Steve Obstein, Vice President and General Manager, Data Centers & High-Tech, Trane Technologies, stated:

We are a trusted innovator for mission-critical infrastructure, continuously co-innovating with our customers to design and develop the custom, integrated thermal management systems needed to support sustainable business growth. Through our scalable, modular approach to liquid cooling we can provide a platform for future sustainable capacity growth and thermal load requirements associated with rapidly escalating AI needs.

The scalable 2.5MW to 10MW platform complements Trane’s 1MW CDU, giving data centers flexible direct-to-chip cooling capacity to more effectively manage their high-density computing environments. Trane can design, test and scale hybrid and liquid cooling systems that support growth without requiring a complete cooling infrastructure overhaul. This helps data centers effectively manage high-density computing environments, while helping to reduce energy consumption, lowering operational costs, and shrinking the center’s carbon footprint in support of sustainability goals.

By combining cutting-edge liquid cooling technology with advanced system design, Trane is setting a new standard for sustainable and efficient thermal management for data center environments. Trane supports operations and uptime throughout the lifecycle of the data center through its world-class service and a network of data center-qualified technicians, strategically located in proximity to customers, and Smart Service options for proactive monitoring, predictive maintenance, and improved energy management.

Key features:

• Modular scalability: Supports cooling capacities up to 10MW, adaptable to various data center sizes and needs.
• Direct-to-chip liquid cooling technology: Optimized for high-density data centers, providing efficient heat transfer directly from IT equipment.
• Compact footprint: Provides up to 10MW cooling capacity in a space-saving, factory skid-mounted design, that provides ease of serviceability.
• World-class service and support: Access to expert resources and data center-qualified technicians from Trane for reliable service and support.

For more information, visit Trane.

The post Trane’s scalable liquid cooling tech supports data center growth without a complete cooling overhaul appeared first on FMLink.

June 16, 2025 — Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, recently announced new data center solutions specifically engineered to meet the intensive demands of next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) cluster architectures. Evolving its EcoStruxure Data Center Solutions portfolio, Schneider Electric introduced a Prefabricated Modular EcoStruxure Pod Data Center solution that consolidates infrastructure for liquid cooling, high-power busway and high-density NetShelter Racks. In addition, EcoStruxure Rack Solutions incorporate detailed rack configurations and frameworks designed to accelerate High Performance Computing (HPC) and AI data center deployments. The new EcoStruxure Pod Data Center and EcoStruxure Rack Solutions are now available globally.

Organizations are deploying AI clusters and grappling with extreme rack power densities, which are projected to reach 1MW and beyond. Schneider Electric’s new line of solutions equips customers with integrated, data-validated, and easily scaled white space solutions that address new challenges in pod and rack design, power distribution and thermal management.

Himamshu Prasad, senior vice president of EcoStruxure IT, Transactional & Edge and Energy Storage Center of Excellence at Schneider Electric, explains:

The sheer power and density required for AI clusters create bottlenecks that demand a new approach to data center architecture. Customers need integrated infrastructure solutions that not only handle extreme thermal loads and dynamic power profiles but also deploy rapidly, scale predictably, and operate efficiently and sustainably. Our innovative next-generation EcoStruxure solutions that support NVIDIA technology address these critical requirements head on.

New product overview

• 

  Prefabricated Modular EcoStruxure Pod Data Center: Prefabricated, scalable pod architecture enables operators to deploy high-density racks, supporting pods up to 1MW and beyond, at scale. Engineered-to-order, the new pod infrastructure offers flexibility and supports liquid cooling, power busway, complex cabling, as well as hot aisle containment, InRow and rear door heat exchanger cooling architectures. The Prefabricated Modular EcoStruxure Pod Data Center is now shipping pre-designed and pre-assembled with all components for rapid deployment to support high-density workloads.

• EcoStruxure Rack Solutions: These reliable, high-density rack systems adapt to EIA, ORV3 and NVIDIA MGX modular design standards approved by leading IT chip and server manufacturers. Configurations accommodate a wide array of power and cooling distribution schemes and employ Motivair by Schneider Electric in-rack liquid cooling, as well as new and expanded rack and power distribution products, including:

• NetShelter SX Advanced Enclosure: This new line features taller, deeper, and stronger racks to support increased weight, cabling and infrastructure. NetShelter SX Advanced features a reinforced shipload rating and is safeguarded with shock packaging, ensuring secure transport of AI servers and liquid cooling systems.

• NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced: These power distribution units have been updated to support the high-current power needs of AI servers. Designed for efficient rack layouts, the NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced offers compact vertical and horizontal models with higher counts of dedicated circuits. Intelligent operational features now enabled by Schneider Electric’s Network Management Card enhance security and provide seamless integration to EcoStruxure IT.

• NetShelter Open Architecture: This Open Compute Project (OCP) inspired rack architecture is available as a configure-to-order solution and includes open rack standards, power shelf and in-rack busbar. As part of this, a new Schneider Electric rack system has also been developed to support the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 system that utilizes the NVIDIA MGX architecture in its rack design, integrating Schneider Electric into NVIDIA’s HGX and MGX ecosystems for the first time.

Vladimir Troy, vice president of Data Center Engineering, Operations, Enterprise Software and Cloud Services at NVIDIA, commented:

Schneider Electric’s innovative solutions provide the reliable, scalable infrastructure our customers need to accelerate their AI initiatives. Together, we’re addressing the rapidly growing demands of AI factories — from kilowatt to megawatt-scale racks — and delivering future-proof solutions that maximize scalability, density and efficiency.

The new solutions and suite of engineered data center reference designs equip data center operators and Schneider Electric’s partner ecosystem with the infrastructure and information needed to deploy powerful AI clusters faster and more reliably while addressing common barriers to adoption, including:

• Reliable power and cooling for AI workloads
• Deployment complexity and risk
• Speed to market and supply chain resilience
• Skills gap in managing advanced infrastructure

These enhanced EcoStruxure offerings add to Schneider Electric’s robust line of fully integrated, end-to-end AI infrastructure solutions — spanning advanced hardware, intelligent software, services such as EcoCare and EcoConsult for Data Centers, and strategic industry partnerships with key IT players. Schneider Electric is a partner of choice for building efficient, resilient, scalable, and AI-optimized data centers.

The post Schneider Electric launches data center solutions to meet challenges of high-density AI applications appeared first on FMLink.

A core element of the Envelope platform is the ability to create detailed performance “profiles” of components in a system, and to leverage that knowledge for optimal sizing and modulation of output.

Commenting on the potential for the Envelope Platform, Pratik Sharma, Global Director, Building Services & Performance Management, stated:

The true power of the Envelope platform is in how it enables system optimization through performance coupling with partner products or solutions. Working within this platform, Armstrong, and digitally controlled solutions of all types, can connect and coordinate operations for improved performance and efficiency. Components that can be connected to the Envelope platform include chillers, cooling towers, boilers and heat pumps, made by a wide range of well-known industry manufacturers.

Learn more about the Envelope platform at Armstrong.

Armstrong Fluid Technology is a leading force in the shift toward digitalization and integration of fluid-flow systems. With advanced solutions that leverage edge computing, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, digital twin technology and demand-based control, Armstrong provides and protects efficiency in building mechanical systems, approaching energy optimization as a whole-building challenge and advancing the practice of full lifecycle management. Focusing on HVAC, Plumbing, Gas Transmission and Fire Safety applications, the company provides energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions and performance management services to building and facility professionals around the world.

The post Armstrong’s Envelope platform continuously optimizes mechanical systems for significant cost and energy savings appeared first on FMLink.

May 18, 2025 — In response to reports that the Trump Administration is considering terminating the Energy Star program, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) strongly urges the U.S. Congress to support the continuation of Energy Star and other essential programs that serve the building sector.

For decades, IFMA has recognized and championed the business case for energy efficiency — highlighting its role in enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness, reducing environmental waste and strengthening national security.

Consumers and businesses alike rely on Energy Star ratings when making informed decisions about appliances and equipment. Eliminating this publicly funded resource without consulting the industries and individuals who depend on it is shortsighted and irresponsible.

Dean Stanberry, immediate past chair of IFMA

Facility managers face the realities of energy management every day. Commercial buildings are among the largest consumers of electricity in the United States, making them key targets for energy-saving opportunities. Facility managers not only reduce operational costs through energy-efficient strategies but also educate building occupants on best practices and emerging technologies.

Energy Star is not just for U.S. households — it’s a global benchmark with far-reaching influence across commercial facilities of every type. From HVAC systems to lighting, life safety equipment and manufacturing tools, Energy Star provides independent, trusted confirmation of quality and efficiency. Facility managers, building owners and employers depend on this program to maintain healthy, sustainable workplaces that support core business functions.

Michael V. Geary, CAE, President & CEO of IFMA

IFMA says it remains committed to collaborating with policymakers and industry stakeholders worldwide to promote efficiency, innovation and sustainability in the built environment.

The post IFMA urges Congress to preserve Energy Star and other critical building sector programs appeared first on FMLink.

