Schneider Electric Launched Coolant Unit for Data Centers
The new WCDU system allows facilities to manage both air and liquid cooling for high-density AI workloads.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Data Centers
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Schneider Electric has unveiled the WCDU, a coolant distribution unit engineered for hybrid data center environments. The system allows operators to balance liquid cooling for intensive AI tasks alongside traditional air cooling for standard server racks.
Why it matters
Modern data centers are struggling to accommodate the high thermal output of AI chips while maintaining older cooling infrastructure for legacy servers. This unit provides a modular solution to scale cooling capacities without requiring a full facility redesign.
The WCDU system supports up to 3.5MW of capacity at 1.5 liters per minute per kW. Operators can scale the infrastructure by linking up to 20 units to function as a single, coordinated cooling system.
The players
Schneider Electric
This global energy management and automation company provides digital solutions for energy and efficiency.
Motivair
This company specializes in liquid cooling technology and was acquired by Schneider Electric in 2025.
The details
Designed for deployment in technical corridors, the unit integrates with existing fan wall air-cooling systems. It enables data center operators to adjust cooling balances dynamically to meet the needs of diverse hardware setups.
Timeline
Schneider Electric acquired Motivair in 2025.
Shipping of the units begins in selected regions in October 2026.
Pre-orders for the system will open in the United States in early 2027.
Roadmap
This release marks a strategic effort by Schneider Electric to capture the infrastructure market as facilities pivot to support high-performance computing. It underscores the industry transition toward hybrid cooling architectures necessary to sustain the power density of modern AI hardware.
The introduction of this unit simplifies the physical upgrade process for data center operators trying to integrate liquid cooling into existing air-cooled halls. This reduction in architectural complexity may lower the capital expenditure required to support high-density AI server deployments.
The takeaway
Data center managers must prioritize modular cooling solutions to avoid costly facility overhauls as AI demands increase. Implementing systems that bridge the gap between air and liquid cooling is essential for maintaining operational efficiency in hybrid server environments.
What happens next
Pre-orders for the WCDU system are scheduled to open in the United States in early 2027.
Further reading
For more information on the infrastructure requirements of modern computing, visit the Data Centers section.
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Do you trust that new cooling technologies will successfully manage the energy demands of AI?
