Airsys launches UniCool-Max for high-density cooling

Airsys has launched the UniCool-Max Precision Vertical Packaged Unit for high-density cooling applications. The unit is available in the UK through its team in Warrington.

The product expands the UniCool range with a system designed for modular data centres, telecom facilities, and equipment rooms. It is designed to increase air-cooling density and match cooling output more closely to changing heat loads.

The system uses variable-speed components rather than the fixed-compressor design common in older equipment. This is intended to reduce repeated start-up cycles, which can stress compressors and electronic components.

Traditional fixed-compressor units can exceed 30,000 start-up cycles a year, according to Airsys. The UniCool-Max instead adjusts output to demand, helping maintain more stable operating conditions for sensitive equipment.

Cooling capacity reaches up to 60kW per unit, according to Airsys. In clustered deployments, that rises to 240kW for a typical 12ft-wide modular building and up to 960kW in larger buildings when paired with the Airsys Multi-Unit Controller, which can manage up to 16 units.

Density Focus

The unit is configured for highly sensitive cooling, making it suitable for environments where heat removal, rather than humidity control, is the main requirement. It also includes built-in dehumidification, an extreme low sensible mode and an optional reheat function for sites where heat loads are installed gradually.

The design is intended to reduce space demands. With zero side clearance and full front-service access, it can be installed without using indoor floor space or onsite water infrastructure.

The system uses R-454B refrigerant, which Airsys said aligns with current low-global-warming-potential standards. Other features include adaptive free-cooling economisation, integrated power monitoring and remote monitoring for predictive maintenance.

Airsys also highlighted a synchronised cooling mode for multi-unit installations. This allows several units to run at partial speed rather than relying on a single unit at high load, thereby improving efficiency while reducing mechanical strain and noise.

Integrated soft-start technology is designed to limit voltage spikes during start-up. According to Airsys, this can help operators avoid sizing generators or transfer switches based on locked-rotor amps, reducing cost and complexity in data centre deployments.

AI Demand

The launch comes as cooling systems face growing scrutiny from operators building infrastructure for artificial intelligence and other intensive computing workloads. Air-cooled systems remain of interest where operators want to avoid onsite water use or simplify deployment.

"The UniCool-Max represents a significant leap forward in how we handle high-density heat loads," said Yunshui Chen, Founder and CEO of Airsys.

"By eliminating the 'takeoff and landing' stress of traditional compressors, we are providing our clients with a system that isn't just more efficient, but vastly more reliable over its entire lifecycle," Chen said.

Airsys said the unit is built on the existing UniCool platform, which may make servicing and integration more straightforward for installers and maintenance teams already familiar with the product line.

"Our goal is to eliminate the infrastructure friction that usually comes with rapid AI scaling," said Steve Brock, Senior Vice President of Sales at Airsys.

"The UniCool-Max provides a high-density, air-cooled alternative for operators who need to deploy massive compute capacity quickly, without the complexity of onsite water or the electrical strain of traditional mechanical cooling. It's a true 'plug-and-play' solution for the modern data center," Brock said.

The product was developed with modular and telecom applications in mind, where operators often need compact equipment, staged installation and easier service access.

"The introduction of the UniCool-Max is a testament to our focus on customer-centric innovation," said Colin DeMarlie, Vice President of Sales at Airsys.

"By listening to the challenges faced by our partners in the modular and telecom sectors, we've developed a solution that not only meets today's density requirements but provides the operational longevity and ease of service that Airsys is known for globally," DeMarlie said.