Immersion Cooling and Advanced Materials for Heat Recovery from Data Centers

Our mission

The MODERATOR Project is poised to redefine the possibilities of data center energy management and pave the way for a more sustainable future. It aims to transform the energy efficiency landscape of data centers through state-of-the-art technological innovation by developing an integrated system that leverages immersion cooling combined with advanced, long-term heat storage solutions.

At the core of the MODERATOR Project lie a series of pioneering advancements: a meticulously crafted immersion cooling system designed to enhance heat recovery efficiency, an inventive waste heat recovery system employing phase change materials for optimal low-temperature heat extraction, a cutting-edge multilayer insulation system incorporating recycled materials to reduce thermal losses, and the flawless integration of these technologies into a fully automated prototype.

The Project will enhance its innovations through thorough modeling, simulation, and evaluative procedures to optimize the adoption and impact of the developed technologies. The project will showcase an operational prototype that integrates a 40 kW data center immersion cooling system with a 500 kWh thermal energy storage unit to efficiently recover waste heat. MODERATOR will demonstrate direct heat utilization and will investigate potential applications for space heating and electricity generation.

A Research and Innovation Project bringing together a broad spectrum of expertise of 11 partners from 6 countries for 48 months!

Heat storage

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Development of a pioneering custom-designed immersion cooling system aimed at unlocking the potential for heat recovery and efficient utilization in data centers.
Creation of an innovative heat recovery system utilizing Phase Change Materials (PCMs), enabling efficient extraction of low-temperature heat within the range of 50°C–65°C. This system will incorporate novel materials and system design approaches.
Innovation in the development of a highly efficient multilayer insulation system for Thermal Energy Storage (TES), leveraging patented technology utilizing expanded recycled glass granules and highly reflective microparticles to minimize heat loss during seasonal storage. This system's novelty lies in its multilayer structure combining insulation materials to achieve maximum heat conservation, along with a multifunctional topcoat for complete insulation protection and overall heat loss reduction.
Integration of both subcomponents into an automated prototype capable of direct heat utilization and/or long-term storage for subsequent on-demand use.

Results & Publications

During the following months we will present the results of our research in a variety of deliverables. Stay tuned and visit back to read publications, presentations and other relevant material.

Project Impact

on the environment Capturing waste heat from data centers and enhancing their energy efficiency, even by a small margin, can notably reduce global energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Installing a Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) system can boost energy efficiency by over 30%. This aligns well with the Strategic Energy Technology Plan and supports achieving Green Deal targets.
on data centers Data centers' competitiveness heavily relies on energy efficiency, as energy consumption constitutes their main operating expense. Waste heat flux in data centers far exceeds that of conventional buildings, especially considering recent energy price hikes. Utilizing waste heat for other purposes, such as heating or electricity generation, can significantly reduce energy costs and enhance their economic viability.
on the industry Various industries and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) can harness waste heat from data centers to slash energy consumption, reduce environmental impact, and cut costs, boosting their sustainability. This aligns with the industrial symbiosis trend and circular energy utilization concept.
on society Waste heat from data centers can be repurposed for local or community space and water heating via district heat networks. This waste heat utilization can positively impact underserved communities, reducing energy bills and enhancing quality of life.