Infinitum's New Fans Tackle AI's Insatiable Thirst for Power

LAS VEGAS, NV – February 02, 2026 – As the artificial intelligence boom strains power grids and inflates energy costs, Austin-based technology company Infinitum today unveiled a solution aimed at the heart of the problem: cooling. At the AHR Expo, the company launched its new EC Fan Systems, an integrated, high-efficiency solution designed to slash energy consumption in the data centers, industrial facilities, and mission-critical infrastructure that form the backbone of the digital world.

The announcement comes at a critical juncture. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that global electricity demand from data centers could double between 2022 and 2026, a surge largely fueled by the voracious energy appetite of AI. This new technology promises to deliver up to 25% energy savings, a significant figure in a sector where every kilowatt counts.

The AI Power and Cooling Crisis

The rise of generative AI has created an unprecedented demand for computational power, and with it, a massive heat problem. Racks of servers equipped with powerful GPUs for AI training can consume 30 to over 100 kilowatts of power, a staggering increase from the 7-10 kW required by a standard server rack.

This intense power draw translates directly into heat, and managing this thermal load is a major operational and financial challenge. Cooling systems, which are essential to prevent hardware from overheating and failing, can account for anywhere from 7% to over 30% of a data center's total electricity consumption. As facilities pack more processing power into the same footprint, traditional cooling methods are being pushed to their limits, creating performance bottlenecks and driving up operational expenses.

"As power constraints redefine what’s possible in mission-critical environments, doing more with less is no longer optional — it’s essential,” said Ben Schuler, founder and CEO of Infinitum, in a statement released today.

Infinitum’s new systems directly address this challenge by fundamentally rethinking the motor and fan. By reducing the energy required for cooling, operators can free up valuable power capacity for more revenue-generating AI workloads, effectively increasing the computational density of their facilities without needing to build new, power-intensive infrastructure.

A Technical Leap in Efficiency and Reliability

The core of Infinitum’s offering lies in its unique, patented technology. The company's EC (Electronically Commutated) Fan Systems integrate the fan, a variable frequency drive (VFD), and a groundbreaking air-core motor into a single, highly efficient unit.

Unlike traditional motors that use heavy, copper-wound iron cores, Infinitum’s motors feature a printed circuit board (PCB) stator. This innovative design makes the motors 50% smaller and lighter, uses 66% less copper, and is reportedly 10 times more reliable. This leads to a system-wide efficiency of 91%, maintaining high performance even at partial loads where conventional fans often see a steep drop in efficiency.

Another key technical differentiator is the integrated Active Front End (AFE) technology. Electrical systems in large facilities are often plagued by harmonic distortion—a form of electrical "noise" that degrades power quality, reduces the efficiency of other equipment, and can lead to premature failures. Traditionally, mitigating harmonics requires bulky and expensive external filters.

Infinitum’s system builds this capability directly into the drive, maintaining total demand distortion (TDD) below 5% across the entire operating range. This not only ensures grid-friendly power but also eliminates the need for additional components, simplifying design, installation, and maintenance.

Redefining Total Cost of Ownership and Sustainability

While the upfront energy savings are compelling, the long-term financial and environmental benefits present an even stronger case. By focusing on a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), Infinitum is targeting facility managers, CFOs, and engineers who look beyond the initial purchase price.

The system's flexible, custom-rated motors (ranging from 1-15HP) allow for more precise system sizing. This means facilities can often use fewer, more powerful fan systems—potentially reducing the number of motors by 20%. Fewer motors translate to less wiring, fewer circuits, and smaller transformers, significantly reducing upfront electrical infrastructure costs and complexity. The simplified, integrated design with fewer components also promises easier maintenance and faster issue resolution over the system's lifetime.

This efficiency-first approach has broader implications for sustainability and grid stability. As governments and regulatory bodies like the U.S. Department of Energy and the European Commission tighten energy efficiency standards for HVAC equipment, technologies that exceed minimum requirements are becoming essential for compliance. Infinitum's systems align with stringent standards like ASHRAE 90.1 and the Fan Energy Index (FEI), helping businesses meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets.

By reducing the overall power load from cooling, these systems help alleviate strain on aging electrical grids, a critical benefit as entire regions grapple with the concentrated power demands of new data center clusters.

Positioning in a Competitive Market

Infinitum enters a growing but competitive market for EC fans, which is projected to reach over USD 5 billion by 2032. The space includes established giants like ebm-papst and Ziehl-Abegg, who have long championed the energy-saving benefits of EC technology.

However, Infinitum is carving out its niche by focusing on an integrated, system-level solution powered by its unique air-core motor and AFE technology. Rather than just selling a more efficient component, the company is offering a comprehensive upgrade that simplifies design, enhances power quality, and reduces infrastructure requirements—a compelling package for the high-stakes world of mission-critical facilities.

The launch at the AHR Expo, North America's largest HVACR event, signals a clear intent to capture the attention of OEMs and facility operators who are actively seeking next-generation solutions. As the demands of AI continue to reshape the energy landscape, innovations that enable doing more with less power are no longer just a competitive advantage; they are a fundamental necessity for sustainable growth.