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Johnson Controls' New Approach to Thermal Management in AI Data Centers

On February 2, 2026, Johnson Controls, a prominent figure in the smart and sustainable building industry, announced the release of its Reference Design Guide Series tailored for gigawatt-scale AI data centers. This series represents a significant advancement in cooling architectures critical for handling the escalating thermal loads generated by advanced artificial intelligence technologies. As the demand for efficient and robust data center infrastructures intensifies, Johnson Controls is stepping up to provide innovative solutions that marry high-performance facilities with sustainability objectives.

The Reference Design Guide Series focuses on a holistic thermal management approach, detailing strategies and architectures suitable for various climates and operational requirements. The first guide in the series dives deep into water-cooled chiller plants, exploring their design, setup, and integration with modern building controls. It promises to enhance efficiency and slack in facilities through tailored recommendations for compute densities, geographical challenges, and elevation changes.

As AI continues to reshape industries, data centers are evolving in scale and complexity. Efficient thermal load management, especially at gigawatt levels, has become crucial for fostering AI innovation. Johnson Controls acknowledges the industry's necessity to create spaces that not only excel in performance but also prioritize sustainability. Their guides articulate a comprehensive thermal architecture that supports both liquid and air-cooled IT systems, employing state-of-the-art technologies like integrated computer room air handlers (CRAHs), fan coil walls, coolant distribution units (CDUs), and YORK centrifugal chillers, which boast high efficiency.

Key Features of the Reference Design Guides

• - Zero Water Consumption: The guides advocate for a fully water-free heat rejection process utilizing dry coolers, significantly minimizing operational costs while enhancing sustainability.
• - Future-Ready Flexibility: By preparing high-temperature Technology Cooling System (TCS) loops, facilities can seamlessly adapt to next-generation GPU architectures.
• - Optimized Performance: The alignment with NVIDIA's DSX reference architecture allows for a scalable deployment of 1-GW-class AI factories, ensuring high-density performance.
• - Energy Efficiency: The design strategies include elevated condenser water temperatures and bifurcated loops, which contribute to industry-leading Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) metrics and improve annualized energy efficiency.

Austin Domenici, the vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls Global Data Center Solutions, highlighted the importance of these guides. He remarked, "AI factories are not just data centers; they are production facilities where intelligence is manufactured on an industrial scale. By incorporating NVIDIA DSX architecture and enhancing water and energy efficiency in the cooling process, our Reference Design Guide provides clients with tools to establish resilient and sustainable gigawatt-scale AI infrastructures."

This initiative demonstrates Johnson Controls' commitment to transforming operational environments with a keen focus on sustainability. As they look to the future, these comprehensive guides aim to reimagine the performance of buildings, making them more adaptable, eco-friendly, and efficient.

For organizations operating gigawatt-scale AI centers, Johnson Controls' Reference Design Guide Series is not just a tool; it's a roadmap for success in an increasingly digital and environmentally conscious world. To learn more, visit Johnson Controls' official site.