Cooling

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.

Vertiv launches free cooling unit for data centres

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity products, has announced a significant upgrade of its thermal management product portfolio with the introduction of the next-gen Vertiv Liebert EFC free cooling unit with low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant. It is designed to meet stringent environmental standards for data centre applications, including colocation and cloud services, and is now available across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) with capacities ranging from 150 to 450 kW. Vertiv Liebert EFC combines the capabilities of indirect air-to-air heat exchange and evaporative cooling principles in a single unit. The innovative patented polymer heat exchanger and the new low-GWP inverter driven compressor technology significantly enhance annual efficiency by up to 19% compared to previous technologies, allowing a pPUE (partial Power Usage Effectiveness) as low as 1.05. One of the standout benefits of the Liebert EFC is its extreme flexibility, Vertiv tells us. Based on onsite-specific conditions, a live toggling control feature allows users to seamlessly and securely reduce the use of critical resources like power or water via software controls, to leverage the free cooling mode. This flexibility empowers data centre owners to reduce their climate impact while enabling continuous cooling, regardless of site-specific resources. Models are available with full direct expansion (DX) back-up with a remote condenser, to supply the entire cooling capacity without any water requirements - offering full water independence, without impacting reliability. "As businesses prioritise sustainability strategies, customers are increasingly seeking innovative cooling solutions that reduce resource consumption while offering operational flexibility and resilience," states Sam Bainborough, Vice President, Thermal Business EMEA at Vertiv. "The Liebert EFC, with its game-changing and patented technology, addresses these needs with a flexible system that delivers an entirely new experience for the customer, maximising time using free cooling and leveraging the natural power of evaporation.” The new Liebert EFC complies with current global regulations and bans (EU F-Gas regulation 2024/573, and IPCC AR4), offering a turnkey solution engineered for future scalability, easy maintenance, and durability. The polymer design offers improved corrosion resistance and also allows a wider range of water qualities during operation when compared to an aluminium heat exchanger. At the core of this innovation is Vertiv Liebert iCOM and its control algorithms, which manage automatic transitions between the most suitable working modes, enabling use of the preferred cooling source. The controls also enable seamless coordination of units, allowing them to function as a unified system, enhancing cooling continuity and reliability without the need for an additional plant management system. For more from Vertiv, click here.

ODATA announces new data centre in Sao Paulo

ODATA, an Aligned Data Centers company and a provider of data centre services for Latin America, has announced DC SP04, its new data centre located in the city of Osasco, Sao Paulo. With an investment of over $450m (£347m) upon completion, the 48MW facility will feature a flexible and adaptive design, enabling ODATA to seamlessly meet the dynamic requirements of its customers today and into the future. DC SP04 will be the first ODATA facility in Brazil to feature the Delta Cube (Delta³) cooling system, which the company says reinforces its commitment to efficiency, innovation, and flexibility in its deployments. This proprietary, high-efficiency cooling technology, developed by ODATA’s parent company, Aligned Data Centers, is exclusively available to ODATA across its facilities in South America. The patented design offers unmatched energy efficiency and flexibility to support shifting density requirements, the company claims. Ricardo Alário, CEO of ODATA, comments, “We take great pride in operating with 100% renewable energy in Brazil, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to sustainable and responsible energy practices. The integration of Delta³ in DC SP04 delivers rapid scalability, cutting-edge technological innovation, and exceptional energy efficiency, enabling us to quickly address the growing power density and capacity needs of our customers.” 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 highly efficient environment that dynamically adapts to the IT load demands of customers. Kelvin Tamura, Design Director at ODATA, adds, “Delta³ enables us to cool hyperscale IT environments efficiently, saving both energy and space. The system also seamlessly integrates with liquid cooling solutions, enabling ODATA to provide customers with high-density computing environments that can scale easily to accommodate AI, cloud and high-performance computing deployments.” ODATA believes that DC SP04 is set to significantly impact both the local economy and the technological landscape of Sao Paulo. The facility’s establishment is expected to address a critical gap in data centre expansion capacity within Osasco, providing robust IT infrastructure and a reliable power supply. This strengthens Greater Sao Paulo's position as a leading technology hub, driving job creation, and attracting significant regional investments. DC SP04 is on schedule to become operational in April 2025. For more from ODATA, click here.

