As artificial intelligence drives increased computing workload density and ambient temperatures rise, the risk of data center outages increases if continuous cooling is not ensured. To overcome these challenges, Carrier has developed the AquaEdge 19MV4 variable-speed centrifugal chiller, part of its Carrier QuantumLeap™ data center solutions.
Designed for mission-critical environments, the unit offers the capacity, resilience, and efficiency needed to safeguard high-density operations under extreme thermal stress conditions
"AI workloads are redefining data center specifications, pushing our customers to seek greater thermal margin without sacrificing power supply stability," says Marti Urpinas, Carrier's senior technical director for Vertical Markets EMEA, DC Applied.
"It may seem like a difficult task, but the AquaEdge 19MV4 is not your 'standard' chiller. It's a variable-speed centrifugal chiller that provides continuous cooling for high-density racks, even when operators raise the chilled water temperature to support direct-to-chip architectures.".
The AquaEdge 19MV4 meets the needs of high-density installations thanks to its integrated design. With a cooling capacity of between 2.1 and 3.3 MW*, the unit manages the heat generated by graphics processing units (GPUs) and tensor processing units (TPUs), optimizing the layout of machine rooms.
To ensure operation under increasing temperature conditions, the chiller operates with chilled water supply temperatures up to 35°C, return temperatures up to 45°C, and condensing temperatures up to 55°C. This flexibility allows for direct liquid cooling of the chip and the use of heat exchangers in the rear door.
To accommodate the fluctuations of AI computing, Carrier’s EquiDrive™ two-stage centrifugal compressor modulates between 10% and 100% of the load, avoiding short cycles during inference tasks or periods of inactivity. The AquaEdge 19MV4 achieves a COP of up to 6.75 and an IPLV of 11.4 under AHRI (Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute) test conditions.** These peak- and part-load efficiencies can help free up grid demand rates, reduce the PUE benchmark, and unlock untapped mechanical power. As a result, operators can install more revenue-generating IT racks within the same electrical footprint.
To help prevent the risk of overheating in high-density chips in the event of a cooling system failure, the AquaEdge 19MV4 restarts within 150 seconds of a power outage, allowing for gradual thermal recovery to protect the hardware. Power quality is also protected.
The chiller uses active harmonic filters to keep total harmonic distortion (THDi) below 5%, protecting IT infrastructure and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) from electrical noise and reducing maintenance risks. The AquaEdge 19MV4 contributes to corporate objectives by maintaining noise levels below 80 dBA*** to ensure workplace comfort. Furthermore, it offers low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants that comply with regulations, such as R-1234ze and R-515B, in accordance with the requirements of the EU Fluorinated Gases Regulation.
