Data Centres
Data Centres in the Age of AI: Navigating the challenges of cost, climate, and operational reliability
Digitalisation continues to progress rapidly, and AI applications are booming – which means the demand for computing power is growing fast. For data centres, this means increasing energy requirements, greater demands on operational reliability and continued pressure to manage energy and operating costs. At the same time, regulatory requirements are evolving, particularly around the reporting of energy performance metrics such as Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). This increases the need for scalable solutions that support efficient operation, system availability and adaptation to changing requirements.
Infrastructure demands are also rising
Power and cooling systems must be designed with high redundancy. For data centres with high performance and efficiency requirements, liquid cooling can offer advantages over traditional air cooling. Depending on the system design, it can help optimise key metrics such as Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE).
This can help support operational reliability and availability while reducing the risk of downtime.
In addition to cooling systems, other water infrastructure must also work reliably – from water distribution and pressure boosting in sanitary facilities, to hygienic wastewater management, and flexible fire-fighting solutions that safeguard both people and sensitive IT infrastructure.
Holistic solutions for efficiency and operational reliability
The water technology group Wilo provides comprehensive support to data centres in combining energy efficiency with lower water consumption. Our offering covers the entire lifecycle – from design and implementation to maintenance – and is suitable for both new builds and the optimisation of existing systems.
Whether it is circulation pumps for cooling towers, direct-to-chip liquid cooling systems or heat recovery applications, our product solutions are specifically designed to optimise performance through continuous improvement in Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and deliver return on investment.
We offer our customers much more than just pumps. We provide end to end solutions:
- Design and consultancy support
- Green energy solutions (H2 powerplant)
- Water security
- Condition-based monitoring and digital twin
- Aftermarket care and service
Maximise the performance of your data centre in the age of AI
Contact our experts now and let us help you find the best solution for your needs and optimised energy use. Simply fill out the form – we will contact you as soon as possible.
Contact us nowHigh-performance infrastructure for modern data centres
With Wilo, data centres gain far more than just efficient pump solutions. You benefit from noticeably lower operating costs, increased reliability, and the confidence of meeting ESG and efficiency requirements.
- Reduce costs: Lower energy consumption, reduce operational downtime, optimised PUE and WUE values, additional savings through heat recovery.
- Secure operations: Continuous availability through redundancy, predictive maintenance, and rapid diagnostics, reliable supply chains, as well as energy and water security.
- Reduce energy and water consumption: Support in meeting relevant requirements of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and PUE reporting, as well as in improving key metrics such as PUE, WUE, ERF, REF and ERE.
- Shape the future: Scalable solutions for new and existing facilities, pioneering technologies, water digitisation, sustainability and decarbonisation.
Our highlight solutions for data centres
In addition to cooling systems, we offer customised solutions for firefighting, water supply, and sewage disposal in data centres.
Cooling
Improving efficiency and optimising PUE
Cooling systems are among the largest energy consumers in data centres. With our high-efficiency pumps, intelligent pressurisation, expertise in degassing, and side-stream filtration, we contribute to stable operations and the demand-oriented use of energy and water.
- Speed-controlled high-efficiency pumps and demand-based system optimisation can help avoid unnecessarily high energy consumption.
- Demand-based design and optimisation of cooling systems, taking into account key performance metrics such as PUE and WUE – across liquid, hybrid and air cooling solutions.
- Integration of innovative concepts such as heat recovery to make use of waste heat efficiently.
Firefighting
Safety for people and infrastructure
Wilo provides pump systems for modular firefighting solutions designed to ensure a reliable supply of fire-fighting water under demanding conditions.
- Highest availability thanks to redundancy and rapid diagnostics.
- Configurable and ideal for growing data center environments.
- Compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.
Water distribution and pressure boosting
Reliable and convenient
Our systems support water supply at the required pressure and flow rates – from sanitary facilities and kitchens to other applications within the building.
- Efficient pressure-boosting systems made with durable materials for cost-effective operation.
