Breakthrough Cooling Solutions for the AI Computing Surge, Clivet Showcases Next-Gen Magnetic-Bearing Centrifugal Compressor at OCP Global Summit
As AI data centers accelerate toward GW-scale, cooling systems are undergoing a structural transformation. At the 2026 OCP Global Summit, Midea's brand Clivet took the stage at the "GW-Scale Open AIDC" forum, unveiling its next-generation magnetic bearing centrifugal compressor and full-chain liquid cooling solution.
Dr. Yunxiao Ding, Director of the Research Institute at Midea Building Technologies, delivered a presentation on architectural innovation for next-generation AI data center cooling. With breakthroughs in magnetic cooling source and cooling-continuity architecture, Clivet received the "2026 GW-Scale Open AIDC Excellent Technical Presentation Award."
Three Technical Challenges Reshaping Next-Generation Data Center Cooling
As cold-plate supply temperatures rise toward 45°C, opportunities for free cooling expand, while water constraints favor dry heat rejection. Prioritizing free cooling while maintaining mechanical-cooling backup creates three technical challenges:
Wide-range efficiency: Traditional compressors struggle to deliver high cooling capacity in hot weather and high efficiency at low pressure ratios in mild weather.
Smooth two-way transitions: During bidirectional switching between free cooling and mechanical cooling, rapid pressure changes can cause cooling fluctuations or even interruption.
Compact integration: Cooling equipment must deliver higher cooling performance within minimal space while preserving sufficient room for heat exchange and maintenance.
Architectural Innovation Addresses All Three Cooling Challenges
To address these challenges, Clivet's next-generation magnetic-bearing centrifugal compressor combines independent dual-shaft variable-speed drives with selectable single- and two-stage operation. Together with two-way transition control and compact integration, it addresses wide-range efficiency, cooling continuity and product integration. Rather than refining one component in isolation, the design rethinks how the compressor works with a system that prioritizes free cooling and uses mechanical cooling when needed.
Independent dual-shaft variable-speed drives and selectable single- and two-stage operation deliver breakthroughs in efficiency and flow. Breaking away from the traditional single-shaft, same-speed dual-stage structure, each impeller has its own independent variable-frequency drive. Under high pressure ratios, both shafts work together at different speeds for high-efficiency compression. Under low pressure ratios, the second stage automatically shuts down and bypasses, operating in single-stage mode to break through flow limits and eliminate extra power consumption. At the same cooling capacity, compressor power is reduced by up to 40%, and maximum inlet flow at low pressure ratios increases by approximately 70%.
Single-stage startup and preconditioning enable smooth mode transitions. When moving from free cooling to mechanical cooling, the single-stage path rapidly builds system flow and cooling capacity, significantly shortening cooling recovery time after power interruptions. In the reverse transition, single-stage preconditioning proactively smooths system fluctuations, eliminating cooling interruptions during mode transitions and ensuring stable data center operation.
Compact integration adds capability without increasing axial length. By nesting outboard bearings into the volute recesses, integrating multifunctional components, and using compact motors, the independent dual-shaft drive architecture maintains the same axial dimensions as a traditional single-shaft unit, leaving ample space inside the unit for heat exchange and maintenance.
What makes the next generation of magnetic-bearing centrifugal compressors truly new? The answer goes beyond a single performance metric. Architectural innovation brings together a wider efficient operating range, smoother cooling-mode transitions and more compact integration. By combining free-cooling-first operation with end-to-end thermal management and open ecosystem collaboration, Midea and Clivet are advancing a more efficient, reliable and adaptable cooling architecture for GW-scale AI data centers.
Empowering Global AI Infrastructure with Full-Stack Capabilities
As the parent brand of Clivet and a globally leading provider of smart building and green energy solutions, Midea has proactively positioned itself in the AI compute infrastructure ecosystem. At this year's OCP summit, Midea appeared in the NVIDIA MGX ecosystem's participating company list. This reflects strong recognition from the global computing leader and mainstream industry ecosystem for Midea's expertise and system integration capabilities in AI data center thermal management.
Facing the global trend of compute infrastructure advancing toward GW-scale, Midea and its brand Clivet will continue to build on self-developed core technologies and optimize their "equipment + systems + ecosystem" layout. By deeply integrating ultimate energy efficiency, high reliability, and engineered delivery capabilities, Midea not only provides a practical green and cost-reducing path for high-density AI data centers, but will also continue to work with global industry partners to advance the sustainable development of compute infrastructure.
SOURCE Midea Building Technologies; Clivet