As the demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and high performance computing (HPC) deployments grows, organisations are increasingly seeking solutions that provide higher cooling capacity within a compact footprint.
To meet these needs, global leader in critical digital infrastructure, Vertiv, introduced high-capacity models of its Vertiv Liebert AFC inverter screw chiller range with low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, within the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
The Liebert® AFC models are high-density, outdoor, free cooling chillers that provide a competitive cooling capacity of up to 2.2 MW in a single frame. This results in a footprint that is 15% more compact than the industry standard, requiring fewer units to be installed for capacity, and reducing installation and maintenance time and costs for data centre operators.
Liebert AFC offers up to 20% lower annual energy consumption compared to fixed screw solutions. Its free cooling capabilities help to optimise energy and costs savings throughout the year, with free cooling coils that use the external ambient air as the primary source of cooling. The impact on efficiency is thus significant, as the use of the compressors can be limited only to cover the cooling peak.
The inverter-driven compressor allows for the reduction of energy consumption, and particularly the electrical power required during peaks, which in turn allows more power availability for the IT equipment.
The innovative regulation algorithms offer accurate control of the fluid delivery temperature to the indoor units, enhancing cooling continuity and reliability.
The Liebert AFC can be effectively used across Africa’s diverse climates, designed for a wide operating range, from -25°C up to +56°C external ambient temperature, making it suitable for harsh climatic conditions.
The Liebert AFC plays a strategic role in hybrid data centre environments, and can be combined with the Vertiv Liebert PCW perimeter air handler system, the Vertiv Liebert CWA thermal wall system, and the Vertiv Liebert iCOM CWM plant manager control, allowing for the full coordination of chillers and indoor chilled water units to optimise the entire system operation.
This means that operators can efficiently address the cooling needs of colocation and cloud data centre applications.
The unit is designed to operate with a more eco-friendly refrigerant R1234ze HFO, which allows data centre owners to comply with the EU F-Gas Regulation 2024/573 and enables customers to support pressing sustainability goals.
For more information on the Vertiv Liebert® AFC or other Vertiv thermal management solutions, including direct-to-chip, immersion, rack, row, room and heat-rejection technologies, visit Vertiv.com.