Frequently Asked Questions
My data center project has a falling external CFD. Can Peak+ help address it?
Yes. This is a common use-case for Peak+ systems. Failing external CFDs from heat island and microclimate dynamics from hot air recirculation in dense chiller yards and hot exhaust air from nearby generators is increasingly a significant problem for data centers.
Our adiabatic pre-cooling systems have proven to be an effective approach to solving failing CFDS by enabling air-cooled chillers to operate at their design temperatures.
How can a Peak+ system help generate more revenue from the fixed power available at a data center?
Peak+ systems can meaningfully reduce a facilities' Peak PUE (PPUE), which typically occurs during the hottest times of the year. By precisely pre-cooling the condenser entering air temperature of air-cooled equipment, Peak+ reduces the power demand of that equipment, which frees up power to instead be used for incremental critical IT load. Since critical IT load power is the key determinant of a data center's potential revenue, precisely and reliably reducing PPUE can enable significant incremental revenue opportunities.
How can a Peak+ system reduce peak power demand? What are some of the benefits of peak-shaving?
Peak-shaving (reducing a facility’s peak total power demand) by using adiabatic precooling to reduce the power required by the compressors of air-cooled chillers is a common and compelling use-case of our systems. Peak facility power demand is driven by high ambient temperatures -- those hot days and weeks in the summer when the compressors on air conditioners and industrial chillers must work very hard to compress refrigerant so that heat can be rejected from the units' condenser coils. The higher the ambient air temperature reaching the condenser coils of an air-cooled chiller, the greater the power needed for the compressor, and the greater the strain on the power grid. It is common to see projects with projected condenser entering air temperatures above the cooling equipment’s design temperatures, which can cause significant derate of unit performance and capacity, and in some cases could result in chiller shutdown from excessive head pressures.
By pre-cooling the condenser entering air temperature with a Peak+ adiabatic precooling system, the air-cooled chiller’s compressor workload is reduced, which means power needed for cooling is reduced, which frees up power for other uses at the facility (such for incremental critical IT load at a data center).
Peak-shaving via Peak+ adiabatic cooling is a way to turn a previously unmanageable variable -- condenser entering air temperature -- into a manageable parameter. But precise control is essential.
In cases where a facility owner using Peak+ prefers to save on CAPEX rather than use the freed-up peak-shaved power for other uses, then the owner is able to pursue reduced CAPEX investment scenarios for the facility's primary and backup power infrastructure.
How does a Peak+ system help address derated performance of heat rejection and cooling equipment?
Cooling equipment performance derate can be a significant issue for design engineers, chiller OEMs, and project owners, especially for chiller yards with hot air recirculation that exceeds equipment design temperatures.
As condenser entering air temperature increases, chiller performance (such as kwh required per ton of cooling) and cooling capacity (tons) can degrade, especially when ambient temperatures exceed a chiller's design temperature.
Peak+ systems pre-cool and suppress the condenser entering air temperature, enabling the chiller equipment to perform as designed and avoid derated chiller performance.
How can a Peak+ system be used to maximize my electricity cost savings?
Several of our clients choose to use their Peak+ systems with the objective of maximizing the savings on electric utility bill by using the evaporative cooling of the Peak+ system to avoid or reduce refrigerant-based cooling whenever possible. This Peak+ use case results in client electric utility bill savings for both kwh consumption charges and demand charges. In general, an energy savings use-case targets a cooled dry bulb temperature as low as reasonably possible for the site's respective anticipated wet bulb temperatures.
Note that an energy savings use-case typically requires a greater volume of water supply than a use-case focused on adiabatic precooling to suppress condenser entering air temperature to the equipment design temperature.
I've heard of adiabetic systems before. What's different about the Peak+ systems?
Not all adiabatic pre-cooling systems are the same. Peak+ precise controls and robust component choices are key differentiators, enabled by the real-world know-how gained from our database of over 1 million data points of actual system performance in the field.
Many other adiabatic systems use one extreme or the other: (a) flooded media approaches with little control of water use or of target cooled temperatures, or (b) high-pressure systems (~1800+ psi) that bring with them complications related to those extreme pressures along with potential corrosivity risks.
The Peak+ system's low pressure (~60 psi), robust nozzles, commodity off-the-shelf media, real-time controls of water use for achieving & maintaining target cooled temperatures, and turnkey-engineered off-the-shelf water treatment system uniquely address a range of use cases in a robust, repeatable, and reliable way.
What is Peak+'s track record of success?
We've been in business for 20 years, and there are over 300 Peak+ systems across the US. This includes Peak+ systems installed at dozens of data centers, as well as at other mission critical and commercial facilities. Peak+ is also the Basis of Design for multiple data center companies, and our systems are used by several hyperscalers and many leading colocation data center companies.
Why is robust precision important?
Adiabatic cooling is a wonder of nature but the key for using adiabatic precooling in mission critical applications is to do it robustly and precisely.
Using adiabatic precooling to achieve and maintain a project’s target cooled dry bulb temperature reliably and repeatedly, while using an optimized amount of water requires robust precision at every step and in every component of the system. This preserves scarce water and power resources while extending the lives of cooling system equipment.
