Innovations in Data Center Power and Cooling Solutions

Schneider upgrades NHS Trust's critical infrastructure

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has completed a power infrastructure modernisation project using Schneider Electric technology to improve monitoring, visibility, and management of critical systems across its estate. The project was delivered with Schneider Electric, alongside EcoXpert partner RMD and technology provider XMA, and included the deployment of EcoStruxure monitoring software and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) equipment across multiple sites. The Trust provides healthcare services to more than 500,000 people across Northumberland and North Tyneside in the UK, with its IT infrastructure supporting electronic patient records, clinical systems, administration, access control, and CCTV. According to the Trust, a mix of legacy UPS systems from different manufacturers had created challenges around maintenance, monitoring, and service continuity. Mathew Burns, Operational Infrastructure Manager at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, says, "With the UPS and network infrastructure, our ultimate goal is to improve service as it underpins everything the hospital does. "It's not only about looking at new technologies and different ways of working, but extracting more value from what we already have. In terms of meeting Service Level Agreements (SLAs), the key challenge is achieving 100% uptime, ensuring systems are always available across multiple sites over a very large geographical area." Creating a unified view across multiple sites To address these challenges, the Trust implemented EcoStruxure to provide centralised monitoring of UPS infrastructure across its facilities. The deployment includes Smart-UPS systems, network management cards, NetBotz cameras and sensors, and EcoStruxure IT Expert software for monitoring and reporting across 175 nodes. Ross Higgins, Senior Technical Specialist at RMD, explains, "We discussed the Trust's key issues such as the runtime needed for its data centres. It was clear that a centralised monitoring system was needed for its infrastructure." Bob Beckwith, Infrastructure Innovation and Transformation Manager at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, notes, "Adoption of EcoStruxure is developing well. It provides reassurance that our UPS equipment on each site is reliable and 'fit for purpose'. "The Trust views its digital infrastructure as a pyramid, with power as the foundation and maintenance support at the top. We placed RMD, XMA, and Schneider Electric solutions at the base to create a really solid foundation." Supporting future infrastructure planning Following the deployment, the Trust reports complete visibility across its UPS infrastructure, alongside improved benchmarking of energy efficiency and equipment lifecycle status. The organisation says the data generated through EcoStruxure supports budgeting, maintenance forecasting, replacement planning, and future data centre consolidation projects. Mathew Burns continues, "Today, in terms of operations, our UPS estate state is healthy, with a reassuring healthy report from EcoStruxure. "This is a significant investment for the Trust, and we didn't want to put all the new equipment in without having the confidence to know that everything underpinning it was okay. EcoStruxure gives us that confidence." The project represents an investment of approximately £1 million. Under a five-year agreement, the Trust plans to continue upgrading UPS infrastructure, consolidate data centre operations, and maintain ongoing support services through RMD and Schneider Electric. Matthew Baynes, Vice President, Secure Power and Data Centre division at Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, concludes, "Projects like this demonstrate how resilient, connected power infrastructure underpins critical public services. "By modernising and standardising its UPS infrastructure, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has created a highly resilient digital foundation that supports operational continuity, enhances visibility across its estate, and ensures healthcare teams can continue delivering outstanding patient care with confidence." For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Why the UK’s AI ambitions demand a new power paradigm

