This paper describes the development of high-cooling power systems by making use of multiple cold head operation with a minimized number of compressor units. These advanced cooling systems were investigated for optimization and their Carnot efficiencies were analyzed. Test series were performed to monitor and rank some of their critical operation parameters. Operating envelopes for different cold head / compressor configurations were defined for applications in various VLT instruments. This new concept of providing high pressure helium as a service point for a large number of detached cold heads is a first step towards a new cryogenic facility concept for the E-ELT.