March 5, 2025 — The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN²), a $55-million technology program funded by Wells Fargo & Company and co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), announced the recipients of a pool of $750,000 in pilot funding as part of its inaugural Scalable Tech Track. The awards aim to address demand-side barriers to energy technology adoption by supporting large-scale, high-impact pilots across industries and sectors.

The Scalable Tech program awarded funding to five organizations for pilots of innovative energy technologies with expert support from NREL researchers. The projects include retrofitting HVAC systems, improving school air quality and energy use, optimizing data center cooling, and modernizing aging building infrastructure.

The projects selected for this inaugural cohort embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation. By integrating an ecosystem approach with scalable drop-in solutions, these pilots aim to demonstrate how energy technologies can address pressing resiliency and infrastructure challenges while establishing replicable pathways for widespread impact.

Sarah Derdowski, IN² program manager at NREL

Awarded Pilots:

• CBRE received $150,000 to install and test Blue Frontier*’s rooftop HVAC system on a Delaware property. NREL researchers, including the scientist behind the liquid desiccant technology, will closely monitor the project.
• Coconino County secured $55,000 to implement Rensair’s air quality solutions and Komfort’s low-energy lighting at Ponderosa High School in Flagstaff, Arizona.
• Digital Realty will use $125,000 to partner with Hayzel for data center chilling improvements in Santa Clara, California.
• Galvanize Real Estate received $200,000 to work with EnKoat* and Alpen High-Performance Products on a building retrofit in Pedricktown, New Jersey.
• The University of Colorado Boulder will implement INOVUES’ advanced window technology in aging campus buildings with $220,000 in funding.

*Denotes graduates of previous IN² cohorts.

Pilots launched in early 2025 and will conclude within six months, demonstrating the program’s focus on rapid results and actionable insights to advance adoption. By targeting scalable energy solutions for the built environment, IN² equips participants with resources, peer collaboration, and third-party validation.

A panel of judges chose organizations based on their feasibility, impact, pilot readiness and dedication to knowledge sharing. Each project aims to drive meaningful progress toward energy solutions while fostering broader adoption of innovative technologies.

Effective adoption of energy innovation requires scalability. These pilot projects represent a critical step in bridging the gap between promising advanced, and often cost-saving, technologies and widespread adoption. By connecting these industry leaders with resources and expertise, we’re helping them be successful as they pursue their energy and resiliency needs.

Jeffrey Schub, head of sustainability at Wells Fargo

Organizations that were not selected for pilot funding have also gained significant value through their participation in IN². Several have initiated independent collaborations with NREL, leveraging its expertise to advance their innovative energy solutions. In addition, these organizations are developing white papers, case studies, and other resources to share insights and encourage broader adoption of advanced technologies. These activities reflect the program’s ability to drive impact beyond the funded pilots, fostering progress across the energy ecosystem.

The success of the 2024 cohort has paved the way for a second round of the Scalable Tech Track, anticipated to launch applications in late 2025.

The post Energy technologies targeting demand-side barriers to adoption get a boost under Wells Fargo / NREL program appeared first on FMLink.

To meet the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as outlined in the Paris agreement, the International Energy Agency (EIA) projects that clean heat technologies — like heat pumps — must more than double to comprise 50% of global sales by 2030. Heat pumps alone have the potential to cut global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by at least 500 million tonnes by 2030.

Copeland’s investment reflects its commitment to exploring and investing in cutting-edge technologies that address climate change and the challenges of heating and cooling in residential, commercial, cold chain and industrial environments. BlueHeart’s novel thermo-acoustic-based heating technology has the potential to complement current compressor technologies with a compact design and quiet operation particularly suitable for smaller sized residences.

The initial focus of BlueHeart is on residential buildings, but new applications will be developed in the future, says the company. BlueHeart’s ambition is that thermo acoustics become the standard underlying technology for every heating and cooling system, thereby enabling the reduction of 110Mt of CO2 emissions by 2050.

According to BlueHeart, the company’s technology “uses thermo acoustics, a technique that consists in creating sound waves in a closed circuit to generate heat and cold. This technology, that had been tried for industrial purposes, will be used for the first time to power heat pumps in residential buildings.

“BlueHeart has been conceived to replace the core component of heat pumps and designed to be easily integrated by original equipment manufacturers, that are BlueHeart Energy’s customers. With BlueHeart inside, heat pumps turn into affordable, silent and flexible devices, capable of working with wide temperature ranges suitable for both new and existing houses. Importantly, BlueHeart doesn’t require any refrigerants and doesn’t generate any CO2e emissions.”