Johnson Controls launches air-cooled chillers in Europe

Johnson Controls, an expert in smart, safe, healthy and sustainable buildings, has expanded the availability of its YORK range of YVAM air-cooled magnetic bearing chillers to Europe to meet the growing demand in the data centre industry. As the European data centre market experiences significant growth driven by AI and cloud computing, the YVAM is a crucial thermal management technology for hyperscale and colocation facilities, Johnson Controls tells us. Designed to accelerate deployment with an innovative, scalable and consistent platform, the YVAM also plays a role in ensuring compliance with the new European Union policy on energy efficiency and water conservation. "As data storage demand rises and chip density increases, data centres face increasing challenges with cooling technologies, including broader temperature ranges, reduced energy and water use, noise reduction and limited space," says Johnson Controls President of Data Centre Solutions, Todd Grabowski. "At Johnson Controls, we work with our customers to offer solutions that enable data centres to scale rapidly, operate efficiently, minimise resource use and maintain reliability in a quickly changing landscape." The YORK YVAM chiller consumes 40% less power annually while still delivering the same cooling capacity as other available products. In addition, YVAM offers the widest operating range, allowing for chiller operation from -29°C up to +55°C ambient temperature while producing chilled water temperatures between +15°C up to 30°C. This allows complete flexibility to use the same cooling infrastructure regardless of the cooling technology ranging from cold air aisles to immersion cooling or direct liquid cooling. Further features and benefits include: • Operates with zero water use on site, supporting the growing importance of water usage effectiveness (WUE) and the conservation of water.• Utilises ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant.• Leverages Johnson Controls proprietary magnetic-bearing technology, variable-speed drives and active front-end technology to maximise efficiency while eliminating the need for free cooling coils.• Produces notably less sound than screw chillers, operating at just 65 dBA at 10 metres - equivalent to the noise level of background music at a restaurant.• The lubrication-free design further simplifies the system by eliminating complex subsystems and reducing maintenance costs.• To ensure uninterrupted operations, the YVAM incorporates Quick Start technology with an integral emergency power management system, enabling the chiller to return to full load in as little as three minutes after a power interruption.• The YVAM is designed in-house and built using flagship York technologies.• It's designed to be a flexible platform that allows for easy inspection and service. "With its innovative design and industry-leading efficiency, YVAM is set to redefine thermal management in data centres across the region,” Todd continues. “We’ve already seen great success for this technology in the North American market and we’re excited to partner with our European customers as the AI and data centre demand rapidly develops.” Johnson Controls offers a wide range of air-cooled and water-cooled chillers as well as air handling units, all designed to meet the needs of hyperscale and colocation customers. These products are supported by a comprehensive suite of fire, safety, building automation and digitally connected services. In June 2024, Johnson Controls launched a dedicated Global Data Centre Solutions organisation to address the industry's rapid growth. Since then, the company has boosted capacity in key regions to meet market demand and reduce lead times. This specialised organisation allows Johnson Controls to provide consistent, high-quality, centralised solutions across the globe, while also adapting to the unique needs of North America, EMEA and APAC, ensuring smooth and reliable support for data centre operators worldwide. For more from Johnson Controls, click here.

