New University of Hull spin-out to transform data centre industry with lower costs and emissions
Transformational cooling technology that could massively reduce the environmental impact and costs of the booming data centre industry is to be made commercially available thanks to Dew Point Systems Ltd, a new University of Hull spin-out.
Engineers at the University have developed super performing cooling systems that can reduce associated electricity costs and carbon emissions by up to 90%.
The technology will be brought to market through Dew Point Systems Ltd to deliver next-generation cooling solutions for the data centre industry.
The company was developed in collaboration with Cambridge Future Tech, a deep tech venture builder that works with UK universities to create and scale companies from cutting-edge scientific research.
Dr Xiaoli Ma, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Hull, said: “We are focused on developing technologies to tackle climate change. Air cooling systems are huge consumers of electricity, with air conditioning and electric fans accounting for about 10% of all global energy consumption.
“Through a series of technological breakthroughs, we have developed a super performance dew point cooler which significantly improves efficiency compared to existing technologies. Dew point cooling technology cools the air using the principle of water evaporation, leading to significant energy savings compared to conventional systems.
“Testing our system in the real world we have been able to cut energy consumption for cooling by around 90%, delivering close to zero carbon cooling.
“After 15 years developing and refining the technology we are delighted to be able to share it commercially through the launch of Dew Point Systems Ltd.”
Forecasts suggest the UK will see an additional 100 data centres built over the next five years, with new and further expansion of existing facilities across Europe.
Dew Point Systems Ltd CEO Nick Simmons said: “I’m thrilled to be working with the teams from the University of Hull and Cambridge Future Tech to commercialise dew point cooling. Sustainable cooling is critical to the energy transition, especially given the relentless growth of data centres.”
CEO and co-founder of Cambridge Future Tech, Owen Thompson said: “The starting point is always great science. The research at the University of Hull stood out because of the quality of the engineering and its potential to address the growing challenge of data centre cooling.”
Interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kevin Kerrigan said: “The launch of Dew Point Systems Ltd builds on our record of developing real-world solutions to complex global issues and reflects our commitment to a more sustainable future.
“As living standards around the world improve and the climate warms, demand for air conditioning will grow massively. It’s essential that new technologies make air cooling systems much more efficient.
“We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication from all those colleagues and partners involved in developing the technology that underpins Dew Point Systems Ltd. We congratulate all involved in this timely launch.”
Professor Fiona Matthews, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, said: “The launch of this new spin-out company is a powerful example of our continued commitment to translating our excellent research into impactful knowledge exchange and commercialisation activity.
‘By building pathways that take cutting edge research into the marketplace, we are ensuring that our academic excellence drives progress and supports growth, both for us as a University and in the wider business sector.
‘Huge thanks to everyone involved in the development so far, from the lead academics through to our KE and commercialisation teams, who support our research community in turning ideas into opportunities. Together we ensure that our University continues to thrive as a hub of innovation and enterprise.”
Dew Point Systems Ltd is now raising pre-seed funding to build its team and establish commercial channels to market.
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