In this exclusive article for DCNN, Javier Cavada (pictured above), President & CEO EMEA at Mitsubishi Power, considers how private power networks and on-site generation could help data centre operators overcome grid constraints while supporting the UK's AI ambitions: Decoupling digital growth In the UK, expanding digital and AI infrastructure is a strategic priority. The Government has indicated that the country will need at least 6GW of AI-capable data centre capacity by 2030 to support this ambition. However, this digital growth is outpacing the capacity of the UK’s physical energy infrastructure, resulting in a growing mismatch between the country’s AI ambitions and the systems needed to support AI-powered data centres. Electricity demand from data centres is already significant, at a time when the wider economy - indeed, society as a whole - is rapidly electrifying. Currently, data centres account for around 6% of UK electricity consumption, and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) projects that this could increase to 8.8% by 2030 as AI adoption accelerates. At the same time, grid connection requests for demand-side projects have surged from around 41GW in late 2024 to 125GW by mid-2025, with approximately 50GW linked to data centre developments. This rapid build-up in the connection queue is creating significant congestion, with some large, high-capacity projects now facing delays of up to a decade. All of this has prompted regulatory intervention, with NESO moving away from the previous “first come, first served” approach towards a more selective “first ready, first served” model for prioritising connection requests. While this shift is welcome, it will take time to translate into tangible improvements on the ground. In the meantime, the key takeaway for developers is clear: securing a guaranteed power connection has become a far more significant constraint on new data centre development than access to land. More broadly, the structural limitations of the UK’s centralised and ageing grid are emerging as a major barrier to delivering on the country’s AI and digital infrastructure ambitions. The grid bottleneck and the competitiveness risk The reality is that to ensure operational uptime from day one, operators can no longer rely solely on the UK’s national grid. Instead, delivering the power required to build and operate this critical infrastructure will increasingly depend on on-site energy parks and dedicated private-wire networks. This challenge extends well beyond a single industry; it is fundamental to the UK’s ability to sustain a dynamic, modern economy. AI, cloud computing, and high-performance computing (HPC) have become core drivers of global competitiveness, and, in turn, access to reliable power is a decisive factor in where hyperscalers and technology firms choose to deploy capital. These decisions shape long-term job creation and regional economic growth. Without sufficient power availability, the UK risks losing major digital investments - as well as the high-skilled employment they bring - to leading European markets. Competitors in the Netherlands, Ireland, and the Nordics are gaining ground by offering faster access to power - a trend already evident in the Slough/M4 corridor, where connection moratoriums have pushed operators to look beyond traditional hubs simply to keep pace with demand. One response is the deployment of high-efficiency gas turbine systems to help bridge this capacity and infrastructure gap. Gas turbines provide a practical interim solution, delivering reliable, dispatchable power at scale today while offering a pathway to lower-carbon operation as hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels mature. Why private power models are becoming essential By connecting dedicated power assets directly to the data campus via private-wire networks, operators can bypass multi-year utility queues, significantly compress construction timelines, and secure a predictable envelope of capacity. Operating behind the meter also provides a critical commercial advantage, shielding multi-million-pound infrastructure investments from volatile wholesale market prices and localised grid congestion, as well as enabling greater long-term cost certainty. However, access to power alone does not fully resolve the challenge. AI workloads require continuous, 24/7 baseload stability - something intermittent renewables cannot deliver in isolation. As the UK continues to scale wind and solar generation, managing intermittency becomes an increasing constraint, reinforcing the role of on-site gas turbines in providing immediate, dispatchable power to stabilise private networks. Crucially, deploying on-site gas generation does not mean abandoning sustainability goals. Instead, it offers a pragmatic bridge to net zero. The industry is already shifting towards flexible thermal infrastructure that can meet current demand using natural gas, while remaining compatible with lower-carbon fuels. Modern high-efficiency gas turbines, for example, can already operate on a 30% hydrogen blend, with engineered pathways to 50% and ultimately 100% hydrogen capability from around 2030 onwards, as technology and fuel supplies mature. This ensures that assets deployed today remain viable in a decarbonised future. Embracing a new model of infrastructure self reliance The UK cannot become a global AI leader if its data centres remain dependent on an increasingly constrained public grid. Colocated energy parks represent a shift from grid dependency to infrastructure self-reliance. By deploying on-site generation, operators can decouple build timelines from grid constraints while laying the foundations for a more resilient, future-ready, low-carbon digital economy. In this context, digital sovereignty cannot wait for grid reinforcement. The sector is moving towards a model in which operators take greater control of their energy supply, ensuring both immediate resilience and long-term strategic flexibility. For more from Mitsubishi, click here.

