Jaideep Roy, Director Business Development, IMS Sales, Vertiv India, speaks to Enterprise Times, highlighting data center trends, future of AI in data centers and the launch of MegaMod CoolChip by Vertiv. He is of the opinion that the growing demand for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in data centers is a trend that has been gaining momentum for some time.
Enterprise Times: What are the four key data center trends for 2024?
Jaideep Roy: The Indian data center industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing digitalization, government initiatives, and rising demand for data storage and processing. The market value of data center sector is projected to grow to USD 10.09 billion by 2027. According to Vertiv, some of the trends shaping up this burgeoning sector are-
- AI Sets the Terms- The increasing demand for AI is compelling organizations to overhaul their operations. Many legacy facilities lack the infrastructure necessary for high-density AI computing, prompting a shift towards new constructions or extensive retrofits. These changes will likely incorporate eco-friendly technologies, such as liquid cooling systems, to support the heightened power and cooling requirements of AI servers.
- Energy Storage- Innovative energy storage solutions, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), are anticipated to play a crucial role in 2024. These systems can intelligently integrate with the grid, reducing reliance on generators and minimizing environmental impacts. BESS will support longer runtime demands and facilitate “bring your own power” (BYOP) models, enhancing capacity and reliability.
- Flexibility- Organizations are expected to diversify their investment strategies to accommodate AI while pursuing sustainability goals. This includes leveraging prefabricated modular solutions and extending the life of existing equipment, which can optimize operations and reduce carbon emissions.
- Cloud Security- With public cloud spending projected to rise significantly, security remains a top priority. As organizations migrate more data offsite, 80% of CIOs plan to increase their cybersecurity budgets in 2024, navigating complex regulatory environments to ensure data protection.
These trends reflect the ongoing evolution of data center technology, driven by the need for efficiency, scalability, and adaptability in an increasingly digital world.
Enterprise Times: What was the rationale behind the recent launch of Vertiv™ MegaMod™ CoolChip?
Jaideep Roy: The recent launch of Vertiv™ MegaMod™ CoolChip was driven by the need to address the growing demand for high-density, AI-powered data centers. This includes advanced liquid cooling solutions like immersion cooling and Direct Contact Liquid Cooling (DCLC), as well as the Vertiv™ Trinergy™ UPS, designed specifically for powering high-density racks.
The MegaMod™ CoolChip was introduced to meet the unique requirements of AI-powered, high-density IT infrastructure. This solution reflects Vertiv’s commitment to supporting the next generation of data centers by offering cutting-edge, scalable, and efficient technologies.
Enterprise Times: Data centers are looking for energy storage alternatives. Demand for battery energy storage systems (BESS) will continue to surge. What is your take on this trend?
Jaideep Roy: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are advanced technologies that use rechargeable batteries to store energy for later use, enabling the management of electricity supply and demand. These systems play a crucial role in balancing the grid, providing backup power, and integrating renewable energy sources by storing excess energy generated during peak production times for use when demand is high, or generation is low.
The growing demand for BESS in data centers is a trend that has been gaining momentum for some time. As data centers continue to evolve, especially in high-density environments, the focus on improving efficiency and eco-friendly operation has become increasingly critical. BESS offers a reliable and scalable solution for energy storage, which is essential for maintaining uptime, managing energy costs, and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources. BESS can be integrated with various alternative energy sources like solar, wind, hydrogen energy and also be leveraged to reduce generator starts, minimizing reliance on backup generators – enhancing operational efficiency.
In the context of high-density data centers, where power demands are substantial, BESS provides the flexibility needed to handle fluctuations in energy consumption while reducing dependency on traditional energy sources. As the industry continues to push towards eco-friendly and more efficient operations, the adoption of BESS is likely to surge even further.
Enterprise Times: What are some of the challenges in implementing AI solutions in data centers, and how does Vertiv help customers overcome them?
Jaideep Roy: Implementing AI solutions in data centers comes with several challenges, with one of the most significant being the efficient management of the heat generated by high-density, AI-powered workloads. As data centers adopt AI technologies, the increased processing power leads to greater heat output, which can be difficult to manage using traditional cooling methods alone.
Vertiv addresses this challenge by leveraging its industry-leading expertise in heat rejection technologies. With a comprehensive thermal management portfolio that includes innovative liquid cooling solutions, Vertiv helps customers effectively manage the intense heat generated in AI-driven data centers. These advanced cooling solutions, such as immersion cooling and Direct Contact Liquid Cooling (DCLC), are designed to handle the high thermal loads associated with AI applications, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency. Moreover, a hybrid model will become common, utilizing liquid cooling to remove the heat generated by GPUs in the rack while employing air cooling to support the larger data center environment.
By providing tailored cooling strategies that align with the specific needs of AI-powered data centers, Vertiv enables its customers to overcome the heat management challenges, ensuring reliable and efficient operation even in the most demanding environments. Vertiv is working directly with the industry’s largest and most advanced chip manufacturers to develop efficient and reliable solutions to cooling and powering high-performance compute.
Enterprise Times: Where do you see the future of AI in data centers heading?
Jaideep Roy: The future of AI in data centers is poised for significant growth, and it is set to become one of the most transformative forces the industry has ever seen. This technological revolution will not only enhance the way data centers operate but also redefine industry standards and practices.
AI’s ability to optimize energy management, predict and prevent failures, and streamline complex processes will lead to smarter, more resilient data centers capable of handling the increasing demands of the digital age. As more organizations recognize the value of AI, its adoption will accelerate, making it the biggest industry technology disruptor to date. The future of AI in data centers is bright, and its impact will be felt across the entire digital ecosystem.
