By meeting rigorous standards and addressing critical operational challenges, Grundfos and its KPVS pumps have become the cornerstone for a hyperscale Data Center company’s cooling systems.
The situation
A hyperscale data center company, and prominent global leader in data center operations, has sourced cooling water pumps from modular contractors for over a decade. Initially, competitor pumps served as the basis of design, with Grundfos KPVS vertical split-case pumps only added as approved alternates later. Reliable and high-performing pumping solutions are essential for the data center to maintain optimal cooling efficiency in its server rooms and guarantee uninterrupted productivity. With these critical requirements, the owner needs reliable and consistent deliveries, detailed engineering support, and timely service support. Any failure of these factors will hinder operational reliability and efficiency across multiple locations.
We've been fortunate to establish a close partnership with this key hyperscaler in the data center market. The relationship helped us understand and adapt to the challenges of supporting an owner with aggressive engineering and supply chain needs. These learnings led us to refine the original KPV pump into today's KPVS, which has turned into the perfect match for what the industry needs in terms of reliability, serviceability and efficiency.
The solution
Grundfos stepped in as a valuable partner and gradually became the primary pump supplier for this global data center leader over the past 3–4 years. The shift was driven by several key improvements:
1. Reliable Deliveries
Grundfos worked closely with the owner’s procurement team and modular contractors to forecast upcoming needs, ensuring stocked parts and adaptable services.
2. Engineering Support
Grundfos collaborated directly with the owner’s engineering team and external consultants to design optimal pump
solutions for new and existing facilities, focusing on efficiency, power draw, and best-fit.
3. Quick and Reliable Service
Rapid responses to pump-related issues, deploying technicians to multiple data centers when needed, and conducting simulated testing demonstrated Grundfos’ commitment to service excellence.
4. Spare Parts Management
Direct coordination with the company addressed previous challenges of timely service and accurate parts distribution.
5. Dedicated Project Management
Every order was meticulously managed by Grundfos project managers, ensuring project targets and updates met stakeholders’ needs.
6. Reliable Performance
Grundfos KPVS pumps consistently met design intents and performed exceptionally. Audits confirmed the robustness of Grundfos’ facilities and solutions
The Results
The Grundfos KPVS pumps proved to be superior to competitors' vertical inline pumps in several aspects:
•Efficiency
KPVS pumps were 5% more efficient in chilled water applications than specified competitor solutions and 4% more efficient in condenser water applications.
• Power Draw
In many applications the KPVS requires less power to meet the specified duty point requirements, resulting in smaller motor sizes. In this case the primary chilled water pump drew 13 hp less, and the condenser water pump drew 8 hp less than the specified competitor's solution. These lower power draws mean Grundfos pumps consume less energy, and savings add up quickly with continuous data center loads.
• Reliability
The KPVS' double suction reduces axial forces, and its double volute design reduces radial loads, internal recirculation and turbulence. Both unique KPVS design features deliver better quality and a longer pump life span.
• Serviceability
The split-coupled design of the KPVS allows the motor to be removed without disturbing pipework, and it allows pump internals, like the shaft seal, to be serviced without removing the motor. Both benefit the customer by providing easier, quicker and less costly maintenance.
• Compact Design
The KPVS' vertically mounted frame has a smaller flange to flange footprint than comparable vertical inline pumps, allowing it offer mechanical room space savings.
Our experiences over the past decade have given the Grundfos Data Center Team a deep understanding of this industry’s unique demands, setting us up to successfully deliver on all levels of data center projects – from long term supply agreements to one-off builds.
By meeting rigorous standards and addressing critical operational challenges, Grundfos and their KPVS pumps have become the cornerstone for the hyperscale Data Center company’s cooling systems. Their trust in Grundfos continues to grow, solidifying a decade-long partnership that optimizes performance across their national data center infrastructure.