Amazon - Experts & Thought Leaders

Start-ups tackling some of the world’s biggest sustainability challenges will trial the technology with Amazon across Europe after winning funding in this year’s Amazon Sustainability Accelerator. Eleven start-ups have been awarded the opportunity to test their pioneering innovations within Amazon operations with a potential investment of up to £2 million.  The start-ups will work with Amazon in the UK, Denmark, France, Germany, and Spain to test new ways to recycle electronic waste, innovative packaging methods, ground-breaking building materials, and using AI to improve energy efficiency.  Opportunity for wider partnerships HT Materials Science from Dublin and American-based Phaidra will do the same at Amazon The pilots will vary in both duration and scope depending on the challenge that is being addressed, with the opportunity for wider partnerships on completion. Cheesecake Energy from the UK will deploy its compressed air and thermal technology to provide safe, reliable energy storage within Amazon's European operations, reducing emissions from electricity usage. HT Materials Science from Dublin and American-based Phaidra will do the same at Amazon solely in the UK.  Energy storage systems Cheesecake Energy was founded at the University of Nottingham and uses energy storage systems to capture electricity generated by solar power during the day to provide additional energy during peak hours or at night when the sun doesn’t shine. The technology will be used in selected European fulfillment centers.  “Storing energy for longer periods is vital as we accelerate towards net zero,” said Michael Simpson, Chief Commercial Officer at Cheesecake Energy. “We are excited to test our innovative technology with Amazon. This will help the company store excess solar energy and use it when needed. It’s great that Amazon shares our belief in the potential of the Cheesecake Energy technology, to reduce the cost of energy storage as well as ensuring renewable energy is used efficiently.” Heating and cooling systems HT Materials Science will add a nanofluid solution to the heating and cooling systems at Amazon HT Materials Science will add a nanofluid solution to the heating and cooling systems at Amazon fulfillment centers in Coventry, Daventry, and Doncaster. The aluminum-based technology, a winner of the Green Product Award, is expected to reduce energy consumption by up to 14%. From early 2025, Phaidra will use its AI tool with the heating and cooling system at one of Amazon’s UK fulfillment centers, which is expected to lower carbon emissions by up to 40% and reduce energy costs by up to 25%. When connected, Phaidra’s software will use algorithms to optimize energy usage in real time based on factors such as the weather and the number of occupants in the building. Reducing carbon emissions “Through our world-pioneering AI tools, we are committed to reducing carbon emissions and energy use in heating and cooling systems,” said Jim Gao, CEO of Phaidra. “Our collaboration with Amazon in this pilot is a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable future in commercial, industrial and data center facilities. We aim to provide a scalable and seamless solution that not only benefits the environment but also offers substantial savings and efficiency improvements.” Amazon’s packaging reduction efforts The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator will see similar innovative pilots across Europe The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator will see similar innovative pilots across Europe. To support Amazon’s packaging reduction efforts, start-ups Re-Zip and Hipli will launch pilots to ship close to 100,000 orders across France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria using unique, reusable packaging.  Circu Li-Ion from Luxembourg will help extend the life of Amazon’s batteries, using robots to disassemble and support batteries upcycling, giving them a second life, reducing lithium-ion waste and decreasing carbon-intensive material extraction. Amazon’s commitment Throughout the pilots, Amazon’s subject matter experts will work closely with the start-ups, offering feedback, troubleshooting assistance, and opportunities to refine their technologies to ensure they work smoothly in their respective placements. Upon completion, Amazon will assess the environmental impact, financial viability, and overall effectiveness of the pilots to determine whether any can be scaled across other sites as part of a long-term partnership.   “This trailblazing program is a testament to Amazon’s commitment to supporting innovation and driving positive change,” said Amazon’s Sustainability Director, Justine Mahler. Amazon Sustainability Accelerator Mahler added: “By providing a real-world testing ground for unique and cutting-edge technologies, we’re not only reducing our environmental impact but also creating a blueprint for more sustainable practices across industry.” Since launching in 2022, the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator has supported more than 40 start-ups across the UK and Europe, provided more than £1 million in grants and credits, and helped those businesses on average increase sales by 700% and raise over £15 million to date.