Power Electronics reaches 170GW installed capacity

Power Electronics, a global manufacturer of energy storage and solar inverters, has announced that it has reached 170GW of installed AC power worldwide, up from 150GW at the end of 2025. The company says the increase reflects growth across a number of international markets, particularly within the energy storage sector. Power Electronics reports continued expansion in markets including the United States, Australia, and the UK, alongside growth across the EU in countries such as Spain, Italy, Lithuania, and Poland. Its latest developments focus on energy storage, solar power, and data centre infrastructure, with an emphasis on grid stability, energy resilience, and operational efficiency. Energy storage and data centre infrastructure In the energy storage sector, Power Electronics is highlighting its PCSM and Multi PCSM battery inverters, designed for utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. The company says the products support direct connection to medium-voltage networks and can operate in both grid-following and grid-forming modes. Their modular design is intended to support scalability, availability, and maintenance requirements. Power Electronics is also showcasing its Freesun DC/DC converter, which is designed for DC-coupled solar and storage installations. According to the company, the technology enables direct connection between photovoltaic systems and battery storage while supporting grid-forming operation. The manufacturer says it has gained significant experience with grid-forming technologies in markets including Australia, where such systems are increasingly being deployed to support grid stability and renewable energy integration. It is also increasing its focus on data centres, driven by growing demand associated with artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Power Electronics' portfolio includes the AIPCS-integrated medium-voltage to 800VDC power supply, designed for high-density data centre environments. The company says the system is intended to improve efficiency and reduce energy losses. The offering is supported by the PCSM and Multi PCSM battery inverters, alongside the XMV670 medium-voltage drive, which is designed to provide control of cooling systems and support energy efficiency. According to Power Electronics, the combined technologies are intended to support scalable data centre infrastructure capable of operating under varying load conditions. Solar technologies for utility-scale projects Within its solar portfolio, the company is highlighting the HEM solar inverter and the Freemaq DC/DC converter. It says the HEM integrates medium-voltage equipment within a single enclosure, simplifying installation and reducing connection requirements. The inverter is also designed to support hybrid solar and storage configurations. The Freemaq converter is intended for hybrid renewable energy projects and supports functions including energy shifting, frequency response, ramp-rate control, and clipping energy recovery. Power Electronics says the technology is compatible with multiple battery technologies and can be configured for a range of project requirements. At The smarter E Europe 2026, the company also highlighted its European manufacturing operations, supply chain capabilities, cyber security measures, and after-sales support services. Raúl Padierna, CSO at Power Electronics, comments, "Reaching 170 GW of installed AC power is the result of accelerated growth over the past months and reflects the trust our customers place in our technology globally. "This momentum, especially in markets such as Europe, the US, and Australia, positions us strongly to continue scaling our solutions and supporting the next generation of energy systems."

Opna named World Economic Forum 'Technology Pioneer'

London-based Opna has been named a 2026 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum (WEF), joining the organisation's annual list of 100 companies recognised for developing technologies with the potential to influence industries and markets. The company, which focuses on the procurement and financing of critical power equipment, will participate in the Technology Pioneers programme, with the first meeting of the 2026 cohort scheduled to take place in China later this month. Opna works with data centre operators, renewable energy developers, and industrial organisations across Europe, helping them source and finance equipment including transformers, switchgear, high-voltage cables, and generators. According to the company, its platform combines equipment verification, supplier matching, and financing through a single data platform designed to improve visibility of manufacturing capacity and procurement options. Focus on power equipment supply chains The announcement coincides with the publication of a new industry blueprint from Opna founder and CEO Shilpika Gautam, which examines challenges affecting the supply of critical power infrastructure across Europe. The report argues that growing demand from sectors including data centres, renewable energy, and grid infrastructure is placing increasing pressure on power equipment supply chains. Opna identifies four key challenges affecting project delivery: differences between manufacturing and project timelines, payment structures that require significant upfront deposits, mismatches between available manufacturing capacity and changing demand patterns, and repeated verification processes for equipment suppliers. The company argues that improved coordination between manufacturers, developers, financiers, and infrastructure operators could help address these issues. Shilpika says, “More factories are coming, and that is a good thing, but they will not start delivering in time to close the power equipment supply squeeze that everyone from data centres to renewable developers and critical facilities [...] are facing. “We face a very real and worsening risk of funded projects stalling, clean energy generation not making it onto the grid, and the window to ramp off fossil fuels, electrify our economies, and create growth, resilience, and security across Europe narrowing. “I see a clear solution: we need a coordination layer for the industry, not just new physical supply - a foundational backbone that holds verification, matching, and financing on the same data, built with the visibility, financing depth, and platform capability that can turn this industry into a healthy market.” The blueprint includes commentary from a number of energy and infrastructure specialists, including representatives from Ember, Ørsted, Power System Partners, and other organisations involved in energy systems and grid infrastructure. Growing demand for grid infrastructure Opna says increasing demand for electricity infrastructure is being driven by data centre growth, electrification projects, renewable energy deployment, and wider grid modernisation efforts. The company cites long lead times for high-voltage power equipment and increasing pressure on manufacturing capacity as key challenges facing developers and infrastructure operators. According to Opna, its platform is designed to help organisations access qualified suppliers, secure manufacturing capacity, and align financing arrangements with project delivery schedules. The company says regulatory developments in the UK, EU (including Ireland), and the United States are placing greater emphasis on demonstrating access to equipment supply as part of infrastructure development and grid connection processes.

