Articles tagged with "cooling-systems"
Aquifer Thermal Energy System Comes To Minnesota - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the advantages and implementation of Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) systems as an efficient and sustainable solution for heating and cooling. Unlike conventional air source heat pumps, which have limitations in extreme temperatures, ATES systems leverage the relatively stable temperature of groundwater year-round to provide consistent and efficient thermal energy. Research from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Imperial College London, analyzing over 3,000 ATES systems globally, found that these systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 74% compared to traditional methods. Additionally, the return on investment for ATES can be as short as two years, with infrastructure longevity extending beyond 80 years, making it a cost-effective and durable option. A practical example of this technology is underway in St. Paul, Minnesota, where Ever-Green Energy is developing an ATES system for the mixed-use Heights development. This system will extract thermal energy from an aquifer 300 to 500 feet underground to supply heating and cooling for 850 homes and
energygeothermal-energyheat-pumpsaquifer-thermal-energy-storagerenewable-energysustainable-heatingcooling-systemsNew open-source map charts the scale of US AI datacenters buildout
A non-profit research institute, Epoch AI, is using open-source intelligence—including satellite imagery, construction permits, and regulatory filings—to map the rapid expansion of AI datacenters across the United States. Their interactive map provides detailed estimates on cost, ownership, and power consumption of these facilities, offering rare transparency into an industry growing faster than public oversight. For example, Epoch AI highlights Meta’s “Prometheus” datacenter in New Albany, Ohio, estimating it has cost $18 billion and consumes 691 megawatts of power, reflecting Meta’s strategic pivot toward AI infrastructure. Epoch AI’s methodology centers on analyzing cooling infrastructure visible in satellite images, as modern AI datacenters generate extreme heat requiring extensive external cooling units. By counting and measuring fans and cooling systems, they estimate energy use, which in turn informs compute capacity and construction cost estimates. However, these estimates carry uncertainty due to variable fan configurations and speeds. The map currently covers about 15% of global AI compute capacity as of November
energydatacentersAI-infrastructurepower-consumptioncooling-systemssatellite-imageryenergy-efficiencyPhotos: Alien-like drone ‘rains’ chilled beers from sky using mini parachutes
The Stratos MK1 is a conceptual drone designed specifically for aerial beverage delivery, featuring a unique spider-like frame made from carbon fiber and aerospace-grade materials. It can carry up to eight individual beer cans in a central keg-shaped compartment, releasing them one at a time using small parachutes that deploy based on calculated altitude and wind conditions to ensure safe landings. The drone’s autonomous navigation is managed by internal sensors and mapping software, enabling obstacle avoidance and precise delivery to GPS-specified locations. An integrated mobile app allows users to place orders, track the drone in real time, and receive proximity alerts. In addition to individual cans, the MK1 can transport a 5-liter mini keg, which it lands with directly rather than dropping by parachute. The drone’s folding propeller arms provide stability on uneven surfaces during keg delivery. The keg itself is made of stainless steel with reinforced brackets and an internal pump for dispensing. To maintain beverage temperature during flight, the drone includes an internal cooling system within the
robotdrone-technologyautonomous-systemsIoTaerospace-materialsdelivery-dronescooling-systemsWorld’s largest cryogenic refrigerator gets giant cold boxes at CERN
CERN has recently installed two massive cold boxes at the ATLAS and CMS experiment sites as part of the upgraded cryogenic system for the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC), scheduled to begin operations around 2030. These cold boxes, each 16 meters long and 3.5 meters in diameter, were manufactured by Linde in Germany and transported via a complex route involving river barges and road transport. Their installation follows the earlier placement of six compression units and is critical to increasing the cooling capacity needed for the HL-LHC, which will feature more powerful focusing magnets and new cavities generating higher thermal loads. The existing LHC is already the world’s largest cryogenic installation, maintaining 23 kilometers of its 27-kilometer ring at 1.9 kelvin (-271 °C) using superfluid helium refrigerators. To support the HL-LHC’s increased luminosity and associated thermal demands, two additional large refrigerators are being added to the eight units currently
energycryogenicscooling-systemssuperconducting-magnetshelium-refrigerationparticle-physicsLarge-Hadron-ColliderDiscover top 7 world’s most powerful man-made magnets that reshape modern physics
The article highlights seven of the world’s most powerful man-made magnets, emphasizing their critical role in advancing modern physics by enabling scientists to probe extreme material and quantum phenomena. These magnets, housed in leading research facilities globally, generate extraordinarily strong magnetic fields—far beyond everyday magnets—using advanced materials, complex cooling systems, and vast electrical power. Some operate continuously, while others produce intense, short pulses, each serving unique experimental needs. Key magnets include the 100-tesla pulsed magnet at Los Alamos National Laboratory, which holds the record for the strongest non-destructive magnetic field, producing brief but extreme pulses to study quantum behaviors. The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory’s 45.5-tesla hybrid magnet generates the strongest continuous field by combining superconducting and resistive technologies, enabling long-duration experiments. China’s 42-tesla resistive magnet is notable for achieving the highest field from resistive coils alone, consuming immense power and requiring extensive cooling. China also briefly held the continuous field
