Case Study: Emerson Network Power achieves major energy and water savings with Digital Realty's pumped refrigerant solution

Emerson and Digital Realty worked together to explore energy savings and operational performance

Emerson Network Power partnered with Digital Realty to test a new cooling approach for data centers that could cut costs and water use while meeting California’s strict Title 24 economization rules, which historically allowed only air- or water-based economizers. Digital Realty wanted a compact, lower‑cost alternative to chilled‑water systems that would reduce operating expense and environmental impact without extensive on-site construction.

They deployed Emerson’s Liebert DSE pumped‑refrigerant economizer (micro‑channel condenser + indoor CRAC, factory‑skidded for easy rooftop install), which shuts compressors off and uses pumped refrigerant for free cooling when conditions allow. Field results showed roughly 12–13% average energy savings, about an 8% average PUE improvement, elimination of cooling water use (saving ~4.3 million gallons per 1.2 MW data center annually) and more than 350 million gallons saved across Digital Realty’s deployments; the CEC granted a Compliance Exception to approve the technology.

Emerson Network Power

John Peter Valiulis

VP Marketing