ABB launches grid stability package for data centres

ABB, a multinational corporation specialising in industrial automation and electrification products, has introduced a pre-engineered synchronous condenser package designed to help data centre operators address grid stability challenges associated with growing AI workloads and increasing power demand. The company says the modular system is intended to support power network stability at grid connection points, helping operators connect new capacity while maintaining reliable power system performance. As AI adoption increases, data centres are placing greater demands on electricity networks. Large and rapidly changing power loads can affect voltage and frequency stability, creating challenges for both grid operators and data centre developers seeking new connections. ABB's synchronous condenser package is designed to provide instantaneous inertia and dynamic reactive power, helping to stabilise voltage and frequency during sudden changes in demand. According to ABB, the pre-engineered design is intended to simplify deployment by reducing engineering requirements, installation complexity, and project delivery times. The package combines a synchronous condenser, flywheel, starting system, lubrication system, cooling infrastructure, auxiliary equipment, e-house, and optional noise enclosure within a standardised design. The flywheel includes an integrated safety enclosure and is designed specifically to support electrical network stabilisation. Supporting AI-driven power demands ABB says the solution can help operators address grid stability requirements earlier in the development process, potentially simplifying approvals and supporting future capacity expansion without significant changes to core power infrastructure. The company also states that providing mechanical, electrical, and control systems through a single supplier can reduce on-site integration requirements and streamline project delivery. David Bjerharg, Business Line Manager, High Speed Synchronous at ABB, notes, "As data centres become increasingly widespread and AI-driven demand increases, grid stability is becoming a fundamental requirement for ongoing expansion. "This solution enables operators to connect faster, operate reliably from day one, and scale with confidence." The launch reflects growing industry focus on power infrastructure capable of supporting AI-driven facilities, where high-density computing workloads can create significant fluctuations in electricity demand. ABB says the synchronous condenser package is intended to support long-term infrastructure performance while helping operators deploy new data centre capacity more efficiently. For more from ABB, click here.

Siemens, Infineon partner on data centre circuit protection

German multinational technology company Siemens and German semiconductor manufacturing company Infineon Technologies have partnered to develop electrical protection technology for data centres, industrial facilities, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Under the agreement, Infineon will supply silicon carbide (SiC) power modules for use in Siemens's SENTRON 3QD2 semiconductor circuit breakers, designed to improve efficiency, power density, and reliability in power distribution systems. According to the companies, growing electrification and the increasing complexity of AI data centres and industrial operations are driving demand for faster and more reliable electrical protection. A semiconductor circuit breaker, also known as a solid-state circuit breaker, is designed to protect electrical circuits from excessive current caused by faults such as short circuits and overloads. Unlike conventional electromechanical breakers, which use mechanical components to interrupt current flow, semiconductor-based devices use electronic components and control algorithms to react significantly faster. Siemens says the SENTRON 3QD2 can interrupt current in the microsecond range, making it suitable for direct current (DC) power systems where rapid fault isolation is required to minimise downtime and equipment damage. Andreas Weisl, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer of Industrial and Infrastructure at Infineon, notes, "AI data centres and factories are becoming increasingly electrified and complex. "This increases vulnerability to electrical failures and drives the demand for more sustainable, efficient, and reliable power distribution systems. "By combining our advanced silicon carbide technology with Siemens's expertise in power distribution, we are addressing this demand to ensure fast, safe, and reliable operations in power-critical environments." Growing interest in DC power systems The collaboration centres on Infineon's CoolSiC MOSFET power module, which has been integrated into Siemens's semiconductor circuit breaker platform. The companies say the technology supports the wider adoption of DC power distribution systems, which are gaining attention in industrial environments and data centres because of their potential efficiency benefits and ability to integrate more effectively with battery storage systems. Markus Grabmeier, CEO Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, comments, "Our new direct current portfolio offers innovative solutions that not only improve energy efficiency but also enable the development of resilient, future-proof infrastructure. "Direct current applications can decrease energy consumption and substantially cut material usage. By integrating batteries, peak power can also be significantly reduced. "With this approach, we are making a decisive contribution to the decarbonisation of our industries, while reinforcing our commitment to developing technologies that deliver tangible value to our customers and society." The companies state that the partnership is intended to support the growing requirements of power-critical environments where electrical protection systems must operate quickly and reliably to maintain availability and reduce the risk of service disruption. A demonstration of the SENTRON 3QD2 semiconductor circuit breaker will be showcased at PCIM Europe 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, from 9–11 June. For more from Siemens, click here.

