Mitsui Knowledge Industry and Fuji Electric Join Forces for Data Center Energy Management Solutions

Collaborative Efforts for Energy Efficiency in Data Centers

Mitsui Knowledge Industry, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, and Fuji Electric, based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, have initiated a wide-ranging collaboration to enhance energy management in data centers. This partnership combines Fuji Electric's innovative electrical and thermal energy technologies, including their new ejector cooling system, with Mitsui Knowledge Industry's air conditioning control, simulation technologies, and private AI infrastructure to develop services aimed at optimizing cooling efficiency. The ultimate goal is to create environmentally-friendly data centers.

Background of the Collaboration

Recently, the rapid proliferation of generative AI and the expansion of digital services have led to an exponential increase in global data center electricity consumption. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centers are expected to consume approximately 460 terawatt-hours (TWh) of power by 2024, with projections suggesting this will nearly double to around 945 TWh by 2030. This consumption level is slightly above Japan's current total power consumption and poses significant societal challenges, including the increased cooling demand due to higher heat generation from high-load servers and greater environmental pressures. Therefore, significant improvements in cooling efficiency and optimized operations across IT and operational technology (OT) domains have become essential. To address these challenges, Mitsui Knowledge Industry and Fuji Electric, leveraging their respective strengths, have started a comprehensive collaboration aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact for data centers.

Details of the Collaboration

The collaboration will culminate in the creation of cooling efficiency optimization services that merge Fuji Electric's electric and thermal energy technologies, primarily through their newly developed ejector cooling systems, with Mitsui Knowledge Industry's expertise in air conditioning control, simulation, and private AI infrastructures. This interdisciplinary approach will significantly contribute to the realization of environmentally conscious data centers.

Strengths of Fuji Electric

Fuji Electric's innovative ejector cooling system employs a compressor-less structure that utilizes an ejector booster instead of a refrigerant compressor. This pioneering technology eliminates the need for electricity in refrigerant compression, thus substantially reducing power consumption while allowing the production of large temperature differential cooling water (ΔT ≧10℃) even utilizing return water of 40℃ or more. This technique also involves the use of eco-friendly refrigerant R1234-yf, contributing to a lower environmental burden.

Strengths of Mitsui Knowledge Industry

Mitsui Knowledge Industry has been providing optimal air conditioning control since 2010 through its GrEenM2 system. The company leverages its accumulated control logic and operational expertise, along with its private AI foundations, to optimize the interrelationship between IT system processing loads and thermal source operations from air conditioning equipment for overall optimization. By binding the strengths of both companies, the collaboration will facilitate the seamless integration of high-efficiency devices such as the ejector cooling system with optimal control solutions. This will enable precise operations catering to variable loads and seasonal changes, contributing not only to load leveling but also to maximizing the use of renewable energy. Through an integrated approach to design, implementation, operation, and continual improvement, Mitsui Knowledge Industry and Fuji Electric will tailor joint solutions to meet the specific requirements of individual facilities while ensuring connectivity between equipment, controls, and operational data.

Future Ambitions

Mitsui Knowledge Industry and Fuji Electric will continue to spearhead initiatives to implement and test energy efficiency improvements in data centers. Their commitment to reducing power consumption and CO₂ emissions underpins their dedication to fostering a sustainable society and adding value across the broader community. By prioritizing an eco-conscious operation, they aim to set a benchmark in the energy management landscape of data centers, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.

For more information about their respective companies and initiatives, visit: