San Jose – October 15, 2026 -- Midea's Clivet brand has unveiled a magnetic-bearing centrifugal compressor that cuts compressor power by up to 40% at the same cooling capacity, targeting GW-scale AI data centers, at the 2026 OCP Global Summit.
Clivet presented the compressor and a full-chain liquid cooling solution at the "GW-Scale Open AIDC" forum. Dr. Yunxiao Ding, Director of the Research Institute at Midea Building Technologies, delivered the presentation, and Clivet received the "2026 GW-Scale Open AIDC Excellent Technical Presentation Award."
Rising cold-plate temperatures of 45°C create three engineering problems
As cold-plate supply temperatures rise toward 45°C, free cooling opportunities expand, while water constraints favor dry heat rejection. Prioritizing free cooling with mechanical-cooling backup raises three challenges:
- Wide-range efficiency: Traditional compressors struggle to deliver high cooling capacity in hot weather and high efficiency at low pressure ratios in mild weather.
- Two-way transitions: Rapid pressure changes when switching between free and mechanical cooling can cause cooling fluctuations or interruption.
- Compact integration: Equipment must deliver higher cooling performance in minimal space while leaving room for heat exchange and maintenance.
Independent dual-shaft drives raise low-pressure inlet flow by about 70%
Clivet replaces the traditional single-shaft, same-speed dual-stage structure with an independent variable-frequency drive on each impeller. Under high pressure ratios, both shafts run at different speeds for high-efficiency compression. Under low pressure ratios, the second stage shuts down automatically and is bypassed, so the unit runs in single-stage mode, removing extra power consumption.
Maximum inlet flow at low pressure ratios increases by approximately 70%, according to the company.
Single-stage startup shortens cooling recovery after power interruptions
When moving from free cooling to mechanical cooling, the single-stage path builds system flow and cooling capacity quickly, shortening recovery time after power interruptions. In the reverse transition, single-stage preconditioning smooths system fluctuations and, per Clivet, eliminates cooling interruptions during mode changes.
Nested bearings keep axial length equal to single-shaft units
Clivet nests outboard bearings into the volute recesses, integrates multifunctional components and uses compact motors. The dual-shaft architecture keeps the same axial dimensions as a traditional single-shaft unit, leaving space inside for heat exchange and maintenance.
Midea appears on NVIDIA MGX ecosystem participant list
Midea, Clivet's parent brand, appeared in the NVIDIA MGX ecosystem's participating company list at this year's OCP summit. Midea said it will continue to build on its "equipment + systems + ecosystem" layout and work with global industry partners on AI data center thermal management.