A-Gas to attend DCN Toronto as sponsor

A-Gas, a company specialising in lifecycle refrigerant management (LRM), will attend Data Center Nation (DCN) Toronto in Canada on 9 June as an official sponsor, following its participation as a Gold Sponsor at DCN Milan earlier this year. The company is increasing its engagement with the data centre sector as demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow and cooling efficiency remains a key consideration for operators. A-Gas specialises in LRM, providing services focused on the recovery, reclamation, reuse, and disposal of refrigerants. While the company has traditionally operated in sectors including HVAC, automotive, and cold chain logistics, it is expanding its focus on data centres and their cooling requirements. Operating in 15 countries, A-Gas provides refrigerant supply services alongside refrigerant recovery and management programmes for facilities undergoing equipment replacement or decommissioning. Refrigerant management remains key cooling consideration As data centre operators deploy higher-density infrastructure and adopt new cooling technologies, refrigerant management is becoming an increasingly important aspect of sustainability and operational planning. A-Gas says its offering includes on-site refrigerant recovery services, reclaimed refrigerant supply, and the destruction of refrigerants that cannot be processed for future reuse. The company notes it will use the event to meet with industry stakeholders and discuss approaches to cooling infrastructure management within data centre environments. For more from A-Gas, click here.

EUDCA backs EU data centre energy integration plan

The European Data Centre Association (EUDCA), the representative body of the European data centre community, has co-signed a Declaration of Intent aimed at improving the integration of data centres within the European Union's energy system. The agreement supports the objectives of the European Commission's Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in the Energy Sector and seeks to strengthen cooperation between data centre operators, energy providers, grid operators, and public authorities. As investment in AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure continues to increase across Europe, the declaration is intended to help establish common frameworks for planning and coordinating future infrastructure development. According to the signatories, the initiative will contribute to the development of shared principles, procedures, and best practices that can be adopted by EU Member States to support sustainable growth in data centre capacity. The declaration aligns with several European policy initiatives, including the Data Centre Energy Efficiency Package, the European Grids Package, and the proposed Cloud and AI Development Act. Industry groups target closer energy sector collaboration The declaration has been signed by organisations representing a broad range of sectors, including electricity networks, energy storage, renewable energy, district heating, and digital infrastructure. Among the signatories are the EUDCA, Eurelectric, ENTSO-E, WindEurope, SolarPower Europe, Energy Storage Europe, and the EU DSO Entity. Lex Coors, President of the EUDCA, says, "The energy system can no longer be viewed as a single connection to a single data centre. Europe is moving into a more complex, four-dimensional environment where capacity, flexibility, sustainability, and digital resilience must be planned together. "Data centres are becoming part of the wider energy system, and this Declaration of Intent is an important step towards building that cooperation in a responsible and future-proof way." The declaration establishes a series of working groups focused on areas including grid planning, connection agreements, flexibility services, energy generation, and energy storage. Working groups to address future capacity requirements Europe is expected to expand its data centre capacity significantly over the next five to seven years as AI infrastructure investment accelerates. The declaration is intended to support this growth while helping Member States meet wider energy and sustainability objectives. Michael Winterson, Secretary General of the EUDCA, explains, "Europe’s AI, cloud, and digital ambitions will require significant new infrastructure capacity over the coming years. Delivering that growth responsibly will depend on much closer coordination between the digital infrastructure and energy sectors. "This Declaration of Intent shows our commitment to partner with energy providers, local authorities, and wider EU institutions to deliver on advanced technologies, energy, and sustainability ambitions." The EUDCA says it will contribute technical and policy expertise to the working groups as discussions progress, supporting the development of future frameworks for cooperation between Europe's digital infrastructure and energy sectors. For more from the EUDCA, click here.

