NYU Develops Zeolite-Based Cooling System for Data Centers Using Waste Heat from Factories

The NYU has developed a cooling system utilizing zeolites to repurpose waste heat from factories for data centers. This method can reduce electricity consumption by over 75% and enhance energy efficiency (PUE) by approximately 12%. While it may use 15-25% more water, it conserves overall water resources by using waste heat instead of dissipating it. The project is still in modeling phases and faces engineering challenges, but discussions with industry leaders on scalability have begun.

Published Mar 21, 2026

New York University has developed a cooling system that employs zeolites to harness waste heat from factories for cooling data centers. This innovative technology uses zeolites, which absorb water vapor and can be recharged with waste heat below 200 °C, potentially replacing traditional compressor chillers.

AI-curated by Theia

Research indicates that using industrial waste heat can cut combined electricity consumption by over 75%, with data centers reducing cooling electricity needs by up to 86%. Although the system may use 15-25% more water, it is expected to save overall water resources. The project is in the modeling stage, facing engineering challenges, and discussions on scalability with industry leaders are underway.