Bitzer debuts screw compressor for data centre cooling
12th October 2026
GERMANY: Bitzer is to launch a new screw compressor specifically developed for data centre cooling at the Chillventa exhibition, which begins tomorrow.
The Helicom CS60 is said to enable scalable cooling concepts and also takes into account the requirements of future 800 VDC infrastructures.
“With Helicom, we are presenting one of the most significant developments in our screw compressor technology,” said Rainer Große-Kracht, vice-chairman of the management board and chief techology officer. “The new series supports cooling systems for the latest generation of AI chips with supply temperatures of up to 45°C and enables standardised cooling platforms that can be deployed consistently around the world.”
The new series support operation with a wide range of refrigerants, including R1234ze(E), R513A and R515B.
According to Bitzer, wide application limits provide flexibility in system design and support cooling solutions for different locations and climate zones with minimal adaptation effort. Standard operating limits with evaporating temperatures of up to 30°C and condensing temperatures of up to 70°C also enable system concepts with heat recovery. Higher evaporating temperatures are also said to be achieved thanks to the flexible compressor concept.
The use of advanced CFD simulations during the development of the new compressor’s rotor profile is said to have achieved an optimised internal geometry to ensure high volumetric and isentropic efficiency.
The wide capacity modulation range ensures high energy efficiency under all operating conditions.
The Helicom compressors will be able to be operated at fixed speed or with a frequency inverter. A specially developed motor variant enables speeds of up to 4,800rpm. This allows the compressors to achieve high power density and enables efficient full load and part load operation down to minimum loads of 25%.
Different VI variants enable the internal volume ratio to be matched to the respective operating conditions. This helps maintain efficiency even under varying load conditions.
The compressors are available with different displacements: 805m3/h at 50Hz, 972m3/h at 60Hz, 1,305 m3/h at 160Hz for the CS600, and 910m3/h at 50Hz, 1098m3/h at 60Hz, 1,475m3/h at 160Hz for the CS605.
The range is supported by Bitzer’s IQ Module CM-SW-02 with a comprehensive sensor package. The module monitors key operating parameters and supports predictable operation and the early detection of critical operating conditions.
The integrated oil connection provides additional benefits for operation with low system pressure differentials. It enables the connection of an oil pump, ensuring oil supply independently of system pressure and thereby supporting operation at very low pressure differentials. According to Bitzer, this helps maintain stable lubrication and oil circulation while extending the application limits. At the same time, dry coolers used in data centre cooling can be partially downsized or operated more efficiently than in systems relying solely on free cooling.
