Schneider Electric has launched a new coolant distribution unit (CDU) to support hybrid air and liquid-cooled deployments in AI data centers.

The new product, dubbed the WCDU, is designed for “seamless integration with fan wall air-cooling systems to support hybrid air and liquid cooling architectures in high-density AI data centers,” according to the power and cooling vendor. It will form part of the Motivair by Schneider Electric range.

When installed, it will allow operators “to adjust the balance of liquid and air cooling without fully redesigning the data hall.” Many data center firms are navigating the transition to liquid cooling for AI workloads, while still running air cooling systems for traditional cloud or enterprise servers. Schneider appears keen to tap into this market.

“As the only CDU that brings together both liquid and air cooling within a single solution, we’re delivering a level of flexibility the market hasn’t seen before,” said Andrew Bradner, senior vice president of the cooling business at Schneider Electric. “This approach allows operators to deploy more efficiently, support a wider range of liquid cooling infrastructure configurations, and significantly reduce time to deployment.”

The WCDU is optimized for deployment outside the data center white space, in the technical corridor. A single unit is able to achieve capacity up to 3.5MW at 1.5 liters per minute per kW, and 2.5MW at two liters per minute per kW. Schneider said up to 20 WCDUs can operate as a coordinated system, and that it is the most powerful CDU in its Motivair range. Schneider acquired cooling firm Motivair in 2025.

Shipping of the WCDU will begin in selected regions next month, and the system will be available for pre-order in the US beginning in early 2027.