Johnson Controls Launches New Chillers, Carrier Launches CRAH

Why It Matters

These launches enable data‑center operators to handle rising compute densities while cutting energy use and equipment footprint, accelerating the shift toward warm‑water cooling architectures.

Key Takeaways

• Johnson Controls YDAM provides 3.5 MW cooling capacity
• YDAM operates at 45 °C warm‑water temperatures
• YDAM can halve number of chillers needed
• Carrier AiroVision 39CV delivers 20‑250 kW capacity
• 39CV supports elevated chilled‑water temps for dense racks

Pulse Analysis

The data‑center cooling market is confronting unprecedented thermal loads as AI and high‑performance computing workloads expand. Johnson Controls’ York YDAM leverages magnetic‑bearing compressors to achieve 3.5 MW output while tolerating 45 °C warm‑water, a temperature range that reduces the need for traditional chilled‑water loops. By shrinking the chiller footprint, operators can potentially cut the number of units on site by half, lowering capital costs and easing skilled‑labor constraints. The upcoming YK‑HT economizer further illustrates a trend toward dual‑temperature solutions that eliminate separate water‑cooling infrastructure.

Carrier’s AiroVision 39CV CRAH complements this shift by delivering modular air‑handling capacity from 20 to 250 kW, designed for elevated chilled‑water temperatures that match higher rack densities. Built entirely in Europe, the unit integrates intelligent controls and factory‑assembled components, shortening installation cycles and boosting overall energy performance. Its ability to operate with warmer water aligns with sustainability goals, reducing the energy intensity of the cooling plant and supporting operators’ carbon‑reduction targets.

Together, these products signal a broader industry move toward warm‑water cooling strategies that combine high efficiency with flexible deployment. By embracing magnetic‑bearing technology and advanced CRAH designs, vendors are addressing both the economic and environmental pressures facing modern data centers. As warm‑water systems gain traction, we can expect tighter integration of cooling hardware with data‑center infrastructure, fostering more resilient, scalable, and greener facilities worldwide.

Johnson Controls launches new chillers, Carrier launches CRAH

Both companies aim to support warm‑water cooling · February 09 2026 · Dan Swinhoe

Johnson Controls has launched new centrifugal chillers for data‑center cooling. Carrier has launched a new Computer Room Air Handler (CRAH).

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Johnson Controls launches new centrifugal chillers

Johnson Controls this month announced the launch of its York YDAM air‑cooled magnetic‑bearing centrifugal chiller.

• The unit offers 3.5 MW of cooling.

• YDAM chillers use YORK magnetic‑bearing compressors capable of supporting 45 °C (113 °F) warm‑water cooling.

“AI and high‑performance computing are pushing data centers beyond traditional limits. Vertical sites can unlock new growth opportunities, but they demand thermal‑management solutions that deliver maximum cooling outputs in minimum space,” said Austin Domenici, vice‑president and general manager, Johnson Controls global data‑center solutions. “The impressive capacity and reduced footprint of YDAM could allow operators to cut the number of chillers on site by up to half, accelerating deployments and helping meet skilled onsite labor needs.”

Johnson Controls will begin shipments in late 2026.

The company is also previewing its new YORK YK‑HT two‑stage economized centrifugal chiller. The system can eliminate the need for water in cooling systems when paired with dry coolers and can produce 44 °F chilled water and 140 °F hot water simultaneously.

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Carrier launches new CRAH

Carrier this month announced the expansion of its QuantumLeap portfolio with the launch of the Carrier AiroVision 39CV Computer Room Air Handler (CRAH).

• Developed and manufactured entirely in Europe.

• Available in four sizes with a cooling‑capacity range of 20 – 250 kW.

• Can support elevated chilled‑water temperatures for higher rack densities.

“The 39CV is a strategic addition to our QuantumLeap solutions portfolio, designed to help data‑center operators address today’s most pressing challenges: increasing thermal loads from higher computing densities, the need to reduce energy consumption to meet sustainability targets and the pressure to deploy solutions quickly and efficiently,” said Michel Grabon, EMEA marketing and market verticals director. “With its high‑efficiency design, intelligent control system, and factory‑integrated components, the 39CV helps operators improve energy performance, optimize installation time, and build scalable infrastructures with confidence.”