Johnson Controls launches YORK® YVAM Air-cooled Magnetic Bearing Chiller in Europe to meet increased Data Centre demand in the region

Data Centre World Expo, London — 12 March, 2025 — Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, safe, healthy and sustainable buildings has expanded the availability of its leading YORK® range of YVAM air-cooled magnetic bearing chillers to Europe to meet the growing demand in the data centre industry. As the European data centre market experiences significant growth driven by AI and cloud computing, the YVAM is a crucial thermal management technology for hyperscale and colocation facilities. Designed to accelerate deployment with an innovative, scalable and consistent platform, the YVAM also plays a role in ensuring compliance with the new European Union policy on energy efficiency and water conservation.

"As data storage demand rises and chip density increases, data centres face increasing challenges with cooling technologies, including broader temperature ranges, reduced energy and water use, noise reduction and limited space," said Johnson Controls President of Data Centre Solutions Todd Grabowski . "At Johnson Controls, we work with our customers to offer solutions that enable data centres to scale rapidly, operate efficiently, minimize resource use and maintain reliability in a quickly changing landscape."

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. This allows complete flexibility to use the same cooling infrastructure regardless of the cooling technology ranging from cold air aisles to immersion cooling or direct liquid cooling.

Further features and benefits include:

• Operates with zero water use on site, supporting the growing importance of water usage effectiveness (WUE) and the conservation of water.
• Utilizes ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant.
• Leverages Johnson Controls proprietary magnetic-bearing technology, variable-speed drives and active front-end technology to maximize efficiency while eliminating the need for free cooling coils
• Produces notably less sound than screw chillers, operating at just 65 dBA at 10 meters—equivalent to the noise level of background music at a restaurant.
• The lubrication-free design further simplifies the system by eliminating complex subsystems and reducing maintenance costs.
• To ensure uninterrupted operations, the YVAM incorporates Quick Start technology with an integral emergency power management system, enabling the chiller to return to full load in as little as three minutes after a power interruption.
• The YVAM is designed in-house and built using flagship York technologies.
• Flexible platform that allows for easy inspection and service.

"With its innovative design and industry-leading efficiency, YVAM is set to redefine thermal management in data centres across the region,” said Grabowski. “We’ve already seen great success for this technology in the North American market and we’re excited to partner with our European customers as the AI and data centre demand rapidly develops.”

Johnson Controls offers a wide range of air-cooled and water-cooled chillers as well as air handling units, all designed to meet the needs of hyperscale and co-location customers. These products are supported by a comprehensive suite of fire, safety, building automation and digitally connected services.

In June 2024, Johnson Controls launched a dedicated Global Data Centre Solutions organization to address the industry's rapid growth. Since then, the company has boosted capacity in key regions to meet market demand and reduce lead times. This specialized organization allows Johnson Controls to provide consistent, high-quality, centralized solutions across the globe, while also adapting to the unique needs of North America, EMEA and APAC, ensuring smooth and reliable support for data centre operators worldwide.

Visit the Johnson Controls website to learn more about the YORK^® YVAM air-cooled magnetic bearing centrifugal chiller.

About Johnson Controls:

At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.  

Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.  

Today, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.  

Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social Platforms.