TLDR

• Samsung combined FläktGroup’s large HVAC systems with its SmartThings Pro and b.IoT platforms to control energy use in AI data centers and buildings in real time.
• The company is investing $171.6 million in a new Gwangju plant to produce cooling equipment like coolant distribution units and fan walls starting in 2028.
• Property managers, contractors, and homeowners should prepare for more connected HVAC systems that support liquid cooling, energy tracking, and remote monitoring across multiple sites.

Samsung is stepping up its smart HVAC game by integrating FläktGroup’s large-scale cooling systems with its SmartThings Pro and b.IoT platforms. Since completing the FläktGroup acquisition in November 2025, Samsung plans to target AI data centers, commercial buildings, and smart-building solutions. The company will invest about $171.6 million in a new Gwangju factory to produce coolant distribution units and other data-center cooling equipment starting in early 2028. This move brings real-time energy monitoring and control across multiple sites, helping property managers, contractors, and homeowners manage energy use more efficiently.

Standards and compliance shaping deployments

Samsung’s smart HVAC systems for AI data centers will follow ASHRAE 90.4. This is a key energy-efficiency standard specifically for data centers. The systems will also support open protocols like BACnet, which is a common language that lets different building automation devices talk to each other. Projects using these systems must meet local rules for efficiency and safety. This includes handling refrigerants properly and labeling equipment according to U.S. and EU regulations. Utilities may offer demand-response incentives. These programs pay you to shift power use during peak times. Connected controls make it easier to join these programs and verify your energy savings. This compliance focus ensures systems are safe, efficient, and ready for smart grid participation.

Impacts for managers, contractors, and homeowners

Property managers should prepare for portfolio dashboards that track HVAC energy use across multiple buildings. Early planning for data-sharing rules and cybersecurity policies will protect sensitive information. Commercial contractors need to build skills in controls integration, liquid cooling, and commissioning systems that combine air and liquid cooling. These systems often connect to building-management platforms, so tech know-how is essential. Homeowners and online buyers can expect more connected HVAC features like remote monitoring and automatic energy optimization. Before purchasing, check that thermostats and apps are compatible with your existing systems to avoid hassles later.

How the integrated stack cools AI loads

Samsung’s smart HVAC system uses a layered approach to keep AI data centers cool and efficient. At the platform layer, SmartThings Pro and b.IoT collect data from devices and control multiple facilities in real time. This helps manage energy use and equipment performance across sites. The liquid path starts with chillers that cool a liquid coolant. This coolant is pumped through coolant distribution units (CDUs) to server cold plates. A cold plate is a metal block that sits directly on computer chips, absorbing heat and keeping them cool. On the air side, fan-wall arrays and computer-room air handlers (CRAHs) move and condition air inside the data center. They balance hot-aisle and cold-aisle zones, which are areas designed to separate hot exhaust air from cool intake air. This setup improves cooling efficiency and adds backup options if one system needs maintenance. Together, these layers create a smart, reliable cooling solution tailored for high-density AI equipment.

What to do now

If you’re a contractor, start by building a controls checklist. Include protocols like BACnet and Modbus, which are common languages HVAC systems use to communicate. Make sure the equipment supports open APIs for easy integration. Don’t forget network security to protect the system from cyber threats. Follow a step-by-step commissioning process to ensure everything works correctly from the start.



Property managers should run a pilot project at one site before rolling out across multiple buildings. Track the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), which measures total facility power divided by the power used by IT equipment. This helps set a baseline and identify energy-saving opportunities.



Homeowners should choose HVAC systems that support open protocols and have app support for remote monitoring. If you’re unsure about sizing, use an online sizing tool to find the right fit. Also, look for smart thermostats and zoning-ready gear that let you control temperatures in different rooms for better comfort and efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• Samsung’s acquisition of FläktGroup combines large-scale HVAC systems with SmartThings Pro and b.IoT platforms to control energy use in AI data centers and commercial buildings in real time.
• The new technology uses liquid cooling through coolant distribution units and air cooling with fan walls and air handlers to efficiently manage heat from high-density AI equipment.
• Property managers should prepare for connected HVAC systems that offer multi-site monitoring and energy tracking, while contractors need skills in integrating HVAC controls with building-management platforms and liquid cooling setups.
• Homeowners will see more smart HVAC features like remote monitoring and automatic energy optimization, making it important to choose compatible thermostats and apps for seamless control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Samsung's new approach to cooling AI data centers?

Samsung is combining FläktGroup’s large HVAC systems with its SmartThings Pro and b.IoT platforms. This lets them monitor and control energy use and cooling across multiple data centers and buildings in real time, improving efficiency and reliability.

How does liquid cooling work in these AI data centers?

Liquid cooling uses coolant distribution units (CDUs) to pump chilled liquid to cold plates attached directly to AI servers. These cold plates absorb heat from the chips, keeping high-density equipment cool more effectively than air alone.

What should property managers expect with these smart HVAC systems?

Property managers can expect connected HVAC systems that track energy use across many buildings. They’ll need to set data-sharing and cybersecurity policies to protect information while using real-time dashboards to optimize energy efficiency.

How will commercial contractors benefit from Samsung’s integrated HVAC solutions?

Contractors will need new skills to install and commission integrated HVAC controls that combine air and liquid cooling. They’ll benefit from learning open communication protocols and how to connect these systems to building-management platforms for smoother operations.

Related Topics: Samsung HVAC, AI data center cooling, smart HVAC controls, energy-efficient HVAC, FläktGroup acquisition, SmartThings Pro, building energy management, HVAC for data centers, AI cooling solutions, HVAC technology integration, real-time HVAC control, smart building systems