The Data Center Frontier Show

The AI Revolution: Reshaping Data Centers for the Future

Welcome to the forefront of data center innovation! Today, we'll explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving a revolution in data center design. We'll delve into three key areas: high-performance networking, cutting-edge cooling solutions and advancements in fiber optic technology. These advancements are all essential for supporting the ever-growing demands of powerful AI systems.

Flexential CEO Chris Downie

For this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show podcast, we interviewed Chris Downie, Chief Executive Officer for Flexential, who as a frequent industry commentator has emphasized the transformative impact of AI on IT infrastructure and the need for thoughtful deployment in terms of responsible use and ethical standards. 
In a recent LinkedIn post, Flexential's CEO wrote, "Drawing on nearly two decades in the data center industry, I've seen transformative changes, but the rise of AI marks a true paradigm shift, redefining our approach to IT infrastructure...The true test of our leadership will be how we manage the dual challenges AI presents—its potential to revolutionize and its power to disrupt. As industry leaders, we must ensure our advancements in AI are matched with advancements in ethical practices. Our legacy will hinge not just on the technologies we deploy, but on the conscientiousness with which we wield them."
Additionally on social media, Flexential's Downie recently recounted various interconnection discussions he took part in at this Spring's ITW 2024 (May 14-17) conference in Maryland.
We asked Downie about an ITW discussion he took part in regarding the connectivity challenges and solutions essential for supporting new-scale compute campuses, and how these demands are driving the evolution of connectivity infrastructure to meet future needs. "As AI's footprint expands, so does its energy consumption, which can rival that of entire nations," noted Downie.
He added, "As cloud services, IoT, AI, and digital transformation demands escalate, the importance of robust, interconnected data centers has never been more critical. Over the last 18 months, AI GPU demand has significantly increased, highlighting the importance of robust networking both inside and between facilities. At Flexential, we're proactively addressing these challenges to ensure our network solutions keep pace with growing demands and industry needs."
Our far-ranging podcast discussion also touched on the evolution of high-density data centers among enterprise, cloud and AI use cases, and Downie's assessment of current trends in power and cooling, innovations in liquid and air cooling, as well as sustainable practices, power generation considerations, and workforce challenges in the data center industry.
Notably, Flexential CEO Chris Downie is also a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for DCF's inaugural Data Center Frontier Trends Summit, a live conference event to be held from Sept. 4-6 in Reston, Virginia.
Here's a timeline of the podcast discussion's key moments:
2:53 - Flexential CEO Chris Downie highlights the transformative impact of AI on IT infrastructure, stressing the need for thoughtful deployment due to the significant pace of change and the implications for privacy, equity, and biases.
13:22 - Downie mentions the opening of new Flexential facilities in Denver and Atlanta, emphasizing the evolving significance of Denver as a destination for large-scale workloads, and the growth potential in Atlanta as a Tier One market.
17:24 - Downie elaborates on the evolution of Flexential's high-density data centers from its gen four to gen five designs, the blend of CPU and GPU infrastructure, the current state of GPU environments, and the ongoing exploration of liquid cooling solutions.
22:34 - The discussion touches on data center considerations for on-site generation, battery backup, sustainability, and alternative energy, prompting Downie to discuss the industry's exploration of new ways to manage power demands, including nuclear and natural gas options.
26:05 - Backup power sources such as hydrogen and batteries are addressed. Talk then then shifts to discussing workforce challenges and community relations in the data center industry. Flexential's Downie reflects on the increasing public understanding of data centers' importance and the evolving generational shift towards appreciating digital infrastructure.
 

The Dynamics of Exascale Data Centers

The increased demands of cloud services and artificial intelligence are changing the data center landscape. The days of a 20 MW to 50 MW hyperscale data center being sufficient to meet the requirements of high performance computing are quickly fading away. Today, Exascale data centers capable of providing more than 500 MW of power are increasingly taking center stage, ushering in the gigawatt era.

ark data centers CEO Brett Lindsey Talks Colocation Rebranding for Edge, AI Initiatives

For this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show Podcast, ark data centers CEO Brett Lindsey explains the reasons behind the company's recent rebranding (from Involta) and its strategic direction toward data center colocation edge and AI disciplines. 
Also during the interview, Lindsey discusses the new company's planned expansions and recent entry into new markets such as Green Bay, Wisconsin; its investment strategies; and theories of customer segmentation based on colocation and cloud needs.
Additionally coming in for review during the interview are the significance of ark data centers' CMMC [Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certifciation] 2.0 compliance capabilities, its partnerships with government entities, and the company's unique positioning to cater to specific regulatory needs and edge demands.

