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Data Center World 2025

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Tech Talk Presented by Max-Air Technology, Inc.: Rethinking Legacy Equipment, Value Automaton

Seth Ellebrecht  (Vice President of Engineering, Max-Air Technology, Inc.)

Bruce Penning  (Product Manager, Communications Technology, Max-Air Technology, Inc.)

Brian Wheeler  (Product Manager, Electric Automation, Max-Air Technology, Inc.)

Location: Room 209A/B

Date: Wednesday, April 16

Time: 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm

Pass Type: AFCOM Solution Provider, All Access Conference, Industry Conference, Standard Conference - Get your pass now!

Session Type: Sponsored Session

Vault Recording: TBD

Max-Air Technology, Inc.

Rethinking Legacy Equipment: Valve Automation is a compelling call to modernize one of the most overlooked components in data center infrastructure—the valve. Amid all the focus on cutting-edge servers and AI, this talk highlights how aging, manual valve systems silently limit efficiency, drive up costs, and increase the risk of downtime. Valves control the flow of chilled water, critical to cooling, yet most remain outdated, requiring guesswork and manual operation.

The speaker lays out a clear vision for smarter valve systems—automated, sensor-enabled, and integrated with AI-driven platforms. These smart valves can respond instantly to changing server loads, optimize energy use, and provide real-time data for predictive maintenance. The result: reduced cooling costs, fewer outages, and a more sustainable operation.

Ultimately, this isn’t just a presentation about valves—it’s about changing mindsets. By rethinking legacy systems, we can unlock powerful gains in performance and sustainability, shaping a smarter, more resilient digital future.

Takeaway

Audience members are encouraged to take action: start by auditing their existing systems, pilot automation on a small scale, and work with forward-thinking partners. For vendors, the challenge is to build intuitive, cost-effective automation tools tailored for data centers.