What is AI’s Impact on Today’s Data Centre?
Is Your Data Centre Ready for AI?
AI is rapidly becoming a transformative force across industries, dominating discussions from Parliament to boardrooms. Companies are racing to secure AI systems that aren’t even fully developed yet, all in a bid to become leaders in the field of Generative AI. But what does AI’s impact mean for your data centre? How should you prepare for the AI revolution?
AI’s Impact on Today’s Data Centre
AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s already embedded in the fabric of modern data centres. While AI has been enhancing data centre operations for years, the rise of Generative AI presents new challenges and opportunities that must be addressed.
AI Training vs. AI Inference: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to AI’s impact on data centres, it’s important to understand the distinction between AI Training and AI Inference:
- AI Training: This is the initial phase where AI models are developed using vast amounts of data. This process typically requires immense computational power and is usually conducted in large hyperscale data centres equipped with high-performance GPUs. While only a few organisations might need to run AI training, the demands for power and cooling are significant. Solutions like Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) are often essential.
- AI Inference: After training, AI models enter the inference phase, where they apply learned knowledge to new data. This is the phase most relevant to typical data centres. AI inference requires lower (but still substantial) rack densities, often necessitating enhanced cooling solutions such as a mix of DLC and air cooling. Inference workloads are frequently run at the edge. That means your data centre could play a crucial role in the AI landscape.
Preparing for AI’s Impact: New Infrastructure Solutions
At a recent summit, we explored the cutting-edge infrastructure solutions that will support AI-driven data centres. Schneider Electric and partners like Datacentre UK are leading the way in providing robust, future-proof solutions, including:
- New UPS Systems: Designed with the highest power per square meter, these systems offer internal N+1 resilience and near unity power factor, operating in eco high-efficiency mode—perfect for the demanding requirements of AI workloads.
- Advanced DLC CDUs: These new cooling distribution units integrate DLC alongside existing chilled water systems, ensuring that even the most power-intensive AI systems remain efficiently cooled.
- 2nd Generation SX Racks: These racks are engineered for high-power IT systems. They feature extra space for PDUs, 80% door perforation for improved airflow, and a class-leading 1814.5kg static load capability, all while accommodating DLC manifolds.
The Future of Data Centres with AI
As AI continues to evolve, data centres must adapt to support these advanced workloads. The future will see AI driving innovations in predictive maintenance, intelligent cooling, enhanced security, and sustainable operations. However, it’s essential to remember that AI is just one part of a broader ecosystem that includes edge computing, server virtualisation, and hybrid cloud deployments.
Conclusion
AI is set to revolutionise the way data centres operate, but preparation is key. Whether it’s through upgrading infrastructure or integrating advanced cooling solutions, ensuring your data centre is AI-ready will be crucial to maintaining operational efficiency and staying ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.
If you’d like to discuss how AI can make a difference in your data centre, our team of trusted advisors is here to help. Submit a contact form today to explore how we can help modernise and elevate your data centre operations.
