Following a proactive assessment by Vertiv's services team, opportunities were identified to further improve the performance of refrigeration units that had been operating reliably for over a decade. The goal was clear: to increase energy efficiency and available capacity without disrupting operations or compromising availability.
Instead of replacing existing assets, the initiative demonstrates how rethinking the operation of installed infrastructure through a lifecycle- and growth-oriented design approach can unlock significant improvements in efficiency and future capacity. The project builds on a long-standing collaboration between Acciona and Vertiv and reflects a shared vision: to design data center operations not only for current needs but also for future growth, efficiency, and business resilience.
Instead of replacing existing assets, the initiative demonstrates how rethinking the operation of installed infrastructure through a lifecycle- and growth-oriented design approach can unlock significant improvements in efficiency and future capacity. The project builds on a long-standing collaboration between Acciona and Vertiv and reflects a shared vision: to design data center operations not only for current needs but also for future growth, efficiency, and business resilience.
The solution focused on upgrading fixed-speed AC fans to high-efficiency, variable-speed EC (Electronically Commutated) fans, integrated with Vertiv™ Liebert® iCOM for real-time optimization of unit components and setpoints. Unlike conventional cooling units that operate at constant speed, the upgraded system dynamically adjusts airflow based on actual demand, improving system responsiveness and contributing to extending the infrastructure's lifecycle.
Prior to full implementation, Vertiv and Acciona validated the solution through a pilot upgrade on two cooling units, confirming the projected energy savings and system improvements. The full upgrade was executed during normal business operations, leveraging existing N+1 redundancy to enable continuous operations with no downtime. In addition to the energy efficiency improvements, the optimization also freed up cooling capacity and available power within the data center, creating headroom for future IT expansions without requiring significant capital investment.
Carlos García Fernández, Acciona's Director of Engineering and Processes, stated: “We would like to thank the entire Vertiv team for their excellent management of this project. We are very pleased with the improvement in energy efficiency and the capacity freed up, all achieved with minimal disruption and no downtime.”
The project highlights Vertiv's long-term approach to the critical infrastructure lifecycle, focused on continuous optimization, operational resilience, and alignment with customers' growth strategies.
