DDC Solutions, part of Daikin Applied's growing data center portfolio, has announced a major expansion of its S-series Rack Containment Platform with the introduction of two new configurations: the S-5 and GPUVault.

Engineered for next-generation AI, hyperscale, and HPC environments, these additions extend the S-series into even higher density compute tiers while strengthening DDC's position as a leader in rack-level asset protection and thermal performance.

The announcement also advances Daikin Applied's broader strategy to deliver end-to-end thermal management solutions. By integrating rack containment, direct-to-chip liquid cooling, and facility HVAC/chiller technologies, Daikin continues to build a comprehensive ecosystem for rapidly scaling AI data centers.

A unified containment architecture purpose-built for AI era risk and density

The S-series platform encloses each rack within its own sealed, controlled environment, protecting high-value GPU assets from fire, water, dust, and environmental intrusion while providing optimized airflow and pressure control.

This rack-level approach significantly reduces reliance on room-level mechanical systems while improving cooling performance, reducing risk exposure, and enabling operators to safely deploy more IT within existing facilities.

All S-series configurations maintain NEMA 3R-grade environmental protection and support ultra high-density airside cooling with optional 1MW+ liquid-to-chip integration.

"Emerging high-density compute platforms are fundamentally changing the power, thermal, and risk dynamics of today's data halls," said Keith Markley, CEO of DDC Solutions. "The expanded S-series provides operators with a unified architecture to safeguard multi million dollar GPU investments, achieve higher densities, and grow within existing facilities without increasing risk."

The S-series platform lineup

DDC now offers three S-series models, giving operators flexible deployment options across standard, high density, and constrained environments.

S-4: Enterprise-ready containment for standard- to high-density rows

The S-4 remains DDC's standard row solution, supporting 24-31.5inch (600-800mm) racks. It delivers robust thermal performance and asset protection for today's density levels with up to 85kW of airside cooling per rack, while providing a future ready foundation for AI and HPC growth with direct-to-chip readiness for any higher density roadmap.

S-5: Extreme density containment for next-gen racks

The new S-5 introduces a 42inch wide, 96inch deep enclosure purpose built for next-generation GPU clusters. It supports up to 100kW of airside cooling per rack, with optional liquid-to-chip coolant paths for future density scaling.

Key capabilities include compatibility with Daikin/Chilldyne CDU systems, full support for both in-rack CDUs and any in-row CDU architecture, Dynamic Density Control for real time airflow and pressure optimization, and an integrated electrical demarcation feature to simplify deployment and service boundaries.

GPUVault: Compact, high protection containment for retrofit sites

GPUVault is a flexible module designed for facilities with ceiling height or MEP constraints. Features include a three cabinet module with integrated central air handling unit, support for 36inch and 42inch cabinets, a side car water loop design that eliminates overhead water lines, and up to 200kW airside cooling in a sealed, isolated environment.

Aligned with Daikin Applied's long-term data center innovation strategy

All S-series configurations share future-ready architecture engineered to support ultra-high-density airside cooling and 1MW+ of direct-to-chip integration. The platform is fully compatible with CDU systems, including solutions from Chilldyne, another recent Daikin Applied acquisition specializing in negative pressure liquid cooling.

The expanded S-series complements Daikin Applied's investment in next-generation thermal management technologies, including its $163 million R&D test lab under construction in Plymouth, Minnesota. The lab will accelerate development and validation of advanced cooling systems for hyperscale customers, creating an industry leading environment to test rack containment, liquid cooling, and integrated thermal solutions.

Industry debut at Nvidia GTC 2026

DDC will showcase the full S-series lineup, including the new S-5 and GPUVault, at Nvidia GTC 2026 in San Jose, Booth 342. Private customer meetings are available in DDC's onsite conference suite. Make meeting requests here.

Initial S-5 shipments begin April 2026. GPUVault is available for pre order now, with customer deployments scheduled to begin later this summer.

More information: www.ddcsolutions.com