Munters expands portfolio and invests in operational capacity – interview with Stefan Aspman, President of Data Center Technologies

A Q&A with Stefan Aspman, President of Data Center Technologies at Munters
As AI continues to reshape the data center cooling landscape, Munters is expanding its portfolio to help customers navigate increasingly complex infrastructure investments. We spoke to Stefan Aspman, President of Data Center Technologies at Munters, about the pressing need for agility in adapting to these shifts. He also discussed how Munters’ recent acquisition of Geoclima, an Italian-based chiller manufacturer, enables the company to provide customers with comprehensive, end-to-end heat rejection solutions.

What challenges are data centers currently facing?
“The data center industry is at a critical juncture, grappling with growing demands from AI, high-density computing, sustainability requirements and rapid technological evolution,” says Stefan Aspman.

“These challenges require innovative cooling solutions, adaptable infrastructure and efficient energy management strategies. Moving forward, data center operators will need versatile, scalable approaches that meet current demands and future-proof their facilities. The increase in change requests late in the specification process clearly indicates the uncertainties ahead.”

How is Munters positioned to support customers during this time of change?
“Our Data Center Technologies team drives innovation through three key strategies to deliver optimal cooling solutions to our customers. First and foremost, we are investing in our own R&D. For example, we are preparing to launch a new CDU (cooling distribution unit) and expand our award-winning air and liquid cooling system, SyCool, with additional size options.” 

Second, we are engaging in strategic acquisitions to enhance our offerings. Our recent acquisition of Geoclima leverages extensive application and technology expertise, enabling Munters to deliver high-quality chiller solutions. In 2022, we also acquired EDPAC, a leading manufacturer of data center equipment, strengthening our portfolio with CRAC and CRAH equipment.

We are also engaging in strategic collaboration with other companies, like ZutaCore, a top provider of direct-to-chip, liquid cooling solutions for data centers. Working hand in hand with ZutaCore, we can offer our customers a truly waterless cooling solution, meeting their evolving demands.”

And lastly, as the data center market grows, so must we. Munters is investing in new factories to support this rapid global growth, with our new facility in Cork, Ireland, as the latest example. 

Why are Geoclima chillers an important addition to Munters’ cooling solutions portfolio?
“Chillers have been a key focus since they complement our existing cooling solutions. Geoclima specializes in advanced, energy-efficient chillers integral to heat rejection processes, removing heat from facilities to maintain optimal operating temperatures.

“Munters has long been a leader in energy-efficient cooling solutions for data centers, particularly with our indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) systems. The acquisition of Geoclima adds high-efficiency chillers to our offering. By incorporating Geoclima technology into our portfolio, we can offer comprehensive heat management solutions that address all aspects—from cooling to heat rejection, positioning Munters as a one-stop provider and enhancing our ability to meet the evolving demands of industries with high cooling demands, such as data centers.”

How will your customers benefit from Munters’ expanded solutions portfolio?
“With our fully integrated, customizable cooling and heat rejection systems, data centers can maintain optimal thermal performance while improving energy efficiency across the entire cooling process. The Geoclima acquisition also enables Munters to influence the entire cooling and heat rejection process, offering customers a single-source solution. This simplifies installation, operation and maintenance, reducing complexity and enhancing reliability.

“We’re thrilled to help our customers continue to innovate in this dynamic AI-driven era. By working with Munters, they can invest in a tailored, state-of-the-art cooling solution that is future-ready and capable of meeting the ever-evolving demands brought about by AI advancements."

Munters Geoclima portfolio

Data centers require resilient, responsive, reliable, and energy-efficient chillers to operate continuously, 8,760 hours per year. To meet these demands, Munters offers its most efficient range of air-cooled and water-cooled chillers: the Geoclima Turbomiser.

Turbomiser

To reduce energy consumption, minimize or prevent leaks, reduce refrigerant charge, and ensure quiet, reliable operation, including:

• Inverter-controlled, magnetic bearing Turbocor compressors that adjust output to precisely match the cooling load
• Micro-channel aluminium condensers to reduce refrigerant charge while increasing heat transfer efficiency
• Flooded evaporators to ensure optimal heat transfer between the refrigerant and water
• Refrigerant pumping system to increase thermodynamic efficiency throughout the entire operating range
• Inverter-driven condenser fans adjust their speed based on demand, reducing energy consumption
• Sophisticated chiller control system, which integrates the on-board integral compressor control to optimize overall system performance

Optional Turbomiser technologies

• Circlemiser incorporates two key technologies that enhance efficiency. Its unique cylindrical micro-channel heat exchanger increases the total heat exchange surface by up to 45%, while cascade-flooded evaporators boost cooling capacity within strict energy limits. Together, these features raise the coefficient of performance (COP) by up to 15% over the already highly efficient Turbomiser.
• Circlemiser Free Cooling System includes a free cooling circuit and Circlemiser technology to reduces annual energy use further by leveraging cool ambient air, when available.
• Megacircle for larger installaton effectively doubles the total heat exchange surface by extending Circlemiser cylindrical condensers while maintaining the same installation footprint.
• Dynamic Evaporative System uses adiabatic cooling to precool the air entering the condenser coils, reducing the amount of energy the compressors use to meet the cooling demand. When not required, the intelligent control system moves the adiabatic system away from the face of the coils, optimizing the airflow to the condensers and minimizing fan energy use.
• Free Cooling adds a coil before the condensers,efficiently reducing inlet water temperatures using cold ambient air.
• Dynamic Evaporative + Free Cooling, a hybrid system that maximizes efficiency, delivering up to 2,400 kW with a COP of 6.01 W/W under standard operating conditions.