Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we work, shop, and even drive, as more companies use it for everything from predicting what you’ll buy next to designing self-driving cars. As AI software becomes more and more complex, data centers have become the backbone of this digital transformation, supporting its rapid expansion. Because of this, they must quickly evolve to keep up with AI’s unique and growing demands.

AI processing requires significant power, generates substantial heat, and demands top-notch cybersecurity. With recent trends revealing that AI workloads will soon account for more than 40% of total data center capacity by 2027, data centers must enhance their power capacity, strengthen resiliency, improve cybersecurity, and implement efficient cooling solutions to keep up with these growing demands.

The use of AI software in industries like healthcare, finance, and transportation requires 24/7 operation to support real-time decision making and avoid any disruptions in service. Downtime or outages in these cases could lead to significant financial and productivity losses, and in some cases, risks to safety. To address this, data centers should invest in resilient power systems that can keep things running smoothly, even when there’s an issue with the main power supply.

To ensure reliability, data centers use Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems to provide immediate backup power during interruptions, while generators maintain operations during longer outages. Transfer switches and switchgears control the power flow between systems, while safety switches and circuit protection guard against overloads and surges. Together, these systems create a robust power infrastructure, keeping AI applications running smoothly without interruption.

Data centers often contain sensitive information like personal health data and company financial information. This makes them ideal targets for cyber threats. To protect against these risks, data centers should use comprehensive, end-to-end facility monitoring to keep track of everything happening within their infrastructure.

For example, electrical system monitoring allows data centers to identify unusual power usage or fluctuations, which could indicate tampering or security risks. Asset management tracks critical equipment, ensuring no device is compromised or accessed without authorization. If a security event occurs, event forensics tools allow data centers to trace the source of the issue and respond quickly. Power and energy monitoring and reporting also provides insights that help prevent breaches by flagging unusual activity in real time.

Together, these monitoring tools create a tightly managed environment, adding extra layers of protection and helping data centers defend sensitive AI workloads against potential threats.

AI software demands a lot of power to run, creating a large amount of heat in the process. Traditional cooling systems, which usually rely on fans and air conditioning, struggle to keep up with the intense heat generated by AI. If data centers can’t cool their equipment efficiently, computers can overheat, leading to malfunctions and expensive repairs. To prevent this, data centers should implement innovative cooling methods like free cooling and liquid cooling.

Free cooling utilizes cool outside air or water sources to reduce the need for traditional, energy-intensive air conditioning. This technique can significantly lower energy costs and is more environmentally friendly and is often used in colder climates or during cooler seasons.

Liquid cooling is even more direct. This technique cools liquids directly around processors to help absorb heat more effectively. It is not only more effective but also helps data centers save on energy costs, making them more environmentally friendly and helping them achieve sustainability goals.

Both methods represent the future of cooling technology, enabling data centers to handle AI workloads while saving energy and improving overall reliability.

“By the end of the decade, we will see data centers primarily rely on liquid-cooling to the chip, self-contained immersion and air-cooling for residual heat loads,” said Steve Madara, Vice President of Global Cooling at Vertiv.

As the reliance on AI continues to grow, so does the load demand on data centers. They will need to improve resiliency, security, and cooling efficiency to ensure that AI-driven industries can operate smoothly and securely. Through continuous innovation, the data center industry is set to be at the forefront of the AI revolution.

Stark Tech specializes in Vertiv Thermal Management and Critical Power Infrastructure products with support services for IT Network Edge, Enterprise Server Room, and colocation environments. Our Emergency Power Systems service department works with the end user to build maintenance programs that work to ensure critical system availability while controlling costs and unplanned downtime.

_______________________________________________________________

Stark Tech is a market leading technology provider, delivering turnkey solutions with master systems integration, equipment, and service, and building analytics that drive sustainability goals and keep facilities on their mission. Stark Tech also manufacturers large, skidded equipment that decarbonizes and reduces greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy sources and by converting waste into renewable natural gas.

The Impact of AI on the Data Center Industry