AI Data Center Cooling and Energy Transition Take Center Stage at HARFKO 2026 Forum
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers and the global transition toward cleaner energy are reshaping the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry, creating new demand for advanced cooling systems, industrial heat pumps and environmentally sustainable refrigerants.As AI computing infrastructure becomes increasingly power-intensive, cooling…
The prestigious HARFKO 2026 Forum is set to shine a spotlight on two crucial aspects of the HVAC&R industry: the surge in artificial intelligence data centers and the transition towards renewable energy sources. With AI computing infrastructure becoming a major power consumer, cooling technologies are now a key determinant of energy efficiency, reliability, and overall performance in data centers.
At the forum, scheduled for October 21 at the HARFKO Open Stage in South Korea, experts will discuss the limitations of traditional air cooling and the emerging benefits of liquid cooling systems, such as direct-to-chip and immersion cooling. These cutting-edge methods aim to enhance heat dissipation in high-density computing environments.
In the second session, the focus shifts to industrial heat pumps and the adoption of environmentally friendly refrigerants. Heat pumps, which transfer thermal energy using electricity, are gaining traction in industrial applications for their energy-efficient capabilities. Their use extends beyond conventional heating and cooling, offering alternatives for hot water production and waste heat recovery.
Refrigerant transitions are also a significant concern, with low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants becoming increasingly prevalent. Manufacturers must balance refrigerant selection with energy efficiency, safety, and long-term maintenance. The forum will delve into these technical and market challenges, highlighting the importance of considering refrigerants throughout the equipment's lifecycle.
Written by urgent.news from Korea IT Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