Smart thermostats offer advanced control, energy savings, and enhanced comfort by learning the habits and adjusting temperatures automatically. They allow remote management via apps and voice commands, integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices, and provide detailed energy usage reports. Professional installation ensures optimal setup and performance, making smart thermostats a valuable investment for a more efficient and comfortable home. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the smart thermostat stands out as a beacon of ultimate efficiency and innovation within the smart home space. These devices symbolize the relationship between convenience and technology and introduce a dimension of unparalleled control in terms of customization options. Prospects of smart home integration A smart thermostat’s ability to learn from habits, make temperature adjustments automatically A smart thermostat’s ability to learn from habits, make temperature adjustments automatically, and even be controlled remotely via a Wi-Fi connection makes it a necessity for modern living. As they delve further into its advantages, they’ll discover how enhanced user control, energy savings, and comfort optimization collectively contribute to a smarter, more efficient home.  Whether they’re intrigued by the prospects of smart home integration or simply curious about the benefits of installing a smart thermostat, this article will provide them with a comprehensive overview of how these innovative devices work and why they represent a significant step forward in making the homes more responsive, comfortable, and energy-efficient. Enhanced User Control One of the standout advantages of a smart thermostat is its unprecedented level of user control. With it, they can effortlessly manage the household’s climate from any device they select. App-Based Control Most smart thermostats connect seamlessly through specific apps on any smart device using Wi-Fi. This app serves as a centralized command center, allowing them to monitor and adjust the indoor temperature from anywhere they are as long as they can connect to the internet.  Voice Commands With Digital Assistants Smart thermostats often allow them to create automated routines or “scenes” Many smart thermostats take convenience a step further by integrating easily with digital voice assistants such as the popular Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri. With simple voice commands, they can effortlessly adjust the temperature, check the current settings, or even inquire about the weather forecast without lifting a finger.  Smart thermostats often allow them to create automated routines or “scenes” that synchronize with other smart home devices. For example, during the movie night routine, the smart assistant can simultaneously dim the lights, adjust the temperature, and turn on the entertainment system, creating the perfect ambiance with a single command. Energy Savings Smart thermostats grant a quick pay-off as they contribute to reduced energy bills. By optimizing the home’s heating and cooling systems, these intelligent devices can substantially reduce utility bills while promoting eco-friendly practices. Reports and Insights on Energy Use Smart thermostats also deliver detailed reports on the HVAC unit’s performance, which they can access at any time. The reports provide useful insights into the energy expenditure for temperature regulation, helping them pinpoint where they can improve. By sifting through this data, they can figure out how to optimize the HVAC system. This option removes the guesswork and allows them to focus on deciding on direct steps to further improve energy-related cost savings. Cost Reduction Through Efficient Management Smart thermostats also feature the possibility of remote monitoring, which has a role in cost reduction Smart thermostats also feature the possibility of remote monitoring, which has a role in cost reduction. This is particularly useful in situations when they forget to adjust the thermostat and end up being away from the home for longer periods.  Having the ability to lower the temperature in the household from a remote location allows them to prevent purposeless energy consumption and still return to a comfortable and optimally customized environment. Smart thermostats often integrate several key strategies and features to enhance energy efficiency: They turn the HVAC system off frequently, saving energy without affecting comfort.  Some models can connect to programs that allow the utility company to adjust the thermostat settings in exchange for discounts or incentives. Many models also remind them to replace the HVAC filter regularly (usually every three months) to ensure optimal system performance. Comfort Optimization Achieving an optimal level of comfort within the home is the primary goal of a smart thermostat. These innovative devices excel at tailoring the indoor climate to the preferences, ensuring a cozy and inviting atmosphere without compromising energy efficiency. Customized Heating and Cooling Schedules Smart thermostats provide them with the option to set up a schedule that fits their needs and preferences. Having this ability at their disposal means they can pick a different temperature for different parts of the day, easily maintaining the desired level of comfort while minimizing energy waste.  