New oil-free centrifugal chiller platform delivers enhanced energy efficiency, operational resilience and sustainability for high-density AI environments.
Supplied by Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has unveiled the Uniflair XCA range, a new generation of air-cooled and free-cooling chillers developed to address the growing cooling demands of AI-powered, high-density liquid-cooled data centres.
The new Uniflair XCAC (air-cooled) and Uniflair XCAF (free-cooling) models combine oil-free centrifugal compressors, magnetic bearing technology and integrated variable-speed drives to create a highly efficient cooling platform capable of maintaining stable performance across varying thermal loads and environmental conditions.
Designed specifically for modern AI and liquid-cooling applications, the Uniflair XCA range incorporates a high-efficiency spray evaporator and uses low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants to help reduce environmental impact. The system’s ability to operate efficiently at higher water temperatures makes it well suited to next-generation data center infrastructures focused on both sustainability and performance.
“AI-driven data centres require cooling systems that deliver exceptional efficiency, flexibility and reliability,” said Andrew Bradner, senior vice president, cooling business at Schneider Electric. “The Uniflair XCA platform has been engineered to provide operators with a scalable, high-performance solution that adapts to evolving workloads while helping them reduce energy consumption and maintain long-term operational resilience.”
Enabling sustainable high-density cooling
As AI workloads, GPU-intensive applications and liquid-cooling deployments continue to increase power densities within data centers, cooling infrastructure plays an increasingly critical role in maintaining uptime and controlling operating costs.
The Uniflair XCA platform addresses these challenges through several advanced design innovations:
Oil-free centrifugal compression: Magnetic bearing centrifugal compressors eliminate the need for lubrication systems, reducing maintenance requirements, contamination risks and mechanical losses. The design can deliver up to 25% greater efficiency while maintaining exceptionally low noise levels.
Advanced heat exchange technology: The combination of spray evaporator technology and V-shaped microchannel coils enhances thermal performance while reducing refrigerant charge, material consumption and environmental impact.
Optimised heat rejection: A redesigned V-shaped coil configuration paired with next-generation large-diameter EC fans improves airflow and heat transfer efficiency, while supporting stable operation in high ambient temperatures and reducing acoustic output.
Enhanced free-cooling performance: The XCAF models are engineered to maximize free-cooling operation through elevated water temperatures of up to 33°C outlet temperature and optimised coil geometry. Capable of operating in conditions ranging from -20°C to +52°C, the system can reduce annual cooling energy consumption by up to 60% in moderate climates compared with conventional mechanical cooling systems.
Flexible configuration options: A wide range of electrical, hydraulic, acoustic and performance-enhancement options enables operators to tailor systems to specific application requirements while improving efficiency and simplifying management.
Rapid recovery capability: Designed for mission-critical environments, the platform can restore full operating capacity within three minutes following a power interruption, helping to minimise downtime and maintain business continuity.
Sustainability at the core: The Uniflair XCA range has been developed with decarbonisation in mind and is fully aligned with EU F-Gas Regulation 2024/573. The platform utilises ultra-low-GWP refrigerants as standard to support lower carbon emissions throughout operation.
Together, these capabilities help reduce energy consumption, simplify maintenance and provide predictable long-term performance, allowing data center operators to focus on service delivery rather than cooling system management.
Intelligent cooling through software-driven optimisation
Expanding Schneider Electric’s software-enabled approach to infrastructure management, the Uniflair XCA platform incorporates advanced control and monitoring capabilities that continuously optimise system performance.
Key features include:
- Variable-speed pump control supporting constant flow, constant temperature differential and constant head pressure operation
- Intelligent fan modulation with low-noise and ultra-low-noise operating modes based on temperature, load conditions or predefined schedules
- Integrated energy metering and real-time water flow monitoring for improved operational visibility
These software-driven capabilities help maximize efficiency, reduce compressor cycling and improve overall cooling system stability, ensuring reliable performance in demanding AI and high-density data centre environments.
