Cooling the Edge: Airsys Launches Horizontal Packaged System for Next-Gen Data Centres

Traditional vertical air conditioning systems, originally developed for large-scale, centralised data centres, often fail to meet the unique spatial, operational, and environmental demands of Edge deployments. Recognising this growing gap, Airsys has developed a pioneering solution: a horizontal packaged air conditioning system purpose-built for the Edge. This innovation is more than a reorientation of existing technology—it’s a reimagining of how Edge Data Centres are cooled, combining intelligent design, extreme resilience, and sustainable operation.

At the core of Airsys’ new system is a horizontal airflow configuration engineered to align perfectly with containerised and modular data centre architectures. Unlike conventional vertical cooling units that can struggle with airflow separation and spatial efficiency, this horizontal system integrates directly into preconfigured hot aisle/cold aisle layouts. The result is optimised airflow distribution, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced environmental control—critical for maintaining performance and uptime in dense IT environments. 

One of the system’s standout characteristics is its rugged reliability in extreme conditions. Edge Data Centres are often deployed in locations where climate control is far from guaranteed—rooftops exposed to intense solar gain, industrial sites with ambient particulates, or remote installations where winter temperatures plummet well below freezing. The Airsys system is built to operate in ambient temperatures ranging from -35°C to +55°C, ensuring stable and reliable cooling in virtually any environment on Earth. Its compact, wall-mounted outdoor design conserves valuable interior space within containerised or modular racks, while simplifying installation and access for service and maintenance.

Sustainability is no longer a secondary concern for data centre operators—it’s a defining factor. As pressure mounts on the industry to reduce its carbon footprint and energy consumption, Airsys’ system steps up with a dual-pronged approach: advanced variable speed control and integrated free cooling functionality. By modulating its performance in response to real-time thermal loads and ambient conditions, the system maintains efficiency across a wide operating range. When external temperatures permit, it can bypass traditional mechanical cooling altogether and use filtered outside air to manage internal temperatures. This significantly lowers energy consumption and drives down operational costs, achieving ultra-low partial PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) metrics and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For example, during cooler seasons or in temperate climates, a data centre equipped with this system could run on free cooling for extended periods, drastically reducing reliance on compressors and refrigerants. This approach not only benefits the bottom line but also supports long-term sustainability targets, helping operators align with global environmental standards and green building certifications.

Another key advantage of the system is its scalability. Edge deployments are rarely static; they grow and evolve alongside user demand, application complexity, and geographic distribution. The Airsys system embraces this need for flexibility. Units can be stacked up to three high, delivering up to 105kW of cooling into a single cold aisle in an (N) configuration, or 70kW in an (N+1) redundancy setup. This modular approach allows operators to begin with a single unit and scale up over time, expanding capacity in step with operational growth without the need for disruptive retrofits or infrastructure overhauls.

Furthermore, the system supports full off-site integration into containerised data centre modules. This means the entire cooling system can be pre-installed and tested before being shipped to site, reducing on-location build times, improving quality assurance, and enhancing project timelines. With only a power connection required to activate the system onsite, deployment is swift and minimally invasive—an especially valuable benefit in regions with limited infrastructure or stringent logistical constraints.

Ease of maintenance is another design principle built into the system. Airsys recognises that Edge facilities are often operated with limited on-site personnel and require systems that are simple to service and maintain. The horizontal packaged unit features a front-access layout that allows technicians to perform routine inspections, cleaning, and repairs without needing to enter the data hall or use specialist tools. This not only improves uptime and reliability but also contributes to the safety and simplicity of operations in remote or unmanned facilities.

Ultimately, what Airsys has delivered is a cooling system that meets the evolving needs of the Edge—not by adapting legacy technology, but by creating a new category of solution tailored for decentralised digital infrastructure. It combines airflow precision, environmental adaptability, energy-conscious operation, and operational resilience in one integrated, compact unit. For data centre architects, engineers, and operators focused on scalability, sustainability, and serviceability, this solution represents a significant step forward.

The emergence of Edge computing calls for a fundamental rethink of how supporting infrastructure is designed and deployed. With this horizontal packaged air conditioning system, Airsys is helping the industry rise to that challenge—offering a smarter, greener, and more scalable way to keep the Edge cool.

Key Technical Highlights:

• Horizontal airflow design tailored for containerised and modular data centres

• Seamless hot/cold aisle integration for optimal airflow management

• Ultra-low partial PUE with variable speed control and integrated free cooling

• Wide ambient operating range (-35°C to +55°C)

• Stackable modular units providing 12kW to 105kW cooling capacity

• N and N+1 redundancy configurations

• Available for on-site installation or off-site pre-integration with the modular data centre

• Front-access, wall-mounted outdoor unit for simplified servicing

With its focus on innovation, reliability, and environmental responsibility, Airsys' new system isn't just supporting the growth of Edge computing—it's enabling it.