Heat Exchanger World Magazine April 2025 | Page 15

Industry News
Saint-Gobain acquires unique hybrid heating technology from Fives
Vertiv introduces Vertiv™ CoolLoop Trim Cooler
Fives has been supporting Saint- Gobain for over 20 years in its project to become the worldwide leader in sustainable construction. Recently, in Italy, Fives installed a first e-Ductflame™ hybrid burner in the h-old site in Biandrate. The expected results, consisting in a significant direct CO 2 emissions reduction, will enable a progressive decarbonization of the site’ s industrial process. Within the global Saint-Gobain business unit, Saint-Gobain h-old plant has started an electrification process which enhances a reduction of its impacts thanks to the solar energy produced on-site.
Fives implemented the e-Ductflame™, the Group’ s first patented hybrid e-burner which allows the replacement of gas with electricity. Using this solar energy, it will enable to reduce CO 2 emissions, energy costs and thus to substantially lower Saint Gobain h-old’ s site environmental footprint. Compared to the previous system and thanks to a high flexibility in the energy source selection( solar at day, natural gas at night), the installation of the e-Ductflame™ will also enable Saint-Gobain hold to: Increase energy savings of fossil fuels; Reduce its operating costs; and Improve the quality of the heating process.
Vertiv( VRT), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has made another key addition to its industryleading thermal management portfolio, with the introduction of the Vertiv™ CoolLoop Trim Cooler, in support of air and liquid cooling applications for AI( artificial intelligence) and HPC( highperformance computing). This global solution supports diverse climate conditions for hybrid-cooled or liquidcooled data centres and AI factories. Integrating seamlessly with high-density, liquid-cooled environments, the Vertiv CoolLoop Trim Cooler delivers operational efficiency and aligns with the industry’ s evolving needs for energy-efficient and compact cooling solutions. It provides up to a 70 % reduction in annual cooling energy consumption leveraging free-cooling and mechanical operation, and 40 % space savings compared to traditional systems. Designed to address the challenges
of modern AI factories, the system supports fluctuating supply water temperatures up to 40 ° C and cold plate functionality at 45 ° C. Straightforward water connections provide smooth and direct system integration for the Vertiv CoolLoop Trim Cooler and the Vertiv™ CoolChip CDU coolant distribution units, for direct-to-chip cooling. Vertiv CoolLoop Trim Cooler can also connect directly to immersion cooling systems. The Vertiv™ CoolLoop Trim Cooler uses low-GWP refrigerant and offers a scalable cooling capacity up to almost 3 MW in the air-cooled configuration. With free cooling coils optimized for high ambient temperatures, the system is designed to operate in free cooling mode across more seasons and conditions, for reduced electrical consumption and CO 2
e emissions. It is compliant with 2027 EU F-GAS regulations ban, avoiding the need for costly redesigns or infrastructure upgrades to meet this upcoming regulatory requirement.
Powerful temperature control with natural refrigerants
LAUDA DR. R. WOBSER GMBH & CO. is setting new standards in sustainability and innovation with a trailblazing new development in its portfolio: the Integral IN 2040 XTW process thermostat is the first LAUDA process thermostat to use CO 2 as a natural refrigerant, marking a significant milestone in the company’ s history. This pioneering development will expand LAUDA’ s broad portfolio for precise temperature control, which comprises environmentally friendly carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon-based alternatives to conventional F-gases. With this development,
LAUDA is once again emphasizing its commitment to innovation and continuing its longstanding efforts towards greater sustainability and future viability. The Integral IN 2040 XTW is therefore a perfect example of technological excellence combined with ecological responsibility. Around 95 % of the CO 2 emitted over the lifespan of constant temperature equipment occurs during ongoing operation. To minimize this ecological footprint, LAUDA has long focused on high energy efficiency and low CO 2 emissions. This is achieved with solutions such as electronic cooling control, speed-controlled compressors and natural refrigerants. Thanks to the European F-Gas Regulation and the availability of efficient new technologies, LAUDA has been gradually transitioning both its device portfolio and industrial system solutions to natural refrigerants for several years already. Depending on the requirements, location of use and target temperature, LAUDA offers constant temperature equipment with different refrigerants, including carbon dioxide( R744) as well as hydrocarbons such as propane( R290) and ethane( R170).
Modine to acquire AbsolutAire
Modine( MOD), a diversified global leader in innovative thermal management technology and solutions has entered into a
definitive agreement to acquire AbsolutAire, a manufacturer of direct-fired heating, ventilation, and make-up air systems.
“ Acquiring AbsolutAire is in line with our strategy to expand our technology portfolio with differentiated solutions to capture opportunities in markets with strong tailwinds,” said Neil Brinker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Modine.“ Through this acquisition, we gain another top-tier HVAC offering to serve customers demanding fit-for-purpose and sustainable air management systems.” AbsolutAire is based in Michigan with a 2024 revenue of approximately USD 25M. Their direct-fired heating, ventilation, and
make-up air systems enable Modine to offer a more comprehensive suite of high-performance air quality solutions. The acquisition, which will be integrated into Modine’ s Heating & Schools IAQ product group within the Climate Solutions segment, also gives Modine access to a broader customer base in commercial, industrial, food service, and warehousing applications. These sectors present significant growth opportunities, driven by increasingly stringent requirements for HVAC and air quality management.
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