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ThermalWorks New, Ultra-Efficient CDUs: AI-Era Precision Cooling That Scales

News
December 2, 2025

As AI workloads surge and rack densities climb, data centers are under pressure to deliver more performance with less energy. The ThermalWorks Liquid Cooling Distribution Units (CDU) meet that challenge head-on with a high-performance, closed-loop system that saves 20% more energy when compared with conventional CDUs. Backed by the ThermalWorks global production network, CDUs can be manufactured and delivered at scale, reducing lead times and accelerating deployment for hyperscale customers.

High Delta-T Design for Maximum Efficiency

At the core of the CDU’s performance is its delta-T design, which enables superior heat exchange between primary and secondary circuits. Delta-T can be described as the temperature difference between the hot return and cold supply fluids in a cooling system. A higher delta-T means greater efficiency, since more heat is removed with less flow, maximizing cooling performance. The CDU’s low approach temperature further sharpens this efficiency, minimizing the gap between fluid and heat-exchanger temperatures to drive even greater thermal performance.

ThermalWorks systems are engineered for high delta-T operation to deliver ultra-efficient, high-capacity cooling. At the same time, they’re built for flexibility and can perform seamlessly across a wide range of delta-T conditions to match any data center’s configuration or load profile.

By optimizing temperature differentials, the CDU minimizes energy waste and maximizes system efficiency, which leads to needing fewer CDUs overall and reducing costs. Its advanced plate heat exchanger delivers stable performance under demanding AI loads, ensuring consistent thermal transfer even as workloads fluctuate, which is a crucial advantage in today’s high-density environments.

Full Loop Separation for Reliability and Control

Unlike conventional CDUs, the ThermalWorks CDU features complete hydraulic separation between primary and secondary loops, safeguarding both system integrity and performance. This closed-loop design ensures that facility water never comes into contact with sensitive IT equipment, reducing contamination risks and simplifying maintenance. The result is a cleaner, more controlled cooling environment providing long-term reliability that data centers can trust. And while conventional CDUs can be difficult to service, ThermalWorks CDUs use a fully integrated modular design, which streamlines the installation process, and the use of quick disconnects allow for faster maintenance. When deployed with multiple CDUs, it utilizes Team Mode, where one CDU is designated as the leader and can communicate via smart controls with other CDUs, ensuring maximum efficiency and energy usage.

Designed for Scalable Liquid Cooling

Engineered from the ground up to support liquid cooling at scale, the CDU delivers precision flow control and intelligent integration with facility systems. Whether deployed as a standalone unit or as part of a larger ThermalWorks cooling ecosystem, it adapts easily to diverse architectures and future technology shifts. Built with plug-and-play connectivity, redundant pumps and high-efficiency components, it’s a system ready for the next wave of AI-driven performance.

Cooling That Scales With Innovation

The CDU embodies the ThermalWorks philosophy: smarter engineering that drives measurable efficiency and resilience. From its high delta-T heat exchanger to its dual-loop precision design, every element is built to push cooling performance further without compromise.

Currently available in 1 MW and 2 MW configurations, the ThermalWorks CDU will soon be available in a 5 MW version as well. Learn more about how the Liquid Cooling Distribution Units are redefining efficiency for the AI era at www.thermalworks.com.

Ready to revolutionize your data center cooling?

ThermalWorks is available exclusively through Edged Infrastructure.