We developed our first units with Free Cooling back in the 1970s and have been evolving them ever since. When it comes to reducing energy consumption and costs in data centers, Free Cooling – particularly in cold and temperate climates – offers the greatest potential for savings. This potential has recently been able to be enhanced further thanks to technological advancements. We are international leaders with our solutions for Direct and Indirect Free cooling. A shining example of this is the innovative, Indirect Dynamic Free Cooling technology which was developed by STULZ in-house. It is the world's first system with automatic efficiency optimization and operates up to 60% more economically than systems that only have mechanical chilling technology. What's more, with Direct Free Cooling, it is generally possible to achieve savings of 90% or more.
What will the air-conditioning systems of the future be like? This has always been a fundamental question for STULZ and one that we have to return to again and again as part of the extensive basic research we undertake into all our parts and components. One result of this research was the launch of CyberAir 1 back in 2003. This was the world's first precision air-conditioning system to be fitted with high-efficiency EC fans as standard.
In the future, manufacturers of precision air-conditioning systems are primarily expecting to have to confront the issue of chemical refrigerants, as the statutory regulations are becoming more and more stringent, prompting us to seek out alternative solutions. At Stulz, we are already working on a data-center air-conditioning system that is able to run without any refrigerant whatsoever.
As a manufacturer of efficient air-conditioning systems, it goes without saying that we are also working to lower our energy consumption and save power across all areas in our plants, offices, and data centers. Over the last few years, we have replaced our own cooling systems and incorporated state of the art technology. The latest LED lighting systems with motion sensors ensure that light is only provided where it is actually needed. At our American plant in Virginia, we have fitted all of the huge roof areas with solar cells, allowing us to generate a high proportion of the energy required on-site.
We are also working to advance the efficiency of our systems even further and ensure that we operate in an environmentally conscious manner. You can count on that.