F E A T U R E demand based on geography . For example , there is a significant shift to build new AI data centres in the Nordics given training models are not latency dependent and hence there is greater flexibility on their location . In addition , the Nordics offers access to renewables and are generally easier permitting along with lower ambient temperatures .

A key consideration in the design and operation of AI data centres is the rack density . Cloud workloads generally operate at a rack density of 10 – 15kW while AI relies on high-performance computing nodes and tends to operate at above 40kW . Therefore , the servers generate far more heat which has to be dissipated , meaning AI data centre cooling systems have to be engineered to a much higher specification .

Traditional air-cooled systems are no longer appropriate at AI rack densities and we are seeing a major shift to liquid cooling , using technologies such as liquid to air cooling , direct liquid cooling , full immersion cooling and direct-to-chip cooling . While this has profound implications on the cooling systems themselves , we have noted that for the data centre operators the major implication is the introduction of additional liquid distribution systems and incremental pipework into the halls . operate at optimal efficiency , leading to major savings in energy . Also , we are seeing the need for sustainability drive innovative solutions such as using the excess heat from data centres ( heat recovery ) to power local heat networks .

Adam Asquith , Technical director , Black & White Engineering :

Hyperscale data centres are rapidly evolving to support the growing demands using a multi-pronged approach . AI computing is supported using dedicated hardware , with racks and servers typically comprising higher TDP GPU ’ s which are better suited for the parallel processing requirements induced by AI and Machine Learning .

These racks necessitate different , and more innovative , power and cooling delivery strategies to deal with the higher IT load densities in operation . The adoption of this specialised hardware is being integrated into existing ( re-purposed ) and new build facilities alongside ‘ more traditional ’ cloud compute clusters under a hybrid deployment pattern , intended to provide flexibility , at scale .

Air and ‘ high density ’ liquid cooling can be installed and operated alongside each other , in the same critical space simultaneously using combinations of CDUs and CRAHs , arranged to provide a layer of redundancy and resilience . LV

Cloud computing continues to drive sustained demand for data centres as we see exponential growth in workloads moving to the cloud to support applications such as analytics , ERP , social and collaboration . The major impact on data centres from cloud computing is the sustained demand for capacity .

Sustainability is also a key consideration for data centres with hyperscalers mandating aggressive net zero targets for 2030 . Operators are taking a multisolution approach ( there is no silver bullet ) looking at solutions such as renewable power usage , efficient cooling systems , energy-efficient hardware , green building practices , carbon offset / PPAs , intelligent server virtualisation and consolidation , demand response and analytics to optimise usage .

We are seeing the development of new technologies which help server loads

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