Johnson Controls reveals efficient YORK YK-HT chiller

Johnson Controls, a smart and sustainable building solutions provider, has introduced the YORK YK-HT two-stage economised centrifugal chiller. This technology is being showcased at the AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, highlighting improvements in energy efficiency for data centres and large campuses.

Specifically designed for data centres and facilities across industrial, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors, the YK-HT offers a wide operating range. It functions with condenser leaving fluid temperatures reaching up to 165°F and supports up to 110°F of lift. The chiller aims to facilitate efficient closed-loop heat rejection through dry coolers while also enabling heat-pump and heat-recovery applications. This results in offsetting thermal energy equivalent to heating demands of approximately 350 single-family homes, thereby cutting down on carbon emissions and energy expenses.

The YK-HT's function goes beyond conserving water and reducing noise. Take a typical 2,000-ton chiller operating in Las Vegas: by leveraging dry coolers, the YK-HT reduces water usage by approximately 8 to 9 million gallons annually and decreases noise levels by up to 20 dBA, a benefit for AI factories and data centres facing noise restrictions.

Beyond heat-rejection, the YORK YK-HT offers heating and cooling capabilities. It simultaneously produces 44°F chilled water and 140°F hot water — commonplace for heat pumps. Additionally, it meets and exceeds ASHRAE efficiency standards without necessitating cascaded systems or substantial changes in mechanical room architecture. Its design optimises installation by employing a single driveline and minimising rotating components by 50%, simplifying maintenance and enhancing uptime reliability — an important aspect given the current skilled-labour shortages.

Fitting easily into existing legacy chiller spaces, thanks to its compact design that's nearly 30% smaller than many alternatives, this chiller helps reduce retrofit expenditure in terms of cost, time, and labour.

• Environmentally-friendly refrigerants: Utilises low-GWP refrigerants R-1234ze and R-515B
• Optimised performance: Equipped with an integrated lubrication system and dual variable geometry diffuser control
• Efficiency enhancements: Flash tank economiser and optional variable speed drives for increased efficiency and BESS compatibility
• Smart connectivity: Factory-fitted with Smart Ready connectivity for integration into building management systems

The YK‑HT chillers have been tested to assess performance and are scheduled for global distribution. Manufacturing will be supported by service networks and resources to facilitate component supply and support.