Ross B. Shuster, CEO for Copeland, stated:

We’re pleased to announce our strategic investment in BlueHeart, whose innovative thermo-acoustic based heat pump technology complements our best-in-class scroll compressor portfolio. This investment will assist BlueHeart in taking their novel technology to commercial readiness and reinforces Copeland’s dedication to driving the global energy transition and delivering efficient, sustainable heating solutions worldwide.

Michiel Hartman, CEO for Blue Heart Energy, remarked:

We’re proud to announce this important strategic step together with Copeland. As a result, BlueHeart can take a major leap forward in bringing the BlueHeart system to market complemented and supported by a leading global partner. This investment reinforces BlueHeart’s dedication to scaling, industrializing and addressing its clients’ application needs through our technology, delivering future-proof heating and cooling solutions worldwide.

Leveraging its decades of industry experience and technical expertise, Copeland will support BlueHeart’s product development and market readiness efforts. This support will include assistance in design for manufacturing at scale, market insights, customer engagement strategies and access to established sales channels. These resources are aimed at accelerating technology development and commercial viability.

This investment aligns with Copeland’s broader strategy to deliver sustainable and efficient heating solutions for diverse housing environments globally and underscores Copeland’s dedication and mission to driving innovative solutions that contribute to the global energy transition.

The European Innovation Council Fund has also joined as a strategic investor, reaffirming the significant value and transformative potential of BlueHeart’s technology.

Watch for Blue Heart-powered products from Copeland.

The post Look for next-gen clean heating and cooling technologies from Copeland’s investment in BlueHeart Energy appeared first on FMLink.

Hank Choi, corporate VP and head of Air Solution Business Team, Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics, stated:

The AHR Expo serves as an annual bellwether for the industry, which is why we’ve decided to introduce cutting-edge products like the Hylex series of heat pumps at this event. We are confident that the newest iterations of Samsung’s innovative HVAC technology will help to uplift the user experience across consumer and commercial applications around the globe.

DVM S2 offers next-gen VRF performance

The DVM S2, which is the latest generation of Samsung’s variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, has been designed to deliver energy efficiency along with excellent heating and cooling performance. The system optimizes heating cycles by analyzing fan motor currents and temperature data, reducing defrost duration and improving comfort.

Additionally, high- and low-pressure control ensures precise system adjustments, automatically recognizing pipe lengths and optimizing pressure levels to reduce the energy used by the compressor by up to 15%.

Furthermore, the DVM S2 uses data from various sensors to determine the ideal amount of refrigerant and detect refrigerant volume so that it can ensure improved performance and provide early warnings for maintenance. It also brings reduced liquid pipe diameters to lower the overall system charge by 28% on average, making the system more efficient and cost-effective, according to the company.

To watch a video of Samsung’s DVM S2 VRF system and to find out more about Samsung’s HVAC systems, visit Samsung.

The post Samsung’s R32-based DVM S2 variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems use AI to optimize system operation and save energy appeared first on FMLink.

Designed specifically for use with Lynxspring’s JENEsys EDGE controller, the Onyxx Wall Module provides precise sensing of temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions. Featuring a sleek, high-resolution full touchscreen interface, the module enhances user interaction and system control. It communicates seamlessly with the controller, displaying real-time data, system mode, time, and controller status. Users can adjust setpoints, change control modes, initiate overrides, and provide feedback to VAVs, rooftop units, heat pumps, air handlers, terminal units, and other building systems.

Key features of the Onyxx Wall Module include:

• Seamless connectivity and touch interface — Customizable UI with support for in/out, up/down buttons, swipe gestures, and exclusive access controls.
• Accurate environmental sensing — High-precision temperature and humidity readings for optimized comfort and efficiency.
• Scalable and future-ready — Designed to support evolving building management needs.

Marc Petock, vice president and chief marketing and communications officer at Lynxspring, stated:

Lynxspring continues to push the boundaries of intelligent building technology. The Onyxx Wall Module ensures a seamless interface between occupants and building management systems, driving better decision-making and operational performance. It exemplifies our commitment to delivering innovative, open, and scalable solutions that empower building owners and operators with enhanced control and efficiency.

For more information about the Onyxx Wall Module, visit Lynxspring.

The post For user-friendly smart building control, look to Lynxspring’s Onyxx Wall Module appeared first on FMLink.

BAC President Don Fetzer stated:

As global water shortages and the lack of access to fresh water have become more prevalent, the TrilliumSeries dry cooler represents our unwavering commitment to sustainability and relentless drive to provide customers with resilient cooling solutions. This product was born from a deep understanding of the challenges our customers face, by not only addressing critical water issues, but enabling them to thrive in an era where sustainability is no longer optional — it’s essential.

