Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy technology, has introduced the latest Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU) from Motivair—the WCDU model. Designed to support hybrid cooling architectures—utilizing both air and liquid—this unit is tailored for high-density AI data centers and accommodates a wide range of installation configurations. The new Motivair WCDU offers exceptional operational flexibility, allowing administrators to balance liquid and air cooling without requiring a complete redesign of the data hall. This helps prevent over-provisioning of infrastructure and avoids wasted capital investment, reflecting the evolution of liquid cooling and addressing the shifting infrastructure requirements of the AI ??era.

Increasingly, operators of large-scale data centers are positioning CDUs outside the server area to streamline service and maintenance. The WCDU is specifically engineered for such technical spaces; its top-entry piping connections simplify installation, save valuable server-room floor space, and ensure easy access for maintenance. Featuring an all-in-one design, the unit integrates pumps, heat exchangers, and other critical components into a single, compact frame. This design eliminates the need for side-clearance space, enabling maximum density in both new and existing data center facilities. Operators utilizing fan-wall systems now have more options for upgrading their data halls.

The Motivair WCDU (Coolant Distribution Unit) can provide up to 3.5 megawatts (MW) of cooling capacity at a flow rate of 1.5 liters per minute per kilowatt (kW). Up to 20 units can be operated together in a cluster, supporting data halls with capacities ranging from 30 to 40 MW. Furthermore, the unit’s ability to operate at slightly higher temperatures helps improve overall energy efficiency. This latest hybrid cooling equipment expands Schneider Electric’s portfolio of Motivair liquid cooling solutions. The WCDU is scheduled to begin shipping in select regions by October 2026, with pre-orders opening in the United States in early 2027. For more information, please visit the Schneider Electric website.

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