An air-cooled chiller designed for data centers in hot and cold climates

Accelerating deployment and efficiency for data centers across Europe and the Middle East

As companies expand their use of AI and cloud computing services around the globe, Europe and the Middle East are experiencing their own surges in demand.

For example, Europe is currently home to approximately 1,200 dedicated data center sites, and the market is experiencing significant growth. According to McKinsey research, demand for data centers in Europe is expected to grow to approximately 35 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, up from 10 GW in late 2024. An estimated $250 to $300 billion of investment will be needed in data center infrastructure, excluding power generation capacity.

In the Middle East, along with the demand for AI, cities such as Dubai and Riyadh are leading the charge with smart city initiatives such as Dubai Internet City and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. These projects require vast amounts of data processing and storage capabilities, which in turn fuel the demand for data centers. Some countries in the region are expecting AI alone to contribute up to 14% to GDP by 2030. This rapid growth requires implementation of multiple hyperscale data centers, and major global technology companies are stepping up to meet the demand.

As the market rapidly evolves, operators must have a predictable supply chain to avoid missing contractual commitments and revenue targets, as well as any potential damage to their reputations. At Johnson Controls, we understand these pressures and provide the best available thermal management solutions to help data centers scale quickly, run efficiently, minimize the burden on natural resources and maintain reliability in a rapidly evolving landscape.

One design, any location: how the YORK YVAM performs across climates

The YORK YVAM functions perfectly in environments from Dublin to Dubai. Depending on ambient temperatures, the solution predictably consumes between only 7–14% of the power that the IT elements use over the course of any given year. This allows for the creation of a single design, which can be implemented and operated regardless of location.

To match demand, we continue to expand our product range and availability with new production capabilities. Recently, we launched in Europe and the Middle East the YORK® YVAM Air-cooled Magnetic Bearing Chiller, designed specifically for hyperscale and colocation data center facilities in the regions. This launch will allow data center owners to continue to further scale their operations and ensure best-in-class speed of deployment and performance.

Key benefits of the YORK YVAM for data center operators

We're excited to partner with our European and Middle Eastern customers and bring them the benefits of this added manufacturing capacity:

• One design, any location: The YORK YVAM functions perfectly in environments from Dublin to Dubai. Depending on ambient temperatures, the solution predictably consumes between only 7–14% of the power that the IT elements use over the course of any given year. This allows for the creation of a single design, which can be implemented and operated regardless of location.
• Faster time to market: In-region manufacturing capabilities allow us to meet local deployment needs without the inefficiencies of extended delays or high shipping costs.
• Energy use and sustainability: The YORK YVAM chillers have been developed to deliver the same cooling capacity as similar available solutions, but with a 25% lower connected load rating, allowing more power to be allocated to revenue-generating IT elements. They also reduce overall power consumption (in kWh) by up to 40% when compared to similar solutions, which can drastically reduce energy usage costs over time while also making a significant contribution to sustainability initiatives.
• Water consumption and compliance: With zero water consumption, the YORK YVAM can cool where water supply is limited and also plays a key role in ensuring compliance with the new European Union policy on energy efficiency and water conservation.
• Supply chain resilience: Access to chips is a well-known issue today. However, disruption can emerge from any component of the supply chain, from cooling and power systems to networking infrastructure and the construction workforce. By regionalizing our core technology platforms such as the YORK YVAM, we can more quickly respond to market demand, minimize lead times and ultimately produce components more efficiently and sustainably.
• Reliability: Trusted for decades to serve customers' most mission-critical processes, the YORK YVAM features integral UPS and Quick Start, allowing for a return to full load in as little as three minutes.

FAQs

What is the YORK® YVAM?

The YORK® YVAM is an air-cooled magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller that is specifically designed for hyperscale and colocation data centers applications.

The YORK® YVAM chiller consumes 40% less power annually while still delivering the same cooling capacity as other available solutions. In addition, YVAM offers the widest operating range, allowing for chiller operation from -29°C up to +55°C ambient temperature while producing chilled water temperatures between +15°C up to 30°C. The YVAM also operates with zero water use on site, supporting the growing importance of water usage effectiveness and the conservation of water.

What is the YORK® YDAM?

The YORK® YDAM is an air-cooled magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller that is designed for high-density data centers applications. With up to 3.5MW of cooling, the YORK® YDAM delivers up to 20% increased capacity density* than other available solutions.

What is the air-cooled reference design from Johnson Controls?

Reference Design Guide 401 from Johnson Controls outlines how to plan and design an air-cooled chiller plant capable of serving a full gigawatt-scale AI factory. The reference design guide provides a comprehensive thermal cooling architecture that manages both air-cooled and liquid-cooled IT loads. It also demonstrates how to achieve industry-leading energy and water efficiency while minimizing noise impact on surrounding communities.

Performance results, including higher capacity density, are based on several factors, including but not limited to system configurations, operating temperatures, site conditions and maintenance routines. Actual outcomes may vary and are not guaranteed.