Hitachi Cooling & Heating, part of Bosch Home Comfort Group, has introduced its latest centrifugal chiller systems — the S Series, VG Series, and VM Series — to support large-capacity data centers in Southeast Asia. As the region experiences rapid data center growth, the new systems aim to set a benchmark in reliability, energy efficiency, power usage effectiveness (PUE), and sustainability.
The new chillers can restart in just 35 seconds after a power outage, ensuring minimal operational disruption. Hitachi’s Direct Drive Inverter technology automatically adjusts cooling based on load and seasonal temperature, optimizing performance and improving energy efficiency. The systems also use low-GWP refrigerants such as R513A, R1233zd, and R1234ze, while anti-surge technology enhances reliability across applications.
“With Southeast Asia becoming a global data center hub, many clients face water and electricity constraints,” said Tan Kok Choon, Sales General Manager, Southeast Asia, Hitachi Cooling & Heating. “Our high-capacity chillers use advanced compressors and heat exchangers to reduce energy consumption. In coastal areas, we also offer condenser options made from copper-nickel, titanium, or stainless steel, supporting seawater-based cooling and reducing dependence on freshwater and less efficient air-cooled systems.”
Southeast Asia’s data center market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% through 2028, according to the US-ASEAN Business Council. The ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project estimates the sector could reach a market value of USD 11.8 billion by 2030. Efficient cooling systems are critical for maintaining optimal temperatures and reliable operations in this expanding market.
Hitachi’s S, VG, and VM Series chillers offer energy efficiency of up to 13.8 ACCOP. Proprietary technologies enhance motor and compressor performance, while low-GWP refrigerants further reduce environmental impact.
The S Series features a single compressor with up to 3,500RT capacity, dual-stage compression, and Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for precise cooling. The VG Series includes a high-speed motor with two-stage direct impeller drive, improving motor and compressor efficiency by 1.5% and 4% respectively. It supports 24/7 operation and can automatically restart within one minute after five voltage interruptions. The VM Series uses magnetic levitation bearings, eliminating the need for oil and reducing maintenance through minimal friction and wear.
Hitachi’s VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems complement data center operations with precise temperature and humidity control for server rooms and office comfort. Integrated with the chiller systems and powered by SmoothDrive, VRF units offer energy-saving performance and flexible indoor unit configurations.
In one case, a US-based cloud service provider expanding to Hong Kong selected the VG Series for its efficiency and fast auto-restart capability. In Indonesia, a Japanese tech company chose the Top Flow VRF air365 Max Series for small-scale data centers, citing fast restart, precise control, and integration benefits.