings across nearly 275,000 square metres. The first building offers 72 MW of IT power and is readily available to support the growing demands of cloud and AI providers. This milestone reportedly establishes ODATA as Mexico’s leading hyperscale data centre provider for this scale of capacity and near-term power availability. In February 2025, ODATA successfully energised 200 MW in the first phase of campus development – addressing one of the country’s primary challenges for data centre growth: the grid’s historical lag in meeting technological demand. With significant expansion underway towards 400 MW, ODATA states that this investment will offer crucial relief to Mexico’s data centre power supply challenges, especially in Querétaro. “With three anchor hyperscale clients already committed, QR03 is an established, highly connected campus and a critical interconnection hub for Querétaro and Mexico,” says Ricardo Alário, CEO of ODATA. “With abundant power and a strong presence of major cloud and AI providers, we anticipate this campus will play a central role in the development of Mexico’s digital infrastructure.” Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and technological innovation, ODATA is introducing its proprietary Delta Cube (Delta³) cooling innovation to the Mexican market for the first time. Previously implemented in Brazil, Delta³ is a patented air-cooling technology developed by ODATA’s parent company, Aligned Data Centers. Designed to support power densities of up to 50kW per rack, Delta³ allows ODATA’s data centres to maximise space utilisation and significantly reduce the load required to cool them, thereby decreasing energy consumption. Unlike conventional methods that simply push cold air into data halls, Delta³ captures and removes heat directly at the source, creating a hyper-scalable and extremely efficient environment that dynamically adapts to the IT load demands of customers. Additionally, the flexible design of QR03 and Delta³ allows seamless liquid cooling integration, creating hybrid solutions ready for next-gen AI power demands. Beyond supporting the growth of cloud and AI infrastructure in Mexico, QR03 is strategically positioned to serve US market demand. Querétaro’s proximity and connectivity to key US data centre hubs, coupled with current energy constraints in certain US markets, position the campus as a vital resource for regional digital expansion. For more from ODATA, click here.

Arteco launches direct-to-chip liquid cooling for data centres

Arteco, a provider of liquid cooling innovations, today announced its expansion into the data centre and electronics market with its Zitrec EC brand. The company states that the new brand arrives at a "critical moment", citing the escalating computational demands of today’s powerful technologies - like Generative AI and Large Language Models - which produce unprecedented heat loads which are threatening system performance, energy efficiency, and hardware reliability in the event that improved thermal management solutions aren't implemented. Zitrec EC, which is a versatile portfolio of Mono Propylene Glycol (MPG)-based, water-based and Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG)-based formulations with OAT (Organic Additive Technology), is specifically designed to help tackle these challenges. This advanced range of direct-to-chip coolants is engineered to deliver exceptional thermal performance and energy efficiency, allowing components to operate at higher calculating power without the risk of overheating. Its advanced features provide long-lasting corrosion protection, which can extend equipment lifespan and provide a safeguard against downtime. Zitrec EC therefore simplifies hardware maintenance, Arteco says, while significantly lowering the total cost and complexity of thermal management systems. “In this incredibly exciting era of AI and other technological advancements, we recognised a clear opportunity to combine our decades of cooling expertise with our relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability, thereby empowering the digital infrastructure of tomorrow,” says Serge Lievens, Technology Manager at Arteco. Alexandre Moireau, General Manager of Arteco, adds, “Our biggest strength in this new Zitrec EC chapter is the same unwavering commitment to product excellence and deep customer intimacy that established us as a trusted leader in the automotive world. In the data centre space, we will continue to proactively co-create with our customers, delivering tailored cooling solutions that meet, and exceed, their most demanding requirements. This is how we want to set new standards in thermal management in the data center and electronics market.” As part of its broader sustainability strategy, Arteco has also announced the upcoming launch of a new bio-based MPG addition to its new Zitrec EC line. This new product complements the existing recycled MPG variant, underscores Arteco’s commitment to environmentally responsible innovation and offers the same product performance and quality as the other products in the Zitrec EC range. For more from Arteco, click here.