magnetsmaterials-scienceenergy-consumptionsuperconducting-technologyhigh-field-physicscooling-systemsquantum-phenomenaMicrosoft-backed VEIR is bringing superconductors to data centers
Microsoft-backed startup Veir is developing superconducting electrical cables designed to address the rapidly increasing power demands of data centers, which have surged from tens to 200 kilowatts per rack and are projected to reach up to a megawatt in the near future. Traditional low-voltage copper cables become bulky and inefficient at these scales, but Veir’s superconducting cables can carry up to 3 megawatts of low-voltage electricity while occupying 20 times less space and transmitting power five times farther. These cables operate at extremely low temperatures (–196˚C) using liquid nitrogen cooling to maintain superconductivity, enabling zero energy loss. Veir has adapted its core superconducting technology, initially developed for long-distance power transmission lines, to meet the specific needs of data centers. The company has built a simulated data center in Massachusetts to demonstrate the technology and plans pilot deployments in operational data centers next year, aiming for a commercial launch in 2027. The startup acts as a systems integrator,
energysuperconductorsdata-centerspower-transmissioncooling-systemselectrical-cablesenergy-efficiencyWhy Refrigerant Matters More Than You Think for AC (or Heat Pump) Efficiency - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the critical but often overlooked role of refrigerants in the efficiency, cost, and environmental impact of HVAC systems, including air conditioners and heat pumps. Refrigerants are essential chemical compounds that enable cooling and heating functions, yet many systems operate with improper refrigerant levels. A common issue is undercharging, where systems have less refrigerant than designed, sometimes by about 15 percent, which can occur even at installation due to improper adjustment for specific configurations like longer piping. This undercharging leads to reduced cooling performance and increased energy consumption. Over time, refrigerant leaks caused by aging equipment, corrosion, and vibrations further degrade system efficiency. Residential HVAC systems can lose 5–11 percent of their refrigerant annually, resulting in a significant drop in the coefficient of performance (COP). Even a 10 percent refrigerant loss can reduce system efficiency noticeably, increasing energy bills by $72–$144 during summer months. Larger losses above 20 percent cause steep performance declines and soaring
energyHVACrefrigerantsenergy-efficiencycooling-systemsemissionsHVAC-maintenanceBYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme Sets New Top Speed & Nürburgring Lap Records - CleanTechnica
BYD recently announced that its Yangwang U9 Xtreme hypercar set new records, including a top speed of 308.37 mph (approximately 496 km/h) and an electric vehicle (EV) lap record at the Nürburgring. These achievements not only provide BYD with significant bragging rights but also challenge the dominance of traditional fossil-fueled hypercars. The U9 Xtreme’s performance is powered by a 2220 kW (2977 hp) motor system paired with an 80 kWh battery featuring an advanced double-layer cooling structure that enables a 30C discharge rate, contributing to a 133% increase in power and a 40% improvement in heat exchange efficiency. The technological advancements in cooling and power electronics, including the use of silicon carbide (SiC) components, may have broader implications beyond the hypercar segment. BYD’s innovations could enhance the reliability and efficiency of mainstream electric vehicles, especially in extreme heat conditions, and potentially improve charging
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologycooling-systemspower-electronicsfast-chargingEV-performancePanasonic Develops a Cooling Water Circulation Pump for Data Centers — Promoting the Strategic Enhancement of the Pump Business - CleanTechnica
Panasonic’s Living Appliances and Solutions Company celebrated the 70th anniversary of its pump business in 2025, marking a significant milestone since its inception in 1955 with home well pumps. Over the decades, Panasonic has expanded its pump applications to include built-in pumps for water heaters, heating appliances, and bathroom equipment, contributing to energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. With cumulative shipments surpassing 53 million units, Panasonic pumps are widely used not only in its own products but also by various manufacturers globally. In response to the growing demand for efficient cooling solutions in data centers—especially driven by the rise of AI technologies and the increasing heat generated by CPUs and GPUs—Panasonic has developed a next-generation cooling water circulation pump tailored for data center cooling systems. This pump integrates advanced simulation technologies to improve performance by 75% (from 40 to 70 L/min) while maintaining a compact size suitable for installation within Coolant Distribution Units (CDUs). Key features include high efficiency, compact housing for
energydata-centerscooling-systemsliquid-coolingPanasonicpump-technologyenergy-efficiencyLG dùng AI để cải thiện hiệu suất điều hòa
energyAIsmart-sensorsenergy-efficiencycooling-systemsLG-ThinQDual-Inverter-Compressor