Data Center

Telehouse unlocks further cooling efficiency in an already optimized data center

10.4%

Measured reduction in electricity consumption on one of five cooling units

~497 MWh/year

Projected electricity savings across the complete five-unit system

~180 t CO₂/year

Projected avoided CO₂ emissions based on the conventional German electricity mix

Frankfurt, Germany

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AI-supported optimization reduces electricity consumption by 10.4% on the first optimized cooling unit at Telehouse’s Frankfurt data center, while maintaining operational reliability and full operator control.

The results presented in this Success Story are based on the project findings published in the Telehouse × etalytics press release of September 9, 2026.

Initial Challenge

Finding additional efficiency in an already optimized environment

Improving the efficiency of data center cooling is not only a question of modernizing older or inefficient infrastructure. Even systems that are already operated efficiently can contain additional optimization potential as thermal demand, ambient conditions and equipment behavior change.

At its Frankfurt data center, Telehouse and etalytics set out to identify and capture this potential within the existing cooling infrastructure.

The challenge was to improve energy performance under real operating conditions without compromising reliability or operational control. The optimization also had to account for site-specific requirements, including nighttime noise restrictions that limit the operating flexibility of the cooling towers.

The Solution

AI-supported optimization of the existing cooling system

Telehouse uses the etaONE® platform from etalytics to optimize the cooling supply at the Frankfurt site.

etaONE® combines real-time operational data, physics-based digital twins, predictive analytics and automated setpoint optimization. Based on changing operating conditions, the platform identifies more efficient operating points while remaining within predefined technical limits.

Within the current optimization scope, etaONE® adjusts two variables in the recooling circuit:

the cooling tower outlet temperature
the recooling pump volume flow

The platform operates alongside Telehouse’s existing building automation system. Defined fallback mechanisms return the plant to conventional control if required, and operators can intervene at any time.

This enables optimization to take place within the existing operational environment rather than replacing the underlying control infrastructure.

Measured Results

10.4% less electricity under live operating conditions

The first optimized cooling unit achieved a 10.4% reduction in electricity consumption.

The result was determined by comparing optimized operation between April 14 and August 5, 2026 with historical periods under similar operating conditions. The assessment accounted for ambient temperature and thermal demand.

The result is particularly relevant because it was achieved in an already well-optimized data center and during normal operation.

Throughout the reported assessment period, there were no incidents or limit violations connected to the optimization, and regular data center operations were not disrupted, including during scheduled maintenance.

From one optimized unit to the complete cooling system

The cooling system in scope consists of five units.

Following the results achieved on the first optimized unit, the same optimization approach is already being rolled out across the remaining units.

Based on the performance achieved to date, the complete five-unit system is projected to save approximately 497 MWh of electricity per year.

Using the conventional German electricity mix as the basis for calculation, this corresponds to approximately 180 tonnes of avoided CO₂ emissions per year.

The measured result on the first unit therefore provides the basis for translating operational improvements into a larger system-level impact as the rollout progresses.

More than energy savings: greater operational visibility

The same operational data used for optimization can also provide additional insight into equipment condition.

etaONE® monitors indicators associated with cooling-tower filter fouling. This gives Telehouse earlier visibility into changes in filter condition and can support more targeted maintenance planning.

Recognized for Infrastructure Sustainability

The project received the Infrastructure Sustainability Award at the Platform Global Awards 2026, with Telehouse Germany as the award recipient.

With AI-based optimization by etalytics, we are making energy flows and operating conditions transparent and manageable. For me, innovation is not about adding more and more technology. It is about achieving better results with less effort.

Michael Nicolai

CEO, Telehouse Deutschland GmbH

What's Next

The current optimization approach is already being extended across the remaining cooling units in the system. Further optimization of the chilled-water side is also planned, creating additional potential within the wider cooling infrastructure. Telehouse also plans to expand the use of etaONE® for integrated energy and operational reporting. Because the platform is directly connected to the underlying operational systems, reporting can draw on a consistent data foundation rather than requiring information to be manually consolidated from separate sources. Automated reporting and dashboard functions are intended to simplify reporting processes and provide a more consistent view of energy consumption and operational performance.