Electric Torque Machines (ETM) has announced a license agreement with ABB for data center cooling. ETM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG). It also owns the patented Transverse Flux Motor (TFM) technology. Under the agreement, ABB will use the technology in data center cooling towers and heat rejection systems.
The agreement builds on an earlier collaboration between ABB and ETM in industrial applications. Both companies now aim to tap one of the fastest-growing areas of global infrastructure. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and high-density data centers are accelerating demand for thermal management. As a result, cooling performance now matters more for energy use, operating cost, and reliability. It also affects the ability to support higher-density computing.
Why TFM Technology Suits Data Center Cooling
ETM’s TFM architecture targets applications that need high torque, low speed, and efficient direct drive. Moreover, it reduces mechanical complexity. Therefore, TFM-based systems can help customers build simpler cooling solutions with fewer drivetrain components. These systems also suit the reliability demands of modern data centers. Additionally, the agreement opens a path into a multi-year infrastructure buildout. In that buildout, differentiated motor performance can become a competitive advantage.
Graco’s leadership highlighted the commercial opportunity. “This is an exciting opportunity to bring a differentiated motor technology from Graco’s ETM business into one of the most important infrastructure markets in the world,” said Mark Sheahan, Chief Executive Officer of Graco Inc. “ABB’s decision to expand its relationship with ETM reflects confidence in the technology, the team, and the commercial opportunity ahead. Together, we can help customers simplify cooling systems, improve reliability, and convert thermal management from a cost challenge into a strategic advantage for the next wave of data center growth.”
ABB also pointed to the value of direct-drive motor systems. “ABB continually evaluates technologies that can deliver meaningful value to customers through improved efficiency, reliability, and ease of operation,” said Jesse Henson, President, NEMA Motors, ABB. “Our work with ETM has shown the potential of direct-drive motor systems, and we are pleased to expand that work into cooling applications where performance and uptime matter.”
Furthermore, another ABB leader described the market outlook. “Data center cooling is one of the most dynamic opportunities in the electric motor industry,” said Justin McMahon, Global Business Line Leader, ABB. “Combining ABB’s market reach with ETM’s TFM technology gives us the opportunity to develop next-generation motor solutions for mission-critical cooling and thermal management systems while helping customers improve resiliency, simplify maintenance, and support the efficient expansion of large-scale cooling capacity.”
ETM’s president also commented on the expanded relationship. “The best validation of a technology platform is when a partner expands the relationship after working with it firsthand,” said Jeffrey Weiss, President of Electric Torque Machines. “ABB has worked closely with ETM to leverage TFM technology in industrial applications, and this agreement moves that work into a high-growth market where direct-drive performance can make a real economic difference. We believe TFM can help redefine what customers expect from motor systems in cooling towers and other critical infrastructure.”
Product Development Targets First Installations by 2029
Under the license agreement, ABB and ETM will develop TFM-based products for data center cooling towers, heat rejection, and related thermal management applications. The companies are targeting the first installations in data center environments by the end of 2029. Meanwhile, they will continue collaborating on product development, application engineering, customer qualification, and market development.
The partnership combines complementary strengths. ABB brings scale, channel access, and customer relationships. ETM contributes its motor technology. Together, they will compete in a market where performance, reliability, and energy efficiency increasingly drive data center operating economics.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
