Thermal Energy Storage & Data Center Tanks
Tanks & Vessels for Mission-Critical Reliability
Modern data centers rely on increasingly complex cooling, emergency power, and water supply systems to ensure the data centers are online 24/7. At the core of those systems could be thousands of high-performance tanks and vessels, each built to code, sized precisely, and delivered on schedule to avoid the delays for your hyperscale operations. Thermal energy storage (TES) tanks act as a ‘battery’ for heating and cooling, storing and releasing thermal energy as needed to help regulate temperature fluctuations, provide a buffer during load spikes, and prevent sudden temperature changes that could trigger shutdowns.
How Enerfab Fabricates Data Center Tanks
Enerfab is built for mission-critical reliability. Whether you need one tank or a full vessel package, we deliver the durability, compliance, and schedule performance data centers depend on.
With shops in Cincinnati, OH, and Natchez, MS, Enerfab supports regional and national data-center buildouts with reliable logistics and delivery, including:
- 985,000 square feet of fabrication space
- 1,000,000-pound lift capacity using specialized equipment
- 14 acres of outdoor assembly and storage space
- Self-perform our own tank heads, shortening what is usually the longest lead time
- Work directly with steel mills to ensure the quantity and quality of materials, ensuring the most competitive cost
- Field-erected teams
- Scheduling certainty and capacity planning
- Fabrication manpower with the ability to scale to 400 people in our shops
Enerfab engineers, certifies, and fabricates the following key data center infrastructure, including:
- Fuel Storage tanks for backup generator systems
- Cooling water tanks for chilled-water plants and thermal storage, integrating with chillers to optimize cooling performance and support efficient HVAC operation
- Fire protection & water reserve tanks meeting NFPA requirements
- Process vessels for water treatment and heat-exchange systems
- ASME pressure vessels integrated into cooling and energy systems, capable of storing hot water at elevated pressures and temperatures using ASME Pressure Vessel standards
- Modular skids & packaged systems to accelerate on-site installation
Reducing cycling of chillers and HVAC equipment with thermal energy storage systems improves efficiency and extends the life of cooling equipment and associated hardware. Every tank and vessel is fabricated with durability, quality, and compliance at the core because we know uptime is non-negotiable. The important role of thermal energy storage in maintaining operational continuity and supporting mission-critical systems cannot be overstated, especially as part of larger building and data center project initiatives. Our in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities enable us to deliver custom tank solutions, including hot-water thermal storage, that we design for low maintenance through durable materials and construction. With proper maintenance, thermal energy storage tanks have an expected lifespan of 40 years.
Fabrication Capabilities That Scale
Data center mechanical and utility systems are growing larger every year. Enerfab’s fabrication facilities are designed to support high-volume production and oversized vessels without compromising delivery schedules. We lead the industry in our approach to optimizing chiller operation, reducing energy consumption, and prolonging equipment lifespan.
Enerfab’s Fabrication Capabilities for Data
Center Tanks
Our capabilities include:
- Large-format tank & vessel fabrication (single or multi-piece)
- Extreme-duty materials: carbon steel, stainless, duplex, specialty alloys
- Automated welding and advanced forming equipment
- Using state-of-the-art cutting, forming, and welding equipment to meet the highest fabrication standards for thermal energy storage tanks.
- Rapid Response Fabrication for schedule-critical needs
- Shop-to-field integration, including installation and field welding
- Modular fabrication that minimizes field labor and speeds go-live dates
Enerfab fabricates tanks at its facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Natchez, Mississippi. Our strategic regional presence and efficient fabrication and installation processes help customers save on project costs and optimize system run times for maximum operational efficiency.
We also use thermal energy storage in district energy systems to distribute heat or cooling to multiple buildings, supporting large-scale heating and cooling projects.
Renewable Energy Integration for Data Center Tanks
As data centers continue to expand and evolve, integrating renewable energy sources has become essential for both sustainability and operational efficiency. Thermal energy storage (TES) tanks are at the forefront of this transformation, enabling data centers to harness and store thermal energy generated during off-peak hours for use during periods of high demand. This approach not only helps lower energy costs but also significantly reduces energy consumption and emissions, supporting a more sustainable future for mission-critical facilities.
TES systems work by storing energy in the form of chilled water or ice within specialized energy storage tanks. During off-peak hours—when electricity rates are lower and renewable energy generation is often at its highest—these tanks are charged with thermal energy. The stored energy can then cool the data center during peak hours, reducing the HVAC system load and minimizing demand charges. This strategic shift in energy use enables data centers to optimize their power consumption, take advantage of lower-cost electricity, and reduce their reliance on traditional fuel sources.
How Enerfab Helps Data Center Facilities Maximize the Benefits of Stored Energy
Enerfab designs thermal energy storage tanks with flexibility in mind, offering custom solutions to meet the unique requirements of each data center. Whether space is limited or cooling demands are exceptionally high, Enerfab can engineer storage tanks in a range of sizes and capacities to deliver the right balance of performance and efficiency. By tailoring TES systems to the specific needs of each facility, Enefab can empower data centers to maximize the benefits of stored energy and ensure reliable cooling even during periods of peak demand.
The integration of renewable energy—such as solar or wind power—further enhances the value of TES systems. Excess renewable energy generated during the day or night can be used to charge the TES tanks, storing thermal energy for later use. This not only reduces the facility’s carbon footprint but also provides a buffer against fluctuations in power supply, helping to ensure continuous operation and protect against outages. This added layer of reliability is essential for large buildings and mission-critical environments.
TES Systems Can Drive Cost Savings & Sustainability
Financial incentives, including utility rebates and tax credits, are often available to data centers that invest in TES systems and energy storage tanks. By reducing overall energy use and emissions, facilities can qualify for these incentives while also benefiting from lower operational costs. The result is a solution that supports both the bottom line and long-term sustainability goals.
Installing a TES system with a storage tank requires careful planning to align with construction schedules, budget constraints, and efficiency targets. However, with expert design and fast, efficient installation from Enerfab, data centers can quickly realize the advantages of thermal energy storage—minimizing downtime and ensuring that critical systems remain online. As the demand for data center services grows and the focus on sustainability intensifies, TES systems with energy storage tanks are poised to become an essential component of modern data center infrastructure.
By leveraging the latest advancements in thermal energy storage, data centers can reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and support a cleaner, more resilient energy future. With custom-designed storage tanks and integrated renewable energy solutions from Enerfab, facilities are well-equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow while delivering reliable, efficient performance today.