The continued growth and development of AI means an increased need for powerful data centers to process and store large amounts of data. More than 60% of data center operators are preparing to increase the number of IT racks in their data center installations to properly handle the growing workload.1
These expanded IT facilities are called high-density data centers, and they’re becoming increasingly popular as companies rely more heavily on real-time data gathering and AI computing to streamline repetitive tasks and increase workflow efficiency and productivity. But high-density data centers come with a unique set of challenges for IT operators in terms of scaling to meet demand and deploying adequate IT cooling to meet elevated thermal loads.
Here, we’ll look at how high-density data centers work and the kinds of IT racks, cooling units, and accessories operators need to achieve the greatest possible performance with this kind of data center.
What makes a data center a high-density installation?
Answering this question starts with looking at how the definition of high-density computing has changed during the last few years, even before the increased adoption of AI. As recently as a few years ago, a 10 kW server rack would be considered a high-density application, but technological advancements in computing have made 40 kW to 125 kW server racks extremely common, with some high-density data centers surpassing 125 kW per cabinet.
What’s more, high-density data centers need to be constructed with flexibility and scalability in mind to help companies better adapt to continued increases in computing demand without expanding their data center footprint.
High-density data centers have a couple of other key elements. First, high-density data centers produce extremely high thermal loads, much higher than traditional data centers. In addition, high-density data centers require a large amount of energy to facilitate data processing and to provide adequate rack cooling to ensure peak performance.
This makes energy-efficient, sustainable operation a key consideration in the high-density space, as the energy demand to power data centers is expected to increase by 160% by 2030.1
What challenges do IT operators face with high-density data centers?
One of the biggest challenges IT operators must overcome in enhancing the productivity and efficiency of a high-density data center is reducing the downtime associated with scaling and configuring IT racks based on computing needs. The sheer number of racks and servers in a high-density data center can make this a timely and costly process, and IT equipment that’s not designed for quick and easy customization can hamper scalability.
This hurdle is only exacerbated by labor shortages, which can leave data centers shorthanded and unable to minimize downtime when scaling equipment.
Aside from sustainable IT cooling practices, high-density data centers require flexible cooling units that can direct cooling outputs with the utmost precision and accuracy. However, reducing high thermal loads is not as simple as installing additional cooling units, as space inside a high-density data center is extremely limited. This means data center operators need to think more strategically about cooling to reduce waste and enhance operational efficiency.
What kinds of IT solutions are ideal to support efficient high-density data center operations?
Prioritizing modular IT racks that streamline the configuration and customization process is mission-critical in helping high-density data center scale computing capability quickly and with minimal disruption. Specifying standardized IT equipment that simplifies the assembly and installation process helps maximize computing uptime, which helps data center operators save time and money.
For example, TS IT High Density enclosure can help data center operators accelerate the configuration and installation process without sacrificing enclosure security and durability. In addition, Rittal’s powerful, versatile IT cooling units are also an extremely important element in facilitating a high-density data center.
Closed-loop liquid cooling can not only better future-proof your data center for scaling your infrastructure based on increased AI computing, but it can also help you reduce energy consumption and costs today. Eliminating the need for room-based climate control helps reduce waste by targeting cooling outputs directly to the servers that require heat removal, and pivoting from more traditional air-based cooling makes for more reliable, consistent IT climate control.
Rittal’s Liquid Cooling Package (LCP) cooling units can be easily scaled to meet demand without sacrificing targeted, precise airflows. For example, Rittal’s modular LCP IT cooling units can be configured to support single or bayed IT enclosures, and front and rear unit access simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.
This rapid scalability — combined with the tool-free process of replacing fan modules or other component parts — makes Rittal’s LCPs ideal to handle the challenges of scaling or customizing IT equipment in a high-density data center.
Rittal can help high-density data center operators unlock greater efficiency and better handle increased data processing loads. Our IT solutions are designed to help future-proof your facility while emphasizing productivity and efficiency today.
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1 AI is Poised to Drive 160% Increase in Data Center Power Demand. Goldman Sachs, May 14, 2024.