EU MODERATOR: Revolutionizing Data Center Efficiency with Next-Gen Cooling

As data centers account for 1-2% of global electricity consumption, the EU-funded MODERATOR Project is set to transform energy management with innovative technologies that promise significant improvements in energy efficiency.

Redefining Energy Efficiency in Data Centers

Data centers are crucial for our digital infrastructure, but traditional air-cooling methods produce substantial heat and energy waste. The MODERATOR Project tackles this issue head-on with a revolutionary technology: immersion cooling. Unlike conventional air cooling, which relies on airflow, immersion cooling submerges components in a specialized dielectric fluid, achieving impressive Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) values below 1.1, compared to the 1.6 typical of traditional systems.

Innovative Heat Recovery for Maximum Efficiency

MODERATOR goes beyond cooling by integrating an advanced heat storage system using Phase Change Materials (PCMs). These materials capture and store low-temperature heat for up to six months, bridging the gap between heat production and demand. This approach significantly reduces energy waste and allows for the recovered heat to be used for space heating or even electricity generation.

Adaptability and Sustainability

The prototype’s modular design enables easy adaptation to various data center sizes and locations, offering straightforward installation both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, the system promotes environmental sustainability by utilizing recycled materials and supporting a zero-effluent design.

The MODERATOR Project aims to set new benchmarks in data center energy management, with future steps including detailed technology assessments and exploring additional applications.

About MODERATOR

Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Program (grant agreement No. 101136156), the MODERATOR Project brings together 11 partners from 6 countries, highlighting collaboration and innovation in a critical area of modern technology. For more information, visit www.moderatorproject.eu.

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact: Dimitris Koutsonikolas, Christiana Nikolopoulou

Email: dkoutson@certh.gr, christiana.nikolopoulou@dreven.be

Note: The views expressed in this press release are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EU or CINEA.