DCF's Top 5 Data Center Industry Stories of Q2 2024

For this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show Podcast, DCF Editor in Chief Matt Vincent reads down a synopsis of Data Center Frontier's top 5 most-viewed editorial stories of the Second Quarter of 2024 by pageviews.
The stories cited in this episode are as follows:
1. The Gigawatt Data Center Campus is Coming
2. IEA Study Sees AI, Cryptocurrency Doubling Data Center Energy Consumption by 2026
3. Land and Expand: New Data Center Developments by Meta, T5, Prime, Ardent, Tract, Microsoft
4. Equinix Puts Down $25M In Data Center Nuclear Power Deal with Sam Altman's Oklo
5. Prologis Launches $25B Dedicated Data Center Arm Led by Compass Co-founder Chris Curtis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sustainable Engineering and Powering the Future of Data Centers

Sustainability is a hot topic in the data center industry as operators look to reduce emissions while meeting customers’ ever-increasing demand for power. Can data centers develop and implement renewable energy solutions that will lower emissions and still provide the reliability customers expect?
In this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show podcast, Matt Vincent, Editor-in-Chief of Data Center Frontier, talks to Toyebi Adedipe, Sales Manager-Engineered Solutions, Data Centers for Kohler, about the intersection of engineering and renewable energy sources. Specifically, they discuss innovations and technologies that are currently being used and impacting the future of data centers, as well as the design, construction and maintenance of renewable backup power solutions.
Listen to this 30-minute podcast to learn more about:
· The importance of electrical infrastructure design in data centers, especially concerning reliability and scalability.
· How to approach the integration of renewable energy sources into the electrical systems of data centers, considering both technical challenges and environmental benefits.
· Key considerations when implementing power distribution and backup systems in a large-scale data center to ensure uninterrupted operation.
· Emerging innovations and technologies that can help reduce power consumption and optimize energy use.

Enhancing the Safety of Electrical Distribution Amidst Rising Power Densities

As the demand for power intensifies, the need for robust and safe electrical distribution systems in mission critical environments is paramount. Join us for an insightful podcast hosted by Starline, the leader in innovative electrical power solutions, as we delve into the critical strategies and technologies essential for enhancing the safety of electrical distribution in the face of rising power densities in data centers.
In this podcast, John Berenbrok, Director of Product Management at Starline, will address the challenges posed by the increasing concentration of electrical power in mission critical environments. We will explore the latest advancements in electrical distribution that ensure not only operational efficiency but also the highest standards of safety.
Key discussion points will include:
Understanding Power Densities
Best Practices in Electrical Distribution
Enhanced Safety Solutions
This webcast is ideal for data center managers, electrical engineers, and anyone involved in the design, implementation, and maintenance of mission critical electrical distribution systems.

The AI Data Center is Coming and the Energy Landscape is Changing

In this AI evolution, the industry has showcased resilience and agility in addressing the new power demands and resiliency challenges, and we’re seeing data center operators quickly adapting to reshape data center design and operation strategies.
In this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show podcast, DCF Editor in Chief Matt Vincent speaks with Vance Peterson, Solutions Architect for Schneider Electric, who sheds light on the industry's response to this critical need, unveiling strategies, technologies, and concepts that are revolutionizing power & cooling delivery within data centers, paving the way for unprecedented computational capabilities.
Looking toward the future, we explore the imperative transformation of sustainable energy resiliency for multi-sourced critical systems, positioning data centers as prosumers in the new energy landscape. Our guest provides valuable insights into the evolving role of data centers as key players in sustainable energy ecosystems, ensuring reliability and efficiency in an era of dynamic energy demands.
Furthermore, the podcast delves into the groundbreaking collaboration between Schneider Electric and NVIDIA, illuminating the optimization of data center infrastructure and advancements in edge AI and digital twin technologies. Finally, we uncover how AI and machine learning technologies are driving software efficiencies and predictive analytics in data centers, showcasing how digital services can revolutionize data center operations and drive unparalleled performance and sustainability.
Tune in for a captivating discussion at the forefront of technological advancement with AI, sustainability, and data center innovation in the data center industry.

