Water-side economizers and dry coolers in high-density AI facilities

When the climate and load profile cooperate, water-side economizers and dry coolers can reduce compressor runtime and improve efficiency. They do not replace good control logic, and they are not universal solutions, but they are valuable parts of a liquid-first design.

• Water-side economizers can use favorable ambient conditions to cut energy waste.
• Dry coolers simplify water treatment compared with open-loop tower systems.
• Hybrid plants give operators flexibility across seasonal and regional conditions.

For AI hyperscale facilities, the decision is not only about energy savings. It is also about resilience, water strategy, maintenance burden, and how much of the thermal path can be automated and monitored without adding operating complexity.

Sources: ENERGY STAR water-side economizers · DOE cooling water efficiency opportunities · DOE cooling control systems