Johnson Controls recently invited media for a first-hand look at the critical technology keeping the world’s data centers running at maximum uptime and optimal temperatures. The purpose-built equipment is designed and tested at the expansive Johnson Controls Advanced Development Engineering Center (JADEC) in the rolling hills of New Freedom, Pennsylvania. In close proximity to major cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City, JADEC is strategically located near some of the primary data center hubs in the United States.

Opened in April 2018 with an initial investment of $150 million, JADEC is the largest and most advanced test lab of its kind in the world. The facility spans more than 7 acres—the equivalent of 5 football fields—and houses more than 20 labs designed to simulate diverse build loads, applications, and climates. The JADEC facility designs and tests some of the most important equipment enabling the exponential growth of AI, like energy efficient chillers, air handling units and heat pumps.

“JADEC is one of the most expansive and sophisticated labs in the world and it’s one of the places where we design, build and test state of the art technology that is critical to not only tackle climate change, but getting our customers ahead of the exponential growth in AI,” said Katie McGinty, vice president and chief sustainability and external relations officer, Johnson Controls.

“Our design process starts with a blank sheet of paper, and our engineers ask tough questions like ‘How can we make this equipment super-efficient?’ or ‘How can we make this equipment the least impactful for the environment as possible?’ How can we cut our customers’ energy costs and get them front of the line to plug into the power grid? This is where we imagine the future the solutions that are needed for a more sustainable, innovative and competitive future,” continued McGinty.

Data center Technology on Display

Attendees had the opportunity to see the latest technologies in action. Todd Grabowski, president, Global Data Center Solutions, Johnson Controls, provided insights into the facility’s capabilities and the cutting-edge technology that is designed and tested there.

“JADEC is the largest and most advanced test lab of its kind in the world, where we’re solving customer problems in real-time. We’ve optimized our investments and solutions to ensure we are uniquely qualified to provide the differentiated outcomes data center customers need and expect from an industry leader like Johnson Controls," said Grabowski.  

One of the standout technologies showcased was the York YVAM air-cooled magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller. Designed for hyperscale and colocation data center cooling, the YVAM chiller operates with the ultra-low GWP refrigerant R-1234ze. It features industry-leading efficiency, simplified design, and low harmonics. Designed specifically for data centers, it achieves the same cooling while cutting the energy required by 78% as compared to conventional HVAC. Additionally, it is extremely quiet, with full-load sound levels of only 65 dBA at a distance of 10 meters—only slightly higher than a normal conversation.

Another innovative product on display was the York YVFA free cooling air-cooled screw chiller. This chiller is designed to deliver the lowest possible operating cost through advanced technology, including an industry-leading variable speed drive compressor. The YVFA also features intelligent controls that constantly evaluate conditions and optimize energy use, further enhancing its efficiency.

Attendees also got to see a variety of air handling units, heat pumps and other sustainable building technologies.

Commitment to Innovation

Solutions for commercial buildings, especially in the rapidly growing data center sector, are evolving quickly with advances in technology and changes in the way we use spaces. Lei Schlitz, vice president and president, Global Products, Johnson Controls reiterated the close work with customers to understand their current and future requirements.

“Our market-leading sustainable building solutions are seamlessly integrating technology and digital innovation. We’re especially committed to investing significantly in climate-related innovation. In fact, last year roughly 90% of new product R&D was invested in climate-related innovation to develop sustainable products and services,” said Schlitz. 

By aligning focus, innovation and expertise with a common market-back framework to commercialize Johnson Controls solutions, the company is meeting and exceeding customer needs for innovation and smart technologies that will help the current and future built environment achieve net-zero goals.

Data Centers of the Future

The rapid growth of data centers pose challenges for existing energy infrastructure around the globe to meet new demand. But rather than viewing data centers as a threat or burden, Johnson Controls sees this growth as an opportunity for community-wide upgrades and renewal. Through a three-step process that includes efficient technology, digital optimization and partnerships with data center developers, the promise of a more efficient data center is within reach.

Cooling represents at least 40% of data center energy consumption, but with Johnson Controls data center technology that exists today, customers can minimize that number. Repurposing comfort cooling machines meant for other kinds of buildings is highly inefficient. By purpose-building our cooling technology in partnership with our customers, Johnson Controls achieves the same computing and cooling outcome using 78% less energy.  

Coupled with the latest generation of Johnson Controls’ OpenBlue smart building software, customers can save 5 to 15% of energy use—even in extreme conditions—by optimizing operations every minute of every day in line with actual temperatures and conditions. These leaps in efficiency and resilience are being supercharged through a symbiotic relationship with chip manufacturers who are also working to cut much of the required energy required to cool chips by making chips more heat tolerant and resilient.

McGinty explained the unique synergy between solution providers, like Johnson Controls and data center owners and operators.

“Data centers are the backbone of our digital world, but we can cut energy use with purpose-built technology. Additionally, leveraging our digital capabilities to optimize operations, we not only enhance efficiency but also significantly reduce our environmental footprint. It’s a win for the neighborhood, the economy, and the climate,” said McGinty.

She also encouraged a move toward “power-positive” data centers.

“We don’t need to stop at upgrading operations and cutting energy at the data center property line. Let’s move towards a ‘power positive’ vision for data centers by incentivizing data center developers to create room on the grid for their additional electricity needs by investing in and dialing down energy needs in the surrounding community. The opportunities are vast and we can have a positive impact on schools, hospitals and throughout our communities.”

To learn more about Johnson Controls Data Center Solutions, visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/industries/data-centers

Hear more from Katie McGinty on ways data centers can improve their efficiency in the video below:

To download video footage of JADEC, visit: https://tyco.widen.net/s/98bfcg96x5/jadec-media-day-b-roll-v4