Building Data Center Capacity with T5 EVP David Mettler

For this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show podcast, Data Center Frontier Editor in Chief Matt Vincent meets with David Mettler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for T5 Data Centers.
In the course of discussion, Mettler provides an overview of T5 Data Centers' model for building data center capacity in light of current events, emphasizing the importance of power and meeting agreed-upon timelines.
Talk centers on how T5 has acquired 160 acres in Grayslake, Illinois for a data center with a power capacity of up to 480 MW, to be delivered between 2027 and 2029.
Mettler emphasizes T5's flexibility and how a customer-centric solutions mindset informs the company's data center model. 
The discussion also touches on T5's commitment to environmental stewardship, considering various onsite data center energy options such as nuclear and hydrogen.
Here's a timeline of the podcast's key moments:
2:17 - David Mettler details T5's acquisition of 160 acres in Grayslake, Illinois for data center development, emphasizing factors such as zoning, an attractive site, and power capacity up to 480 MW delivered between 2027 and 2029.
5:16 - Mettler highlights T5's presence in Chicago, previous and current projects in the area, and the region's favorable utility conditions, tax incentives, and the continuous growth of the market.
6:43 - Mettler outlines T5's model for building data center capacity, emphasizing flexibility, customer-centric solutions, and the importance of delivering on time to maintain customer trust and reputation.
8:51 - Further details on T5's 480 MW power delivery plan in Chicago are explored, involving potential for phasing up to 850 MW based on customer needs, and the attractiveness of the property due to high power demand.
16:39 - DCF Editor in Chief Matt Vincent raises the topic of sustainability, prompting Mettler to elaborate on T5's commitment to environmental stewardship, participation in reporting frameworks, and the challenges of balancing growth with green power limitations.
18:46 - Discussion targets exploration of various energy options such as nuclear, hydrogen, and natural gas, highlighting the industry's focus on meeting energy demands responsibly.
22:06 - The discussion expresses optimism about collaborative efforts across industries to address energy needs, particularly praising innovative "new" nuclear designs and emphasizing the potential of nuclear energy for a sustainable future.
26:07 - Mettler highlights T5s unique perspective in constructing and operating data centers for both owned and client-owned facilities, emphasizing the company's expertise and ownership mentality in delivering tailored solutions, especially in the context of liquid cooling and high power demands.
 
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Data Center Design Shop Talk with Critical Facility Group's Christopher McLean, PE, ATD, LEED AP

For this episode of the Data Center Frontier Show Podcast, DCF Editor in Chief Matt Vincent sat down for a chat with  Christopher McLean, PE, ATD, LEED AP.
Specializing in the design, operations and construction of data centers, Chris is a Principal at Critical Facility Group in Boston. He previously held Director-level roles at a global engineering and construction corporation, a consulting engineering firm, as well as at a carrier hotel and colocation facility. 
Grounded in journeyman desktop support and hardware specification expertise, McLean's data center experience holistically encompasses all aspects of data center delivery, including elements of modular design and construction, design engineering, and facility operations. 
He is a frequent presenter at technical conferences, and contributor to industry publications.
We caught up with Chris shortly after his appearance presenting an AI facility design and construction case study on the seminar stage at Data Center World. 
Our conversation touched on  the challenges posed by high-density AI designs in data centers and the overall "state of liquid cooling" for AI. 
Additionally, the importance of a pragmatic approach in recycling IT assets and the adoption of new battery technologies was highlighted. 
An increasing interest in nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) for meeting the power demands of data centers and the challenges of the AI era, and the potential economic and community impact of these technologies, was also discerned and discussed. 
Talk also ranged over such subjects as data center controls, building automation, electrical power monitoring systems, and building management systems to enhance total product delivery to data center operators.
Here's a timeline of the podcast's key moments:
2:31 - Discussion centers on the increasing interest and viability of nuclear energy, particularly SMRs, in meeting the rising power demands of data centers.
5:42 - Talk turns to the diversity of SMR designs, safety features, public perception challenges, and the potential positive economic impact and innovation these technologies could bring to the industry.
10:00 - DCF leans into Chris' insight as a design engineer, leading to a discussion on the challenges posed by high-density AI designs in data centers, the need for precise load information for effective design, and the necessity of creating flexible environments to accommodate rapidly evolving technology, while avoiding overshooting or undershooting design requirements.
15:32 - DCF solicits opinion on the state of liquid cooling for AI, as the discussion goes on to specifically compare and contrast direct to chip with immersion cooling technologies and methods.
16:02 - Further exploration of the deployment of immersion cooling technology in data centers, with McLean considering the hallmarks of the mechanical engineering team and CFD models being employed at Critical Facility Group in terms of evaluation and potential implementation.
21:59 - Discussion turns to data center BMS trends and insights on the evolution of fire protection in the industry, specifically focusing on the transition from MEP firms to specialty fire protection groups.
25:10 - Thoughts on a pragmatic approach to recycling and sustainability in data centers, focusing on repurposing IT assets, particularly in the context of the AI revolution and the importance of giving obsolete components a second life.
31:04 - Talk ranges from discussion about Single-Pair Ethernet technologies, power issues, renewable energy, battery backup, and the potential future trends in the data center industry.
33:03 - McLean elaborates on the relative adoption of battery technologies including lithium-ion, nickel-zinc, and the challenges faced in replacing valve regulated lead–acid (VRLA) batteries, emphasizing the need for education and innovation in the industry.