Bergen Engines signs 750MW data centre deal

Bergen Engines, a Norwegian manufacturer of medium-speed gas and dual-fuel engines, has signed an agreement with Crusoe to provide up to 750MW of power generation capacity for AI data centre developments in the United States. The agreement comprises a 438MW contract and a further 310MW letter of intent, supporting Crusoe's expanding portfolio of AI infrastructure projects. Crusoe develops large-scale AI data centre campuses using a combination of grid power, natural gas generation, renewable energy, and battery storage. The company deploys both grid-connected and behind-the-meter power infrastructure to support the high energy demands of AI workloads. John Adams, Senior Vice President of Power at Crusoe, says, "The pace of AI infrastructure development demands builders who treat power as a first-class AI infrastructure layer. "Bergen’s gensets give us the reliable baseload power we need to energise large-scale campuses, deployable on our timeline. We’re building AI factories at record speed, and this agreement helps us maintain that pace." Under the initial contract, Bergen Engines will supply 27 gas-powered generating sets rated at 12.5MWe and 20 units rated at 5MWe. Additional units are included within the letter of intent, with deliveries planned across multiple US locations through 2027. On-site generation supports growing AI power demand The generators are intended to provide continuous baseload power for AI data centres operating around the clock. The systems will incorporate alternators from Marelli Motori and dynamic power stabilisation technology from Piller Power Systems. According to the companies, the technology is designed to manage rapid fluctuations in electricity demand associated with computing-intensive workloads. Dean Richards, CEO of Piller Power Systems, says, "AI workloads have a distinct power profile that demands purpose-built generation and stabilisation technology. "SHIELD-X is designed to manage those dynamics, protecting the generation assets and maintaining stable plant operation while ensuring consistent power quality for the data centre." As AI infrastructure capacity expands, developers are increasingly turning to on-site and behind-the-meter power generation where grid connections are unavailable or unable to support required capacity within project timescales. Theo Lorentzos, Vice President of Sales for Bergen Engines Americas, notes, "The pace of AI infrastructure development is unlike anything the power generation industry has seen before. "In this market, access to power determines how fast you can scale. Crusoe’s model is built around speed and stable power, and our solution is designed to deliver both." The agreement forms part of a wider trend towards dedicated power infrastructure for AI data centres, enabling developers to accelerate deployments while reducing reliance on traditional utility connection timelines. For more from Bergen Engines, click here.

Schneider Electric unveils Uniflair XCA chillers

Global energy technology company Schneider Electric has introduced the Uniflair XCA range of air-cooled and free-cooling chillers, designed for high-density, liquid-cooled data centres supporting AI workloads. The new portfolio comprises the Uniflair XCAC air-cooled series and the Uniflair XCAF free-cooling series. Both incorporate oil-free centrifugal compressors with magnetic bearing technology and variable-speed drives to support operation across varying thermal loads and environmental conditions. The chillers are available in six sizes, ranging from 1,200kW to 2,500kW, and utilise low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. Schneider Electric says the systems are designed to support elevated water temperatures commonly associated with liquid cooling deployments in AI data centres. Andrew Bradner, Senior Vice President, Cooling Business at Schneider Electric, notes, "Energy efficiency, adaptability, and reliability are essential components of liquid cooling systems for AI-optimised data centres, and we’ve designed the Uniflair XCA line with these most important design features at the forefront. "With adaptable water operating temperatures and versatile deployment options, the XCA line features a system-level approach that gives operators scalability, enhanced performance, and long-term peace of mind as data centre complexity continues to rise." Cooling infrastructure adapts to rising AI power densities As AI applications, GPU clusters, and liquid cooling deployments increase data centre power densities, cooling infrastructure is becoming an increasingly important factor in facility efficiency and reliability. The Uniflair XCA platform incorporates oil-free magnetic bearing centrifugal compressors, which remove the need for lubrication systems and are intended to reduce maintenance requirements and mechanical losses. The chillers also feature a spray evaporator combined with V-shaped microchannel coils, designed to improve heat exchange performance while reducing refrigerant volume and material usage. For free-cooling deployments, the XCAF models support water outlet temperatures of up to 33°C and are designed to operate in ambient temperatures ranging from -20°C to 52°C. Schneider Electric states that, in suitable climates, the free-cooling configuration can reduce energy consumption compared with mechanical cooling systems by extending free-cooling operating periods. The range can also be configured with a variety of electrical, hydraulic, acoustic, and performance options to suit different deployment requirements. Additionally, a quick restart capability is included, enabling systems to reportedly return to full operating capacity within three minutes of a power outage. New control features target operational efficiency The XCA range also introduces new firmware and control functions designed to optimise cooling performance. These include variable-speed pump algorithms supporting constant flow, constant temperature differential, and constant head pressure operation, alongside advanced fan control modes that can be adjusted according to temperature, load conditions, or scheduled operating periods. Additional monitoring capabilities include energy metering and real-time water flow measurement to provide greater visibility into system performance. According to Schneider Electric, these features are designed to reduce compressor cycling and improve long-term operational stability. The first Uniflair XCA chiller units are scheduled to begin shipping globally in June 2026. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.