Vertiv launches eco-friendly Liebert PDX-PAM cooling units for EMEA

Vertiv has introduced the new Vertiv Liebert PDX-PAM direct expansion perimeter units, designed to operate with the eco-friendly, low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant R513A. This new system aims to provide increased efficiency, reliability, and installation flexibility, catering to the sustainability goals of data centre owners in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

The Liebert PDX-PAM units assist data centre operators in complying with the EU F-Gas Regulation 2024/573, which focuses on reducing the environmental impact of refrigerants. According to the company, the R513A refrigerant offers up to a 70% reduction in GWP compared to the traditional R410A refrigerant, all without compromising safety or reliability. Notably, it eliminates the need for additional safety devices required for flammable refrigerants, thereby potentially reducing installation costs and capital expenditures (CAPEX).

"In an era where efficiency and reliability are paramount, we recognise the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives to stay ahead of regulatory requirements and provide our customers with state-of-the-art innovations,” stated Karsten Winther, president for Vertiv in Europe, Middle East and Africa. “With this new solution, we're not just addressing our customers' current sustainability objectives; we're actively innovating and advancing the future of cooling technology and setting new heights for efficiency and reliability."

The Vertiv Liebert PDX-PAM series offers a variety of configurations, with capacities ranging from 10 kW to 80 kW. This range, coupled with diverse airflow configurations, options, and accessories, makes the unit adaptable to various installation needs across small to medium data centres, including edge computing applications, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and battery rooms. For external heat rejection management, the units are compatible with a wide array of cooling solutions, depending on the specific system configuration.

Vertiv emphasises that the PDX-PAM units feature a low-GWP, non-flammable R513A refrigerant solution, integrated with advanced technologies such as inverter-driven brushless motor compressors, staged coil design with an innovative patent-pending filter, electronic expansion valves, and electronically commutated (EC) fans. These components are standard in the system, with the integrated Vertiv Liebert iCOM™ controller enabling complete modulation of performance. This technology allows the unit to adjust efficiently and reliably to varying operating conditions and heat loads.

Lucas Beran, research director at Dell’Oro Group, highlighted the environmental significance of the new units. “The introduction of low GWP refrigerants for direct expansion systems marks a significant advancement in sustainable air-cooling technology,” he said. "By utilising low-GWP and non-flammable refrigerants, Vertiv complies with EU F-Gas Regulation requirements and aims to reduce carbon footprints without compromising on safety or efficiency. This innovation is significant for data centre operators aiming to achieve their sustainability goals while maintaining high operational standards."

The continuous modulation capability of the system substantially reduces annual power consumption, leading to a more cost-effective solution through enhanced part-load efficiency and precise monitoring of the machine's operation. This allows for performance tracking and enables more timely and effective maintenance, thus providing opportunities for predictive maintenance actions.

The launch of the Vertiv Liebert PDX-PAM units marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to provide sustainable and efficient cooling solutions for the data centre industry in EMEA.