For example, they can set the smart thermostat to keep the temperature in the home low while they’re at work or traveling and then raise it to a comfortable level right before their anticipated return. Learning and Adapting to User Routines Over time, the smart thermostat will adjust the temperature based on the habits A standout feature of smart thermostats is their capacity to learn from the routines and base their performance on that experience. Using sensors and specialized algorithms, they can detect patterns in temperature adjustments and occupancy levels. Over time, the smart thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature based on the habits, ensuring optimal comfort. For example, if they prefer to get the temperature down while they sleep, the smart thermostat can recognize such behavior and make the necessary adjustments automatically.  Similarly, if they have a consistent schedule for leaving and returning home, the thermostat will adjust the temperature accordingly. It will ensure a comfortable environment upon arrival while conserving energy during the absence. Many smart thermostats also offer features like geofencing, which can determine when they’re approaching or leaving the home based on the location feature of the smartphone. This allows the thermostat to proactively adjust the temperature, ensuring that it never waste energy cooling or heating an empty house. Compatibility with Smart Devices One of the vital benefits of installing a smart thermostat is its seamless compatibility with various smart home systems and devices. This integration allows them to create a cohesive and interconnected smart home ecosystem, enhancing convenience, efficiency, and control over the living environment. Integrating with Other Smart Home Systems Smart thermostats are designed to work harmoniously with a wide range of smart home systems, enabling them to control various aspects of the home from a single centralized platform.  For instance, they can link their smart thermostat with smart lighting, security systems, or voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This integration allows for voice-controlled temperature adjustments, the creation of personalized routines, and the automation of various home functions based on preferences. Inter-Device Communication and Control Smart thermostats often support standard communication protocols such as Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless connectivity and communication with other compatible devices. Smartphone and Tablet Apps: Most smart thermostat manufacturers provide dedicated applications that turn the phone or tablet into a remote controller for the home HVAC system.  Voice Control: By connecting with virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, they get to direct the performance of the smart thermostat using voice commands.  Smart Home Hubs: If they have a smart home hub or control center, they can typically incorporate the smart thermostat into this central system. This integration enables them to monitor and control various smart home devices, including the thermostat, from a single user interface. Leveraging smart thermostats’ compatibility and inter-device communication capabilities allows them to connect all devices in their household to an intelligent environment. This not only enhances convenience but also opens up new possibilities for energy efficiency, automation, and personalized comfort.

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) unveils Jeff Butler and Mary Kelly as the keynote speakers for CONNECT 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama, October 7-10, at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. Jeff Butler is a workplace strategist, who has offered expertise to help companies like Amazon, Google, and John Deere foster a harmonious and high-performing workplace. Butler will present a keynote address, “Building an Effective Multi-Generational Workplace.” He will also lead a breakout session on the topic of “Winning the Talent War.” Practical strategies and innovative solutions Mary Kelly is a Council of Peer Award of Excellence speaker, best-selling author and Navy commander Mary Kelly is a Council of Peer Award of Excellence speaker, best-selling author and Navy commander. At CONNECT, Kelly will share various stories and experiences of interest to p-h-c contractors during her keynote address, “Why Leaders Fail and the 7 Prescriptions for Success.” Kelly will also lead a breakout session, “Master Your World,” where she will emphasize effective tactics, practical strategies and innovative solutions that are tailored to dilemmas faced by pioneers. “I know that many attendees, including myself, are anticipating the remarks that Jeff and Mary will share,” says Joe Cornetta, PHCC national president and co-owner of Cornetta Brothers, Inc., Elmont, New York. “We are excited to have these two pioneers join us and help offer invaluable insights to the industry.” Information on education sessions For more details, including the schedule-at-a-glance, visit the website. This site offers information on education sessions, speakers, exhibitors, registration and hotel reservations, as well as the many attractions of Birmingham, known as “The Country’s Best Kept Secret.”