Airedale launches AI cooling for data centres

Airedale by Modine, a critical cooling specialist, is now offering an AI-enhanced version of its Cooling System Optimizer. The company believes that the release marks a tangible advancement in cooling and efficiency for high-density data centres. Cooling AI delivers real-time adaptability, predictive intelligence and significant energy savings in response to global data centre industry demand for high-performance, high-efficiency control systems. The patent-pending AI technology utilises a hybrid deep learning model, leveraging machine learning, neural networks and digital twins to maximise efficiency and reduce energy consumption, and enhance operational stability for hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data centres. The Cooling AI system continuously analyses cooling demands, optimises system operations and anticipates future conditions. It works as a supervisory layer to the Optimizer, allowing the building management system (BMS) to handle baseline monitoring functions, with its predictive AI model making proactive adjustments. This ensures the entire system learns from historical data and adheres to the physical laws governing HVAC behaviour. Cooling AI can reduce energy consumption by up to 40%, improving power usage effectiveness (PUE) and driving sustainability gains. Chiller and fan performance is synchronised within the AI-driven data centre cooling control system, improving cooling efficiency and reducing energy use. Furthermore, the reduction in mechanical stress as a result of reduced compressor cycling can extend the equipment life cycle, as well as lower maintenance costs. "As AI-driven computing accelerates, the demand for smarter, scalable and highly efficient cooling infrastructure has never been higher, and it isn't set to stop any time soon," says Reece Thomas, Controls General Manager at Airedale by Modine. "Power densities rise and sustainability expectations will continue to increase, and data centres need cooling solutions that can evolve with them. By embedding AI directly into the control architecture, we are delivering more than just efficiency gains. We are enabling a future where cooling adapts in real time, anticipates challenges before they arise, and continuously improves over time. This is the next frontier in sustainable, high-performance data centre cooling." The new system joins Airedale by Modine's broader suite of cooling technologies designed to meet the needs of the modern data centre. From high-efficiency chillers, precision cooling units and modular fan walls to intelligent controls and airflow management systems, Airedale's solutions are designed to optimise efficiency, reduce energy consumption and enable scalable cooling across the entire data centre ecosystem. Cooling AI is available as a new system or retrofitted to an existing Airedale by Modine Cooling System Optimizer. For more from Airedale by Modine, click here.

Aligned Data Centers breaks ground on Glendale facility

Aligned Data Centers, a technology infrastructure company offering innovative, sustainable and adaptive scale data centres and build-to-scale solutions for global hyperscale and enterprise customers, has broken ground on its PHX-13 facility. The Glendale campus spans 100 acres and represents a significant expansion of Aligned's data centre footprint, the company tells us. At the heart of this development is PHX-13 - one of four planned facilities for the site. To support the campus’s energy needs, the project will incorporate a new 230 kV transmission line provided by Arizona Public Service (APS). “I am excited to see PHX-13 break ground,” says Glendale Mayor, Jerry P. Weiers. “In 2025, data centres are essential to the US economy and future growth. This project and all the benefits it will bring are exciting for our Glendale community.” Aligned says that is committed to sustainability and operational efficiency. The company’s Delta³ air cooling arrays will be utilised in PHX-13 to capture and remove heat at the source, rather than pushing cold air into the data hall like legacy facilities. The data centre will also feature Aligned's patent-pending DeltaFlow liquid cooling system, which delivers excellent performance for AI workloads and supports virtually any density and GPU cloud requirement. Additionally, Aligned will use its closed-loop cooling system, recycling water to significantly reduce water consumption. All of Aligned’s power comes from renewable sources, actively progressing toward the goal of achieving zero-carbon hosting by 2040. In line with this commitment, the Glendale campus is a model of sustainable redevelopment. The site, once a rose farm, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art data centre campus, resulting in a more than 73% reduction in annual water use. Aligned retained the site's unused well rights, allowing groundwater to remain on-site and supporting local ecological balance. This facility, like all of Aligned’s data centres, will leverage its Adaptive Modular Infrastructure (AMI), compared to traditional, stick-built methods. By prefabricating components offsite and delivering them to the site as required, Aligned is enhancing safety, quality, sustainability, and speed. This modular design and construction methodology provides exceptional flexibility, ensuring the longevity of Aligned asset's and delivering lasting benefits to the Glendale community. For more from Aligned Data Centers, click here.

Compu Dynamics launches AI and HPC Services unit

Compu Dynamics has announced the launch of its full lifecycle AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) Services unit, showcasing the company’s end to end capabilities. The expanded portfolio encompasses the entire spectrum of data centre needs, from initial design and procurement to construction, operation and ongoing maintenance, with a particular emphasis on cutting-edge liquid cooling technologies for AI and HPC environments. Compu Dynamics’ new AI and HPC service offerings build on the company’s expertise in white space deployment, including advanced liquid cooling and post-installation services. As a vendor-neutral solutions provider, the company is uniquely positioned to support equipment from virtually every manufacturer with no geographical limitations, ensuring clients receive unbiased recommendations and optimal solutions tailored to their specific requirements. "Our advanced AI and HPC service offerings represent a significant evolution in data centre services," says Steve Altizer, President and CEO of Compu Dynamics. “We have created this team to respond to the accelerating demand for highly-qualified technical support for high-density AI data centre infrastructure. By working with a variety of OEM partners and offering true end-to-end solutions, we are empowering our clients to focus on their core business while we handle the complexities of their modern critical infrastructure." The company’s holistic solutions portfolio addresses the growing need for specialised support in high-density computing environments. Compu Dynamics’ innovative liquid cooling solutions are said to offer superior efficiency and reduced energy consumption, making them essential for future-ready data centres. Key highlights of these service offerings include: · Equipment evaluation, design consultation and procurement. · Power distribution and liquid cooling system installation, startup, commissioning and quality assurance/quality control. · Flexible maintenance service options designed for seamless, worry-free support including comprehensive fluid management, coolant sampling and contamination and corrosion prevention. · Onsite staffing for day-to-day technical operations. · Dedicated customer success manager. · 24x7 emergency response team for technical issues and repair services. "As AI and HPC workloads drive unprecedented demand on data centre infrastructure, our liquid cooling expertise has become increasingly crucial,” says Scott Hegquist, Director of AI/HPC Services at Compu Dynamics. “We're committed to helping our clients navigate these challenges, providing cutting-edge solutions that optimise performance, efficiency and sustainability."