Changing weather conditions and the volatilities of High Performance Compute (HPC) workloads are unforgiving. For reliable, responsible, and sustainable adiabatic precooling, the robust precision of Peak+ adiabatic precooling systems delivers optimized water and energy use for mission critical stakeholders.
Which Peak+ system, HALO or CORE, is best for my use case?
Please see our web page for a comparison of the Peak+ HALO and CORE systems to better understand how they fit your use case. and please reach out for a call or a virtual meeting with Peak+. The details of your specific project, location, site configuration, chosen cooling and electrical approaches, and use case priorities are important for evaluating which Peak+ system best fits your project.
We are also always happy to discuss new applications and use cases of adiabatic precooling that look to employ the advantages of Peak+ precise control systems and robust hardware in new ways.
How much water does the Peak+ system use?
Water usage depends on the specifics of the project. Relevant parameters include:
- Equipment airflow
- Peak average inlet temperature
- Target suppressed inlet temperature
- Run hours
- Climate
A site in Phoenix AZ requiring 10°F of condenser inlet temperature suppression (125°F to 115°F) for a 40MW data required 514,000 gallons annually. 52 annual operating hours.
A site in Sterling VA requiring 10°F of condenser inlet temperature suppression (125°F to 115°F) for a 40MW data required 130,000 gallons annually. 45 annual operating hours.
How does the water use of a Peak+ compare to other cooling approaches?
Water use is rightfully an important topic in large commercial cooling projects like data centers. We take water use and water quality topics very seriously. Peak+ systems precisely control the amount of water used to achieve and maintain the specific target cooled dry temperature for each project. As we often say, using a little bit of water in a Peak+ system combined with a closed loop cooling system, such as Peak+ with air-cooled chillers or Peak+ with dry coolers, avoids the potentially massive water use associated with cooling towers.
See our case study, and its ~96% water use reduction results).
Regarding the water use by power plants during thermo-electric generation as part of a data center's water footprint (which is sometimes referred to as “Scope 2” water use), using a Peak+ system with closed loop cooling can often use less water (Scope 1 and Scope 2 water) than a "completely dry closed loop cooling" approach.
For further information on reduced water consumption benefits of a combined adiabatic precooling with a closed loop system, please see this 2026 ASHRAE proceedings paper.
What water treatment is required with the Peak+ system?
Consistent water quality is an essential hallmark of Peak+ systems, enabling precise control and robust, reliable precooling performance. We turnkey engineer water treatment systems with every Peak+ project, to achieve treated water with hardness of < 1 grain per gallon, filtered to 5 microns, neutral pH, and no biological growth. Our engineered water systems are designed with proven off-the-shelf components made by water treatment industry leaders, with no proprietary consumables. And because Peak+ systems operate at just ~60 psi, typically only a modest booster pump is required.
Importantly, Peak+ is also able to use reclaimed "purple pipe" water (potable water is not required), which is an increasingly attractive option for large data center projects with constrained potable water supplies.
Does Peak+ have any issues with Legionella or corrosion related to water?
Peak+ systems operate at approximately 60 psi water pressure at the Peak+ frames. This low water pressure avoids the potential problems and generally higher plumbing & pump costs of high-pressure adiabatic systems (as further described in the response above related to water treatment systems).
Does Peak+ have any issues with Legionella or corrosion related to water?
No. The Peak+ system is single-pass (e.g., water is not recirculated), which, combined with our water treatment system, eliminates Legionella risks. Scaling and corrosion are also avoided, as we use neutral pH softened water (less than 1 grain per gallon), filtered to 5 microns, and do not require Reverse Osmosis (RO) or deionized (DI) systems.
Will a Peak+ system protect the condenser coils of an air-cooled chiller?
Yes. Peak+ systems prevent large airborne articles and overspray from reaching the condenser coils.
I though adiabatic cooling was only for dry climates?
No. This is among the most common misperceptions of adiabatic precooling systems. Of course we are subject to the natural laws governing evaporation, but we have clients using our Peak+ system all over the U.S., spanning famously humid areas to the arid desert southwest. See our case study (________________________) on the performance of our systems in the summer of 2025 for five different locations: New Jersey, Northern Virginia, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Oregon.
Especially with data centers, hot air recirculation -- from dense chiller yards, generators, or both -- can make every data center chiller yard as hot (or hotter) than the hottest days in Phoenix. Our systems are helping customers suppress entering air temperatures to get their air-cooled equipment to perform at their respective design temperatures: whether that's in Northern Virginia, Texas, Phoenix, Oregon, or anywhere else where there's a benefit to precisely pre-cooling entering air temperatures of air-cooled equipment.
What kinds of ROI or payback period can be expected?
Many of our clients have payback periods of less than 2 years. Of course, each ROI and payback period analysis will depend on the details of project specifics and use case details. We are happy to support our clients' ROI and payback period analyses with credible data and assumptions based on our unmatched database of actual Peak+ system results from our 300+ system installations.
Many electrical utilities have significant incentives for the technology which further improve the ROI.