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator program is designed to enhance building efficiency and electrification. Running from 2024 through 2027, the program aims to overcome adoption barriers, promote advanced heat pump technologies, and create sustainable solutions for HVAC professionals. Compared with conventional packaged rooftop units (RTUs) with natural gas heating, heat pump RTUs are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs by up to 50%. For those in the HVAC industry, this program is an opportunity to boost operational efficiency, align with emerging sustainability standards, and unlock new business. Transforming Commercial HVAC with Heat Pumps Known for their dual heating and cooling abilities, heat pumps save energy compared to conventional HVAC systems The DoE’s program centers on accelerating the adoption of high-efficiency heat pumps for space conditioning and water heating. By working collaboratively with stakeholders—including manufacturers, utilities, and facility managers—the initiative seeks to integrate energy-efficient solutions into commercial buildings nationwide. Known for their dual heating and cooling capabilities, heat pumps save energy compared to conventional HVAC systems. The Accelerator program prioritizes cutting-edge systems to lower energy consumption and operating costs for businesses. As decarbonization becomes a global priority, electrification of HVAC systems is also key. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, heat pumps contribute to a cleaner energy future. Practical Benefits for Professionals For HVAC professionals, the program provides a framework to explore new markets and enhance service offerings. With the Accelerator program’s emphasis on efficiency, HVAC professionals can help clients reduce energy bills, providing a tangible ROI for heat pump installations. Participants in the program also gain access to technical guidance, best practices, and case studies, fostering skills to implement heat pumps effectively. As building owners seek energy-efficient solutions, HVAC professionals are positioned as experts in heat pump technology in order to gain a competitive edge. Success of the residential challenge The retail program is a growth of an earlier program related to residential technologies The commercial program is an expansion of an earlier program related to residential technologies. Last fall, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that eight manufacturers in the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge completed rigorous product field testing to demonstrate energy efficiency and improved performance in cold weather. Bosch, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox, Midea, Rheem, and Trane Technologies participated in the residential challenge. Cold climate heat pumps (CCHPs) developed as part of the challenge will soon enter commercial production, manufacturers say.  Building upon the success of the residential challenge, DOE is now working with nine heat pump manufacturers to advance rooftop units (RTUs) for commercial buildings through a new technology challenge. Commercial Building Heat Pump Challenge Expanding with the Commercial Building Heat Pump Challenge through its Better Buildings program, DoE is now working with heat pump manufacturers AAON, Addison, Carrier, Daikin, Johnson Controls, Lennox, LG, Rheem, and Trane Technologies to improve the energy efficiency and performance of RTUs in cold weather. The manufacturers will partner with DoE and national laboratories to create prototypes and test product performance and durability. They will then lead field validations with Better Buildings partners, including Amazon, General Motors, Ikea, the Los Angeles Unified School District, Target, Whole Foods, and others. Tackling Challenges in Heat Pump Adoption The DoE program recognizes common challenges HVAC professionals face in promoting commercial heat pump adoption and provides strategic solutions. Cost Barriers: The upfront cost of heat pumps can deter clients. The program encourages collaboration with utilities to offer incentives and financing options, making the transition more affordable. Performance in Cold Climates: Heat pumps have historically underperformed in colder regions. By focusing on technological advancements, the Accelerator addresses performance issues, ensuring systems work efficiently even in extreme weather. Workforce Training: To ensure seamless implementation, the DoE supports workforce development through training programs, thus empowering HVAC professionals to deliver high-quality installations. A Collective Push for Change The Accelerator agenda thrives on alliances, leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders The Accelerator program thrives on partnerships, leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders. For manufacturers and innovators, the program promotes advanced heat pump technologies that meet the diverse needs of commercial buildings. For utilities and energy providers, there are incentives to encourage adoption and offset initial costs. Building owners and facility managers can benefit from sharing insights and case studies to demonstrate the practical benefits of heat pumps in real-world scenarios. In general, HVAC professionals can benefit by staying connected to these networks, keeping abreast of new technologies and customer-centric solutions. Heat Pumps and a Greener Future Heat pumps align with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and meet regulatory requirements. For HVAC professionals, this means not only improving the environmental impact of their services but also helping clients achieve compliance with evolving energy codes and standards. The DoE’s Commercial Heat Pump Accelerator program offers HVAC professionals a clear path to embrace innovation, improve energy efficiency, and secure a leadership position in a rapidly changing marketplace. By participating in the program, HVAC experts can drive the industry forward while enhancing their businesses and delivering meaningful value to clients. As the HVAC landscape evolves, those who seize this opportunity will not only adapt but thrive, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability in the years to come.

