Rapid Replacement for Mission-Critical Cooling

Set in one of the most data-intensive regions in the U.S., this project involved delivering two high-efficiency chillers to a mission-critical data center in the New York region. The facility operates 24/7, housing critical IT infrastructure that demands precise, reliable cooling under varying load and weather conditions.

Just before delivery in early 2025, one of the two chillers was severely damaged during transport by a third-party contractor. With a fixed commissioning date and no margin for delay, the replacement needed to be built and installed in record time without compromising technical performance.

Challenge

The project required:

• Fixed operational deadline — the data center’s go-live date could not shift.
• Tight production environment — Montreal manufacturing plant already at full capacity with other builds.
• Component bottlenecks — long-lead water pump from Armstrong created supply risk.
• Direct coordination — no major contractor, so all communication ran directly between Smardt, the client, and suppliers.

Typical lead time for this chiller configuration is 8–12 months.

Solution

Smardt reorganized its factory schedule to create immediate build space, reprioritizing projects and accelerating sourcing.

Coordination across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams enabled the delivery in just 3 months.

Key project features:

• Model: AD120 with 3 × TT350 oil-free magnetic bearing compressors
• Capacity: ~400 tons per chiller
• Refrigerant: R-513A (Low GWP)
• Controls: Unified Smardt Controls Platform integration, proven through a year of low-ambient testing
• Custom Features: High-efficiency fans, additional insulation
• Testing: Partial witness test conducted with customer present (SmardtCool platform also validated)
• Delivery & Install: Rooftop placement, crane-coordinated with other site works

Benefits

• Replacement chillers delivered 5–9 months faster than industry standard.
• Early commissioning confirmed stable efficiency and reliable operation.
• Maintained the client’s data center commissioning schedule with zero downtime risk.
• Strengthened trust with a key account, leading to discussions on future projects.
• Oil-free technology with low-GWP refrigerant supports client ESG and compliance targets.

The New York Region project highlights Smardt’s ability to respond rapidly to unforeseen setbacks while delivering technically advanced, sustainable cooling systems. By aligning plant, supplier, and site operations, the team maintained a high-value data center on track and strengthened Smardt’s role as a trusted partner in mission-critical HVAC solutions.