“The key is looking at the bigger picture: These chillers can be part of an energy-efficient and environmentally responsible operational approach, particularly in regions with fossil fuel-dependent power grids, helping data centers reduce their overall environmental impact while maintaining reliable operations.”
Tyler Buell, Vertiv Senior Manager, Product Management
Power availability is a growing challenge for data centers, with expansion often taking years. However, there's a solution: optimizing peak power usage effectiveness (PUE) can help unlock more power for IT, particularly during high-demand periods when peak power determines actual usable capacity.
Tyler Buell, Senior Manager for Product Management at Vertiv, discussed an innovative hybrid cooling approach that combines natural gas and electric technologies. The solution helps data centers optimize their power usage and unlock more capacity for IT operations, without waiting for new grid capacity.
Could you explain what a natural gas-powered chiller is?
Tyler Buell (TB): A natural gas-powered chiller is a cooling system that uses natural gas instead of electricity to drive the compressor. It operates on the same vapor-compression cycle as traditional chillers but uses a gas engine instead of an electric motor to drive the integral screw compressor.
The air-cooled natural gas chiller offers dual-fuel flexibility, allowing the system to switch between gas and electric power as needed. This hybrid capability enhances reliability and energy resilience, making it a smart choice for facilities aiming to reduce electrical load while maintaining consistent cooling performance.
How do these chillers differ from electric ones in terms of energy sourcing?
TB: Natural gas chillers feature integrated capacity generation through a built-in gas engine that powers the compressor. Electric chillers, on the other hand, depend on grid power from centralized plants. Although each system presents unique challenges, onsite power generation helps avoid distribution losses, potentially improving costs and reducing emissions based on local conditions.
Rather than seeing these as competing technologies, they work best as complementary solutions. Using both in a hybrid system helps data centers optimize their power usage, free up electrical capacity, and improve grid dependence.
Who is this technology intended for?
TB: This technology can be utilized for small- and large-scale data centers alike, especially in areas where electricity congestion can make consumption costly, or technology hubs where grid allocations and expansions are limited. It’s a strong fit for campuses with combined heat and power systems supporting high-density computing and can be further enhanced with heat recovery systems.
Demand is also rising among data centers facing increased cooling needs, particularly those deploying AI workloads that generate more heat and require more power. Whether planned or deployed for new builds designed with AI in mind or existing facilities upgrading for advanced computing, this solution enables growth and adaptability while maintaining energy efficiency and operational resilience.
What are the main benefits of this technology?
TB: The main advantage is that grid and data center operators can quickly free up power in data centers for more computing, without needing expensive power generation equipment for both computing and cooling. These chillers are designed to operate with improved energy efficiency and reduced climate impact, allowing data centers to reduce the need for oversized electrical cooling systems, especially with emission-control technology installed.
They're particularly efficient in regions with high carbon emissions: they can work with existing heat recovery systems to improve overall efficiency. Plus, they're quite flexible—they can use either air or water cooling and can even serve as a backup cooling solution since they run on natural gas.
What about environmental considerations? Can these chillers be considered environmentally responsible?
TB: At Vertiv, environmental responsibility is not just a checkbox ─ it's the foundation of our innovation, and these chillers fit into that vision.
Often, power in North America comes from fossil fuel sources, particularly during the hottest days when chillers are at max output. These systems can be considered environmentally responsible for three main reasons:
- By using on-site natural gas cooling, the system aims to reduce grid electricity consumption and transmission losses, which may contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions when compared to traditional cooling systems.
- This kind of chiller has high-grade heat recovery by capturing waste heat that would otherwise be lost. If implemented, it can reduce GHG emissions by reusing heat to meet thermal demands without additional energy consumption.
- Natural gas-powered chillers include a special emissions system that includes technology designed to help reduce nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide levels during operation.
The key is looking at the bigger picture: these chillers can be part of an energy-efficient and environmentally responsible operational approach, particularly in regions with fossil fuel-dependent power grids, helping data centers reduce their overall environmental impact while maintaining reliable operations.
How does this align with Vertiv's offerings?
TB: At Vertiv, adding these chillers to our portfolio means we can offer our customers more flexible and energy-resilient cooling solutions, particularly for those operating in regions with high electricity costs, strained or limited grid capacity, or carbon-intensive grids. This reinforces our commitment to innovation and operational efficiency across mission-critical environments.
Our goal is simple: give our customers as many reliable cooling and power choices as possible, work with them to get their feedback for continuous improvement, and support them throughout the lifecycle of these solutions to meet their specific needs while also deploying quickly and maintaining resilient operations.
Vertiv is more than a provider—we’re a partner. With energy-efficient technologies and deep integration expertise, we help our customers achieve high-performance cooling with responsible business practices.