Data centers worldwide are under intense pressure. High-powered computing is a global necessity that seemingly gets more demanding by the day. There’s also the need to prioritize sustainability improvements ranging from resource conservation to decarbonization. And data centers must consider their bottom line and remain competitive. Anticipating the challenges data centers will continue to face, scientists and engineers have innovated two-phase (2-PIC) immersion cooling. With the capacity to meet the elevated cooling requirements driven by high-powered computing, this next-generation solution delivers on environmental priorities by significantly lowering data center energy consumption, slashing, if not eliminating, water use, while supporting decarbonization, circularity missions, and more. Emergence of 2-PIC Traditional approaches are fast approaching capacity for meeting current and future cooling needs The emergence of 2-PIC comes at a critical time, because the traditional cooling methods that have kept data centers up and running so far—namely air cooling and water cooling—are doing so at the detriment of the planet.  Additionally, these traditional approaches are quickly approaching capacity for meeting current and future cooling needs. Air- and water-cooling methods are used in approximately 95% of the estimated 8,000 data centers that exist today. The criticality of high-powered computing Once seen as a future need, high-powered computing, and faster-than-ever processing are now established as critical to the operation of businesses, governments, organizations, and other entities that support the way communities function, survive, and thrive. Whether it’s health and wellness, financial institutions, economic growth, safety and protection, entertainment, education, or any other service supporting our way of life, successfully providing that service fully depends on the ability of data centers to quickly and reliably obtain, store, and process data.  Influence of AI AI has a profound influence and, generates far more power than traditional internet uses Moreover, when we say “data centers,” we’re not just speaking of big players like Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon. Equally dependent on high-performance, high-speed computing are enterprise data center operators, such as our governments and military, financial institutions, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and more.  We also must acknowledge the profound influence of artificial intelligence (AI), which generates far more power than traditional internet uses. Its effects are far-reaching, enhancing patient care, supporting risk management and fraud detection in finance, boosting crop yields within agriculture, and more. The environmental costs of data centers According to the latest estimates by the International Energy Agency, data centers worldwide produce 1% of energy-related carbon emissions and in 2022 used approximately 460 TWh of electricity per year—equating to 2% of global electricity demand. McKinsey and Company estimates 40% of this electricity is used for data center cooling. Data centers’ impact on the environment also includes their significant water consumption, averaging 300,000 gallons per day, and a physical footprint that averages 100,000 square feet but in the case of some hyperscale data centers can range between 1.3 to 2 million square feet. In terms of growth, a U.S. market report from Newmark tells us that in the U.S. alone, the U.S. data center footprint will absorb 35 gigawatts by 2030, which is more than twice the data center power consumption of 2022. The emergence of liquid cooling: the elevated interest in 2-PIC From reducing energy and water consumption to shrinking physical footprints, 2-PIC offers the planet a better data center solution. In less than two years, traditional cooling systems won’t be able to support the exponential growth in the world’s data processing and storage applications. Based on publicly available product roadmaps from major chip manufacturers, by 2026, air-cooled systems will no longer be able to meet the cooling needs of most next-generation, high-performance computing chips. Capable of removing heat more effectively than air cooling, liquid cooling uses a liquid such as water or a dielectric fluid to cool the heat-generating components of servers. The liquid can cool these components directly, or it can be done indirectly through a heat exchanger. With two-phase immersion cooling the entire server rack is submerged in a tank filled with a dielectric fluid. Single-phase and two-phase liquid cooling Single-phase liquid cooling uses a pump to circulate the liquid through a closed-loop system Single-phase liquid cooling uses a pump to circulate the liquid through a closed-loop system. Two-phase liquid cooling uses a phase-change material, such as a refrigerant, which evaporates and condenses as it absorbs and releases heat. With 2-PIC, which is a form of two-phase liquid cooling, the entire server rack is submerged in a tank filled with dielectric fluid. The fluid boils as it’s heated by the components of the servers, creating bubbles that rise to the surface and condense in a heat exchanger. Gravity then returns the condensed fluid to the tank, creating a natural circulation loop that does not require pumps or fans. Advantages of 2-PIC 2-PIC is commanding attention as the solution for meeting the cooling demands of the high-powered computing components of today and tomorrow. Moreover, the technology of 2-PIC systems, combined with the right dielectric fluid, delivers advantages to “take the heat off” data centers. Here’s a breakdown of additional 2-PIC benefits: Up to 90% reduction in energy consumption: Based on modeling completed by the industry, 2-PIC is expected to reduce up to 90% of data center cooling energy consumption and 40% of overall data center energy consumption*. (*Compared to traditional air-cooling technologies) Enhanced computing performance and data center reliability: 2-PIC allows servers to operate at higher temperatures and power densities, while reducing the risk of overheating. Significant reduction in water consumption: Depending on the data center location and cooling design methodology, water consumption could even be eliminated completely. 60% reduction in the physical footprint: 2-PIC reduces the space required for cooling equipment, freeing up more floor area for servers and increasing the rack density of the data center. Lower GWP and circularity: Chemours Opteon™ 2P50 is a developmental dielectric heat-transfer fluid, currently pre-commercial, pending regulatory approval. It offers an extremely low global warming potential (GWP) of 10 and was specifically created to optimize the performance of the electronic components in a 2-PIC system. This 2-PIC fluid also enables the reprocessing/reuse of existing fluid to maximize circularity.  The bottom line: In addition to other compelling data, a recent study commissioned by Chemours and LiquidStack through Syska Hennessy, revealed that, compared with other state-of-the-art liquid cooling methods, 2-PIC can deliver up to a 40% lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and significantly reduce operational expenditures (OPEX), with savings ranging from 54% to 88.6%. Benefits of new data center cooling technologies compared to single-phase direct-to-chip, and single-phase immersion methods. 2-PIC, the future-ready solution As the world’s reliance on AI and other high-powered computing capabilities escalates, data center cooling solutions must grow with demand while significantly reducing their impact on the environment. In global energy savings alone, 2-PIC could generate an estimated savings of 340 TWh by 2055—the equivalent of powering more than 517 million laptops 24/7. And even with increasing IT loads, 2-PIC maintains its performance, ensuring long-term cost-effectiveness and adaptability to meet future demands. With society at a crossroads between the criticality of high-powered computing and a planet in crisis, the industry is turning its attention to 2-PIC as the solution for today and tomorrow.

