Artificial intelligence is an approaching tsunami that will reshape data processing and management, says Rennie Dalrymple, Project Management Partner who oversees data centre delivery at Ridge. But rather than hearing alarm bells, we should focus on the benefits.
Enterprise clients’ specifications are evolving rapidly to meet the requirements of AI and high-performance computing (HPC), and data centre providers are racing to adapt their infrastructure in response. The predicted proliferation of AI will super-charge demand for fully optimised processing facilities. To take one example, ChatGPT, launched in November 2022, can create new data as opposed to analysing or processing existing data – heralding exponential growth in the capacity that will be needed as AI permeates every part of our lives. Meanwhile, the greater use of graphics processing units (GPUs) is dramatically increasing computing power within data centres, but also cooling requirements. At Ridge, we’ll be working hand-in-hand with our clients to help them to stay ahead of technological advances, using AI to maximise the efficiency of our designs and to deliver them effectively in a surging market.
More powerful, efficient infrastructure
Our clients report that customers are now seeking rack outputs that are five to seven times higher than for cloud applications. This will drive an evolution in the structure of data centres, and their servicing installations, in order to deliver the higher levels of cooling and the power density required. Those involved in the planning, building and running of data centres also need to tackle the challenges of emissions, noise and water consumption. We anticipate that AI will inform our future projects, providing insights that enable the creation of improved infrastructures. Using AI-driven analytics, we will identify the most energy-efficient practices, optimise cooling systems, and minimise environmental impact, taking significant steps closer to Net Zero targets.
AI-powered operations and maintenance
Leveraging AI-enhanced algorithms for predictive maintenance and resource allocation will drive unprecedented gains in operation, performance and reliability. To address heat emissions and higher demand for cooling, systems will evolve to support increased densities. The optimisation of water use and sustainable energy sources will remain a focus for IT companies, developers, operators and investors.
Data-driven project management
AI is also enhancing our ability to manage data in project control workflows, to further improve decision-making and efficiency during delivery. As data centre technology evolves, a key challenge will be the ability to scale up to accommodate future growth without compromising on performance, programme or cost. Successful project management requires an in-depth understanding of these unique, highly specialised buildings, and the process of constructing them. A lack of clarity around data centre classification and the impact on neighbouring communities can create barriers, but these can be avoided or overcome through collaboration between all of the disciplines involved in planning, building, commissioning and preparing a data centre for operation, from engineering to architecture to technical support.
Greater coordination between developers, occupiers, engineers and the construction supply chain will be integral to designing and building the next-generation of these facilities. Our Project Management team at Ridge can play a central role, ensuring accurate, on-time, on-budget delivery, while keeping a close eye on a rapidly advancing sector – and seizing all of the opportunities this new technology presents.
Rennie works with a multidisciplinary team at Ridge to deliver a full range of consultancy services, from the conception and planning of data centres through to completion and operation. Our project managers, cost consultants and services engineers are involved in designing and managing some of the largest data centre campuses in the UK and Europe. Contact him at: mailto:renniedalrymple@ridge.com