- Solutions for rainwater utilisation and demand-oriented water management.
Wastewater collection and transport
Operational safety and compliance
We offer systems for safe and efficient wastewater management in data centres. Properly designed wastewater systems contribute to the controlled discharge of wastewater and compliance with applicable requirements.
- For demand-based wastewater transport and hygienic disposal processes.
- Support in complying with applicable wastewater disposal requirements.
- Tailored solutions for safe and cost-effective operation.
Proven in leading data centres. Future-proof solutions.
Our solutions are already in use in renowned data centres across the industry. Discover selected references and find out how, together with our partners, we are making data centres fit for the future.
Iron Mountain Data Centre
Modern pump systems for data centre operations
At Iron Mountain’s data centre in Haarlem, Wilo-Stratos GIGA B pumps with IE5 motors are in operation. Wilo also supports the project with installation, commissioning and maintenance services.
Google Data Centre
Cooling for data around the clock
How can large volumes of cooling water be moved reliably while adapting pump performance to actual demand? In Hamina, Finland, Wilo-CronoLine-IL pumps play a central role in a distinctive cooling concept.
SenseTime Data Centre
Data centre for artificial intelligence
At the SenseTime AI Data Centre (AIDC), one of Asia’s largest AI data centres, 64 Wilo pump systems provide cooling and water supply.
Customised service solutions for data centers
Our dedicated service team for data centers develops tailored services with a forward-thinking approach, keeping your systems in constant focus. With local presence and global expertise, we offer fast on-site support – ensuring maximum operational reliability, top energy efficiency, and reliable availability. With regional supply chains, we are flexible and ready to help whenever you need us.
Wilo-Energy Audit
Identify energy-saving potential, analyse operating data and derive suitable measures for energy-conscious system operation.
Digital solutions
Control pumps intelligently, connect systems and make operating data visible – for greater transparency and targeted optimisation of system operation.
Shaping the infrastructure for a digital, AI-driven future
Most people never see a data centre. Yet without them, there would be no streaming, no digital healthcare, and no online learning. Reliable operation requires a demand-based water supply of suitable quality and robustly designed cooling systems that help reduce the risk of overheating.
Wilo helps data centres reduce energy and water consumption, ensure reliable operation, and make smart use of waste heat – for example, supplying district heating. This creates the foundation for what noticeably improves our everyday lives: intelligent mobility, smart cities, secure communication, and innovations that save energy and water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about data center solutions
How does Wilo improve the energy efficiency of data centers?
By using high-efficiency pumps and speed-controlled systems, energy consumption in cooling and supply systems is significantly reduced. Intelligent pressurisation, degassing, dirt removal, and side-stream filtration further contribute to optimising system performance. Our solutions optimise cooling and water systems, improving PUE. At the same time, smart water usage concepts and closed circuits help optimise WUE values.
How does Wilo support decision-making?
We offer customised simulations, cost-effectiveness analyses, and training to identify the best solution. As part of a Wilo-Energy Audit, current energy consumption can be analysed in detail and specific savings potential revealed. This gives decision-makers a solid foundation for planning investments and implementing the right solution for their data center.
Can existing infrastructure be easily upgraded?
How does Wilo support maintenance and lifecycle management?
What specific savings are possible with Wilo?
How does Wilo contribute to operational reliability?
What role does sustainability play in data center solutions?
Our technologies improve efficiency figures and make an active contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions. We help you achieve your ESG and climate targets. Wilo combines technological excellence with responsibility, as demonstrated by multiple awards and certifications in environmental and energy efficiency. Find out more in our sustainability report.
Contact us now
Ready to unlock the full potential of your data center? Contact our experts to find the best solution for your requirements.
Contact our expertsStrongly connected for the future of AI and data centers
Wilo actively participates in leading networks and associations to help shape the digital transformation. This gives our customers direct access to the latest developments and innovations, while also benefiting from our close collaboration with experts from industry, science, and politics.