Vertiv and Tecogen to enhance data centre cooling solutions

Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity products, and Tecogen, a clean energy company providing ultra-efficient and clean on-site power, heating, and cooling equipment, have announced a collaboration that enables Vertiv to offer Tecogen’s advanced natural gas-powered chiller technology to data centres worldwide, addressing power constraints and facilitating the deployment of AI at scale. The Tecogen innovation will expand Vertiv's portfolio of cooling solutions. As the power required for AI computing and its supporting critical digital infrastructure increases, the strain on the power grid is showing, with increased demand exceeding supply in some regions. Tecogen’s technologies, proven over 40 years in demanding 24/7 applications such as healthcare and process cooling, help to reduce grid strain through natural gas-powered chiller technology. Vertiv has more than 60 years of experience in providing cooling, power and IT management for data centres of every size. This global partnership underscores Vertiv and Tecogen’s commitment to delivering cost-effective and resilient infrastructure products that leverage alternative energy resources. “We are excited to partner with Tecogen to bring innovative cooling solutions to our customers,” says George Hannah, Senior Director of Chilled Water Systems at Vertiv. “Integrating Tecogen’s technology into our portfolio allows data centre operators to overcome power constraints, optimise energy usage, and confidently expand their AI capabilities.” “This relationship is advantageous for both parties,” adds Abinand Rangesh, Chief Executive Officer at Tecogen. “For Tecogen, having a world-renowned partner like Vertiv enables us to scale rapidly in the data centre market. By combining Vertiv’s expertise in end-to-end data centre thermal systems with Tecogen’s proven natural gas-powered chiller technology, the collaboration offers a compelling value proposition for data centres aiming to enhance performance while managing energy consumption effectively.” For more from Vertiv, click here.

Vertiv unveils new liquid cooling solutions at DCW 2025

Vertiv has announced that it will showcase the company’s newest products and solutions at Data Centre World (DCW) on 12-13 March 2025 at ExCeL London. For the second year running, Vertiv will be presenting the latest advancements in power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions for data centres at the VIP lounge, offering visitors the opportunity to learn from its team of experts, explore its pioneering products, and connect with leaders of the company.  In February, Vertiv announced the global launch of its liquid cooling services portfolio, specifically designed to support systems for AI and high-density computing applications. The Vertiv Liquid Cooling Services portfolio encompasses design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance, facilitating seamless integration, operational efficiency, and enhanced system availability. These services have been delivered for more than a year to regional early adopters. This experience brings a mature and proven approach, providing data centre operators worldwide with expert support based on real-world application and success.  On show will be Vertiv Liebert XDU1350 coolant distribution unit, a model of the Vertiv CoolChip CDU family that operates with or without facility water, allowing organisations to tap into the benefits of liquid-cooled servers to more efficiently support higher rack densities without incurring the costs of major infrastructure changes. During the event, Vertiv experts will take part in a series of thought leadership sessions, covering key trends that will shape the industry over the next 12 months; strategies to address the demands of AI; how alternative energy strategies are reshaping data centre power and improving efficiencies; and the criticality of efficient cooling solutions to maintaining performance, reliability and energy efficiency. Additionally, Vertiv has been shortlisted for five DCW awards: Most Successfully Delivered Data Centre, Environmental Product of the Year, AI Excellence, and two nominations for Special Contribution to Improving Energy Efficiency. Details of the sessions featuring Vertiv experts can be found below. Wednesday 12 March Certified High-Performance Management Solutions in Data Centres - presented by Alessandro Zerbetto, Product Manager Global Thermal Management Systems at Vertiv, at 10:30 in the Energy Efficiency Cost Management and DCIM Theatre. Powering the AI Era – presented by Puya Forghani, Offering Manager, Global Large Power at Vertiv, at 12:15 in the Design & Build & Physical Security Theatre. 2025 Data Center Trends: Future-Proofing Data Centres and Emphasising Sustainability with Innovation – Alex Brew, VP of Regional Sales, EMEA at Vertiv, will be taking part in this panel discussion at 14:00 in the Keynote: Global Strategies, People, Environment & Innovation Theatre. Thursday 13 March How to Cool the AI Revolution – presented by Dominik Dziarczykowski, Market Development Manager For High Density And Liquid Cooling at Vertiv at 10:45 in the Keynote: Global Strategies, People, Environment & Innovation Theatre.  Why Data Centers Are Essential to Digital and Energy Transformation – presented by Marinella Massacesi, Business Development Manager at Vertiv, at 11:25 in the Operational Transformation & Resilience Theatre. For more from Vertiv, click here.