THE DATA CENTRE INTERVIEW shift toward higher rack power densities. High-density racks are designed to accommodate more servers in a smaller area, allowing for higher computing power without increasing space requirements.
“ Additionally, modular rack systems enable easy upgrades and scalability for data centres, allowing them to quickly adapt to changing AI power requirements without costly, extensive overhauls.”
Integration of liquid cooling“ Heat generated by AI-driven hardware is pushing data centres to adopt more efficient cooling systems, such as liquid cooling, to maintain peak performance,” Thierry explains.
“ Traditional air-cooling systems often struggle to keep up with intense thermal demands. This makes a move to liquid cooling systems critical. Liquid cooling
“By leveraging advanced algorithms, AI can analyse realtime data to optimise cooling systems and drive peak performance while minimising energy use”
Thierry Chamayou, VP of Cloud and Service Providers, Schneider Electric not only manages higher thermal loads more effectively but also helps extend equipment lifespan.“ As a result, data centres are increasingly installing liquid cooling to future-proof their facilities.”
In addition, many are adopting hybrid cooling solutions that combine both air and liquid cooling to optimise performance and flexibility, Thierry continues.
“ This approach not only enhances cooling efficiency but also allows data centres to scale their operations in response to evolving workloads, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly demanding landscape,” he adds.
Optimised airflow management“ To enhance cooling efficiency and ensure AI workloads are effectively managed, data centre operators are exploring new airflow design strategies,” says Thierry.
“ Proper airflow management is crucial in preventing hotspots and allowing equipment to remain within optimal temperature ranges, especially as AI-driven workloads generate significantly more heat.”
For hybrid cooling setups, where both air and liquid cooling solutions are used, precise airflow control becomes even more essential. This often involves the strategic placement of hot and cold aisles, containment systems, and optimised server arrangements to prevent air mixing and maximise cooling efficiency.
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