BAC developed the TrilliumSeries dry cooler as a breakthrough solution that reduces reliance on water while providing powerful and reliable heat rejection. This is particularly vital for industries such as data centers and manufacturing facilities, where up time and operational efficiency are paramount while minimizing water usage.

The TrilliumSeries dry cooler stands out for its exceptional performance, delivering the highest cooling capacity in the smallest footprint, making it an ideal choice for space-constrained environments.  Additionally, it features innovative design elements that minimize maintenance, reduce installation costs, and lower noise levels — ideal for sound-sensitive locations.

With the launch of the TrilliumSeries dry cooler, Baltimore Air Coil continues to build upon the foundation of cooling technologies custom-designed to meet the company’s vision of “reinventing cooling to sustain the world.” To learn more about TrilliumSeries dry cooler, visit BAC.

The post BAC high-capacity TrilliumSeries dry cooler meets the growing demand for water-efficient cooling appeared first on FMLink.

Despite this, only 29% of respondents considered their workplace air quality ‘very clean,’ with common indicators of poor IAQ being stagnant air, humidity imbalances, noticeable odors, and visible mold or dust. Ensuring optimal air quality across various office spaces, including conference rooms and breakrooms, is challenging due to fluctuating occupancy and differing requirements. Array’s EnviroSmart+ technology meets these challenges head-on by adapting to changing needs, allowing businesses to address these challenges effectively.

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study underscores a critical link between air quality and cognitive function. A 500ug/m³ increase in Volatile Organic Compounds can lead to a 13% decrease in cognitive abilities, while a 400 ppm rise in CO2 levels can reduce cognitive function scores by 21%. Array’s advanced H13 True HEPA filtration captures 99.95% of airborne particles down to 0.1 microns, including viruses and allergens, significantly improving air quality and, consequently, employee productivity.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cleaner air can translate to an average productivity increase of $7,500 per employee, underscoring the system’s value in terms of organizational efficiency.

Beyond productivity gains, the Fellowes Array system offers substantial financial benefits. Without proper filtration systems in place, HVAC systems can transmit airborne illness and pollutants throughout office buildings. With the CDC averaging the cost of one sick day at $1,685 per employee, improved IAQ can dramatically reduce sick leave and its associated costs, boosting organizational efficiency. Furthermore, Array’s EnviroSmart+ Technology adapts to changes in occupancy and environmental conditions, reducing energy costs by optimizing air purification processes. The system’s front access and tool-free filter replacement also minimizes maintenance, ensuring continuous operation and efficiency.

Getting started with the Fellowes Array system is straightforward and simple, says the company. The system’s powerful fan design does not require any ductwork, making it easy to install. Its flexible installation options and placement allows units to be positioned closer to contamination sources, ensuring the most efficient air purification process. Array’s Viewpoint dashboard provides real-time data, notifications, and trends, enabling facilities managers and building engineers to monitor and manage IAQ more effectively. Furthermore, Viewpoint’s community dashboard reassures employees and visitors that they are working in a healthy space by displaying precise air quality status.

Meeting ESG benchmarks

Fellowes Array also supports organizations in meeting ambitious ESG benchmarks. The concept of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is crucial in today’s corporate strategies, notes Fellowes. IAQ plays a significant role, particularly in the social aspect, as it directly affects building occupants’ well-being. Improved IAQ has been proven to reduce absenteeism and boost productivity, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable workplace. According to a 2022 AirRated research study, 78% of employees said they would be more likely to come into an office if it had a healthy building certification.

From an environmental and sustainability perspective, proper IAQ management enhances facility energy efficiency. Adjusting ventilation, optimizing temperatures, and managing airflow can significantly reduce electricity consumption while conscious material usage and waste reduction further mitigate negative environmental impact.

From a governance perspective, IAQ standards and legislation are increasing in popularity and complexity. Effective IAQ management ensures compliance with evolving regulations. Visible insight into indoor air quality helps building managers improve airflow, ventilation, and energy consumption, while providing real-time IAQ monitoring and valuable data for ESG reporting.

By investing in the Fellowes Array system, businesses not only safeguard the health and well-being of their employees, customers, and guests from harmful contaminants, allergens and asthma triggers, but also contribute to creating environments that promote productivity and overall wellness. For more information on how Fellowes is pioneering a new chapter in indoor air quality management with Array networked air quality systems, visit Fellowes.

The post Fellowes Array networked air quality management system ensures optimal IAQ across workspaces appeared first on FMLink.