Is this technology eligible for electrical utility rebate programs?
Yes. Many electrical utilities throughout the country have aggressive rebates and incentives for adiabatic precooling technology. Peak demand on most electrical grids is driven by HVAC compressor demand during the hottest hours of the year. Adiabatic precooling is one of the only technologies that can meaningfully reduce this peak demand profile, so electrical utilities have strong motivation to incentivize the technology.
Each utility incentive program is different. Your Peak+ sales professional can help you maximize your project ROI by taking advantage of all available incentive programs.
What are some of the key attributes, inputs to, and outputs of the Peak+ control system?
Our control system is encrypted and uses key operating inputs from the facility cooling system such as powered status by circuit, along with real-time weather station inputs like ambient dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures (each facility cooling system unit will typically have a dedicated weather station). These inputs, along with others, then are used in our proprietary algorithms to optimize the water use to achieve the use case objectives for each system. The control system outputs can be monitored on-site, remotely, and via the BMS integration described above.
Can the Peak+ system be integrated into my BMS?
Yes. We support BACnet integration into client BMSs. Other protocols such as Modbus also are available via our customized integration.
Are real-time dashboards of Peak+ system performance available?
Yes, and they can be customized to each client's prioritized data. Historical trending is also available in each dashboard.
Who installs the Peak+ systems at customer facilities and who is responsible for system commissioning?
Peak+ is always responsible for system commissioning and can also manage system installation if desired by the client. Our clients are also welcome to engage directly with certified Peak+ installation providers for HALO and CORE system field installations if they choose. When Peak+ CORE systems are factory-installed, those installations are jointly coordinated by Peak+ and our air-cooled chiller OEM partners, respectively.
What are the typical maintenance requirements?
We recommend 3-4 maintenance visits per year, depending on the climate, with winterization required for freezing climates. Typical cooling seasons for many Peak+ clients run from April/May through September/October..
Maintenance visits include inspecting the adiabatic frames' pre-screen and media (depending on the specific Peak+ system), cleaning the media with treated water, checking drain lines, checking the water treatment system, and refilling or replacing the water treatment system consumables. Media is typically replaced at the beginning of each cooling season and once during the cooling season (approximately once per calendar quarter). Peak+ frames are easily removed by maintenance technicians for access to condenser coils and other components.
Please note: we don't require clients to use Peak+ for system maintenance, but we do recommend it for at least the first year. We've found that working closely with the local facility team during the first year establishes a strong foundation for long-term success at the site.
What is the EUL (expected useful life) of the system?
Peak+ frames will last the lifetime of the chiller. Along with the installation plumbing, the frames represent the majority of the investment. Media is replaced according to the seasonal maintenance schedule. Booster pumps and bladder tanks are subject to OEM warranty and EUL guidance.
Can Peak+ be used as a pre-filter?
Yes. A secondary benefit of the system is that it protects coils from particulates and dust. Many clients elect to leave the CoilShield™ media in place for this reason during the cooler months when the adiabatic system is not operational. It is much easier to clean cottonwood off the media than it is to clean it off condenser coils!
What is the winterization procedure? Is heat tracing required?
Winterization consists of turning off the water, opening the water line valves, and using an air compressor to blow out the water lines, then closing the water line valves. This can be done manually or with an optional automated process that blows out the system when a specific temperature or date occurs, whichever occurs first. Winterization timing will depend on the specific cooling season for each location.
No heat tracing is required, since winterization and system shut-off occurs prior to freezing weather conditions.
What consumables are generally required with the Peak+ system?
Peak+ takes pride in using readily available off-the-shelf consumables. None of the media materials or water treatment system consumables are proprietary, and can often be sourced from multiple suppliers.
Consumables include the non-woven recycled polyester media (which is fully recyclable) for our adiabatic frames, along with salt and filters for the water treatment system.
Are Peak+ systems Made in USA?
Yes. Peak+ systems are engineered, designed and manufactured at our factory in Tennessee, using components from US suppliers.
I've got a specific project in mind. How can I evaluate the Peak+ system for this project, including the estimated power savings, estimated water use, and other factors?
Please reach out to us through our "Contact Us" page. We'll need some information about your project (e.g., location, intended cooling equipment, etc) and your project objectives (e.g., address a failing CFD, generate incremental revenue by shifting power from cooling to IT load, energy cost savings, extend the useful life or increase the cooling capacity of aging cooling equipment, etc). Then, if we think we can help you, we can provide a complementary preliminary estimate of the Peak+ system cost, potential energy savings, potential water use, and estimated water line sizing.
Can the Peak+ system extend the useful life of my existing air-cooled chillers or packaged DX units?
Yes. There are two primary ways in which Peak+ extends the useful life of HVAC equipment.
- Reducing the load on the compressors and protecting them from excessive head pressures and early replacement.
- Restoring nameplate cooling capacity of equipment that has degraded with age.
Note: when deferring replacement of very old HVAC equipment, clients should consider the CAPEX deferral ROI carefully. Peak+ frames are custom manufactured to fit the specific equipment on which they are installed, so the Peak+ system likely cannot be used on the replacement equipment.