Castrol and Schneider Electric launch liquid cooling lab in Shanghai

Castrol and Schneider Electric have opened a new liquid cooling technology co-laboratory in Shanghai under a strategic partnership agreement. This collaboration aims to offer customers new innovations in data centre cooling technology. The co-laboratory will support the development of benchmark liquid cooling projects for data centres in the future. It will also serve as a jointly branded customer demonstration centre, showcasing significant breakthroughs in liquid cooling technology to the data centre industry. Castrol and Schneider Electric will work together to carry out in-depth product development and projects that can address the practical technical challenges faced by customers – such as compatibility between the cooling liquid and devices, and improving heat dissipation, among other issues. Through joint research and development, technology sharing and other approaches, both companies will aim to expand the adoption of liquid cooling technology across various scenarios.  Castrol's high-performance cooling liquids will be integrated with Schneider Electric's data centre solutions, including infrastructure such as the Cooling Distribution Unit (CDU), power supplies, server rack and intelligent power distribution equipment. In the future, both companies will collaborate to achieve further in-depth integration by conducting compatibility tests of data centre liquid cooling fluids and infrastructure. This will help ensure the stability and safety of the combined products of Castrol and Schneider Electric and provide one-stop liquid cooling solutions for more customers. At the opening of the co-laboratory, Peter Huang, Vice President, Thermal Management at Castrol, said, "In the era of AI, the construction of liquid cooling infrastructure in data centres is developing rapidly. Through Castrol’s strategic partnership with Schneider Electric, we will jointly provide end-to-end solutions for the construction, operation and maintenance of data centres, ranging from the hardware in server rooms to liquid cooling fluids." Castrol and Schneider Electric are committed to providing higher-quality data centre liquid cooling services and promoting safe and energy-efficient development of data centres that are fit for the future.

Trane sets new data centre cooling standards

Trane, by Trane Technologies, is revolutionising mission critical operations with the development of two new data centre cooling offerings - Magnetic Bearing chillers and Ascend chillers for facility chilled water cooling applications. Trane’s Magnetic Bearing Chiller provides unparalleled cooling capacity to address the escalating capacity needs of data centre thermal management systems. The introduction of the Ascend chiller platform for data centres provides even greater efficiency for high ambient temperature operations. “Next-gen microprocessors are expected to exponentially increase rack density, elevating demand for efficient, higher capacity and higher ambient air-cooled chillers,” says Steve Obstein, Vice President and General Manager, Data Centres & High-Tech, Trane Technologies. “Building on our leading platforms, in close collaboration with our customers, gives us the ability to redefine the standards of cooling efficiency, capacity and environmental sustainability for data centre owners and operators, helping them stay ahead of rapidly advancing thermal management needs.” Magnetic bearing chiller helps maximise cooling capacity The new air-cooled chiller, based on Trane’s Magnetic Bearing compressor platform, produces up to 850 tons, 3MW at data centre conditions on a single unit frame. The new chiller helps maximise cooling capacity per square foot of unit footprint, often allowing for a reduction in the number of chillers needed onsite and helping to lower installation costs. Replacing multiple chillers with a single larger capacity chiller can help reduce sound transmission to the local environment, helping reduce the impact in sound sensitive locations.  Ascend chiller enables higher ambient temperature operations Through the extended capabilities of the Ascend screw-compressor chiller platform, Trane is leading with solutions that meet customer needs to address escalating ambient temperatures from greater heat density generated by modern GPUs and AI adoption. Expansion of the Trane Ascend Air-Cooled Chiller with integrated indirect free cooling, supports data centre uptime with efficient operation at up to 145oF. Free cooling reduces reliance on mechanical cooling and helps reduce energy consumption and operational costs. Designed for higher efficiency and serviceability The new air-cooled chillers use refrigerants with lower global warming potential, supporting reduced energy costs and carbon footprints. Both chillers are equipped with Trane’s Symbio 800 unit controller with AdaptiView user interface, offering secure enhanced connectivity, flexibility and serviceability. Trane supports operations and uptime throughout the lifecycle of the data centre with thousands of local service experts across North America, strategically located in proximity to customers, and Smart Service options for proactive monitoring, predictive maintenance and improved thermal management systems.