How Johnson Controls is Keeping Data Centres Cool
Johnson Controls, the global leader in building smart, safe and sustainable buildings, is responding to the increasing demand for advanced cooling solutions in data centres.
At Data Centre World in London, the company officially launched its new YORK YVAM air-cooled magnetic bearing chillers in Europe.
This strategic expansion comes at a time when AI and cloud computing are driving unprecedented growth in data centre infrastructure, necessitating the production of efficient and sustainable cooling technologies.
Innovative cooling technology for data centres
The rise of AI and cloud computing has led to a phenomenal surge in data centre construction, creating an urgent need for energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions.
With regulatory pressures, sustainability targets and the sheer heat generated by many of these centres, traditional cooling systems are becoming less and less viable by the year.
New innovative technologies are needed to address this gap.
The YORK YVAM chiller directly addresses these challenges, offering a solution that reduces energy consumption by 40% and meets stringent EU energy efficiency and water conservation policies.
One of the chiller’s most significant benefits is its ability to operate with zero water use on site, supporting water usage effectiveness and reducing strain on local water supplies.
In addition, the YVAM utilises an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant, ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations.
"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.
"With its innovative design and industry-leading efficiency, YVAM is set to redefine thermal management in data centres across the region.
“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.”
Maximising efficiency with advanced technology
Johnson Controls has integrated cutting-edge technology into the YORK YVAM chiller to enhance its operational efficiency.
The chiller leverages proprietary magnetic-bearing technology, variable-speed drives and active front-end technology, eliminating the need for free cooling coils.
This innovation not only maximises energy efficiency but also simplifies system maintenance and reduces operational costs.
Additionally, the YORK YVAM chiller offers the widest operating range in its category, functioning effectively in ambient temperatures ranging from -29°C to +55°C.
This flexibility allows data centres to maintain optimal cooling conditions regardless of the cooling technology in use, from cold air aisles to immersion cooling or direct liquid cooling.
Innovations like this chiller highlight the critical role manufacturing innovation is going to play in enabling data centre expansion.
Enhancing reliability & sustainability
Ensuring continuous operations is a critical factor for data centres.
To address this, Johnson Controls has equipped the YVAM chiller with Quick Start technology, enabling a full load restart within three minutes after a power interruption.
This rapid recovery minimises downtime, ensuring uninterrupted data centre functionality.
Another key advantage of the YVAM chiller is its significantly lower noise output compared to traditional screw chillers.
Operating at just 65 dBA at a distance of 10 metres, the chiller contributes to a quieter, more manageable data centre environment.
Additionally, its lubrication-free design eliminates the need for complex subsystems, further reducing maintenance requirements and costs.
A comprehensive suite of cooling & automation solutions
Beyond the YORK YVAM chiller, Johnson Controls provides a comprehensive suite of cooling and automation solutions tailored to hyperscale and colocation data centres.
This includes a range of air-cooled and water-cooled chillers, air handling units and integrated building automation services.
In 2024, Johnson Controls recognised the need for dedicated manufacturing innovation in the data centre industry, launching its Global Data Centre Solutions organisation.
This organisation has been pivotal in meeting increasing demand for specialised infrastructure.
This initiative has strengthened the company’s capacity to deliver consistent, high-quality solutions across North America, EMEA and APAC.
By aligning resources with regional market needs, Johnson Controls continues to enhance its ability to support data centre operators worldwide.
As data centres evolve to accommodate new technologies, the demand for energy-efficient, sustainable and high-performance cooling solutions will continue to grow.
With its innovative YORK YVAM chiller and a broader portfolio of advanced cooling technologies, Johnson Controls is well positioned to drive the next generation of data centre infrastructure while meeting the industry's sustainability goals.
Cryogenics continue to be a pivotal manufacturing field that is shaping the future of technological development across industries, with Johnson Controls recognising the importance of investing in innovating in this area.
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