Johnson Controls’ Advanced Development Engineering Center (JADEC) in New Freedom, PA., about 25 miles from Philadelphia, highlights and demonstrates the company’s capabilities related to development, testing and manufacturing.  The 357,000-square-foot facility is an advanced engineering and testing facility for water-cooled chillers, air-cooled chillers, air handlers, compressors, and heat pumps. Much of the development in the facility centers on advancements in a critical vertical market for the HVAC industry – data centers. Big challenge  Data centers are a big challenge – and a huge opportunity – for the HVAC industry. “You cannot ignore the tremendous growth opportunity in this vertical,” says Todd Grabowski, president, Global Data Center Solutions for Johnson Controls. Unlike other verticals that are more dominant in certain geographic regions, data centers are growing everywhere globally – and at a breathtaking pace. “As a growth company, it is critical that we have solutions to handle the growth and serve the customers in the data center market,” says Grabowski. Performance of various components Testing options at JADEC include testing the performance of various components Testing options at JADEC include the ability to test the performance of various components in a controlled environment that approximates how they will operate in the customer’s real-world setting. There are more than 20 testing labs available at the JADEC campus, covering some 250,000 square feet.  “We want everyone to understand the unique position Johnson Controls is in to use our technology and our manufacturing scale to accomplish desired outcomes,” said Grabowski. Non-compressor solution  JADEC displays the full breadth of what they offer, including a non-compressor solution using direct evaporative cooling and an air-cooled unit that uses a screw compressor or a magnetic-bearing centrifugal compressor. Also included are various water-cooled chillers.   Johnson Controls owns, develops, tests, and manufactures all the compressors on display. Customers are assured of getting a fully engineered and supported solution from Johnson Controls (e.g., no third-party compressors). Johnson Controls owns, develops, tests, and manufactures all the compressors on display. Colocated data centers  Grabowski emphasizes that each customer installation has site-specific needs that require unique solutions that Johnson Controls seeks to fulfill. The company works closely with data centers, including those operated by “hyperscalers” such as Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta, and colocated data centers that rent space and capacity to customers based on their growth and needs. Colocated data centers come in a variety of sizes and types; some of them are operated by companies such as Equinix and NTT. Data center solutions Sustainable methods include the use of refrigerants with ultra-low GWP The sustainability of data center solutions is a bigger issue than ever, given the sheer volume of data centers being built to handle the world’s growing computational needs. Sustainable approaches include the use of refrigerants with ultra-low GWP, and water-free systems that do not require higher costs or create higher demands on a locality’s water infrastructure. Magnetic bearing centrifugal compressors are more energy-efficient because no friction is lost in the compression; also, the equipment is quieter. Impact on global electricity demand “Sustainability has always been an important aspect, and now it is critical in 2024 and beyond,” says Grabowski. Because data centers are huge consumers of energy, they can put more strain on the electricity grid and have a big impact on global electricity demand. Lowering energy usage helps to address the challenge.  “We want to contribute to energy efficiency, be good stewards of water, and reduce noise,” says Grabowski. Increasing the challenges are the proliferation of new artificial intelligence (AI) chips, more common in newer data centers, which need more power and create more heat than older chips.   Advantages of water cooling  The liquid contained in a cold plate on top of the chip is denser than air and accept more transferred heat Closed-loop liquid systems are used to cool individual chips, an application that does not cause a strain on local water supplies. The liquid contained in a cold plate on top of the chip is denser than air and can accept more transferred heat.  However, chillers and cooling towers lose water through evaporation and can strain local water supplies. Johnson Controls is researching and testing systems that provide the advantage of water cooling without losing excess water to evaporation. Air-cooled systems  In contrast, air-cooled systems can cool chips to a point, but may not provide enough cooling for high-density chips. Johnson Controls provides air-cooled machines up to 600 tons and water-cooled systems up to 4,000-plus tons.  “As chip technology evolves, the way you cool, secure and automate the entire data center changes as well,” says Grabowski. “Companies such as Johnson Controls must keep up with evolving trends and provide unique solutions.” As chips become denser from a heat-generation perspective, systems must be optimized from a footprint and energy standpoint.  JCI provides air-cooled machines up to 600 tons and water-cooled systems up to 4,000-plus tons. Technological solutions “As chip density increases, we will have technological solutions ready for the next generation of chips when they come out,” adds Grabowski.  Johnson Controls is also involved in developing new approaches to managing the heat from data centers, such as the possibility of recapturing the heat and circulating it into a district-heating system for a nearby community, university, or hospital. A more widely deployed approach in Europe, the concept of district heating is gaining acceptance in the U.S. market. {##Poll1725623180 - What is the biggest challenge the data center market presents to the HVAC community?##}