Read the Pulse of Data Series Three: The Future of Data Centers in the AIGC Era

Guide:

In this article, we'll take a broader look at the future of data centers.

New Era, New Trends

Previously, we discussed how the continuous innovation in artificial intelligence technology and the expanding scale of the AIGC industry are driving the development of data centers, which serve as the physical carriers of computing power. Furthermore, the demand for computing power driven by large models has made high performance a primary breakthrough direction for computing chips. To meet the requirements for high computing loads, data centers are increasingly pursuing higher rack density as a trend. Meanwhile, the surge in digital business has also raised higher demands for flexibility and efficiency in data centers. Next, we will briefly explore the future development of data centers from three aspects: construction, cooling, and operation and maintenance.

Built-to-Suit Construction Mode

In today’s fast-paced environment, rapid deployment of data centers has become a key competitive advantage for infrastructure providers. To meet this need, prefabricated modular and container-based construction modes have emerged. Prefabricated modular mode involve manufacturing data center components in advance in a factory and then quickly assembling them on site. Container-based mode, on the other hand, use a factory-prefabricated approach for all systems—such as cabinets, cooling, and monitoring—and deliver these pre-assembled containers to the deployment site. While both of these modes can significantly shorten construction timelines compared to traditional data centers, they offer less flexibility. The container mode, in particular, is less adaptable to changes in customer needs.

The industry is also exploring a new construction mode that balances speed and flexibility, which we’ll refer to as the “verification platform” mode. This approach involves using proven designs and making adjustments to modules like cabinets and cooling systems based on verified market needs. The verification platform mode not only reduces construction time and speeds up service deployment but also allows for flexible module configuration to meet high-density requirements. By updating an existing platform rather than starting from scratch, this mode avoids the costs and disruptions of complete rebuilds due to changing customer needs. Chayora always puts the customer first, selecting the best construction model tailored to their specific needs. This approach not only speeds up their time to market but also helps them stand out in a competitive landscape. A prime example of this is our latest Ingenuity solution.

The Imperative of Cooling Solution Innovation

Cooling configuration is a critical component in data center construction, especially as high-density cabinet deployments pose significant cooling challenges. With the rise of artificial intelligence, the use of GPU computing is increasing, leading to higher power consumption in server equipment. Consequently, data centers must accommodate higher power densities to manage these intense computing loads. The result is that the temperature in the same cabinet space will rise with the increase of power consumption, which can be a serious risk to server reliability. Effective heat dissipation has become one of the biggest challenges for data centers today. To address the rising cabinet power densities, the industry is increasingly turning to liquid cooling solutions, which offer a more effective means of managing heat dissipation in high density cabinet.

Currently, liquid cooling technologies have evolved into several main forms. One economical option is air-assisted liquid cooling, which employs rear door heat exchangers (RDHX). In this system, heat generated by the server is expelled through the cabinet's rear door heat exchanger and then captured by a heat exchanger that uses coolant to remove the heat. This process significantly reduces overall cooling requirements within the data center, for the temperature of the hot air is dramatically reduced before it flows into other areas in the data center. More advanced methods include direct-to-chip liquid cooling and immersion cooling. Direct-to-chip cooling delivers liquid coolant directly to the server's hotter components, while immersion cooling involves submerging heat-generating components in a coolant. Both methods enhance cooling efficiency by placing the heat dissipation device closer to the heat source.

Despite its advantages, liquid cooling technology is still developing globally and involves complex technical requirements. Therefore, selecting a high-quality cooling solution is crucial for ensuring the efficient operation of high-density data centers. Looking ahead, data centers are likely to use a mix of cooling methods to improve heat dissipation efficiency while providing customers with more options and cost control. For instance, Chayora’s Ingenuity high-density data center solution features air-assisted and liquid cooling technology. This approach allows for flexible cooling by adjusting the balance between air and liquid cooling based on the number of standard and high-density cabinets, thereby optimizing coordination efficiency and minimizing Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) values.

Exceptional Operation and Maintenance for Peace of Mind

Once a data center is built, effective operation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Human error has always been a significant factor in data center operations and maintenance, and the advent of the AIGC era has introduced both new opportunities and challenges in this area. Human errors in data centers often stem from operational complexity, outdated knowledge, and inadequate process management. To mitigate these issues, it is essential to enhance the synergy between human operators and automation/artificial intelligence technologies. This approach can help prevent failures or minimize their impact and scope. Additionally, personalized training and regular evaluations can strengthen staff expertise and professionalism. Adhering to international standards, such as those from Uptime Institute, can further improve overall operation and maintenance, providing customers with greater peace of mind.

Chayora has earned high praise from customers for its operation and maintenance services. Our award-winning 360° centralized management system has boosted operational efficiency by 15%. The new Ingenuity high-density data center solution features a highly responsive and intelligent management system. Our continuously trained professional staff are dedicated to delivering superior service, and the design PUE is as low as 1.19, helping reduce customers' total cost of ownership.

New Developments Shape the Future

It's clear that sectors related to data centers—such as power density, liquid cooling technology, and IT equipment—are evolving rapidly. These advancements are sparking ongoing discussions within the industry about data center standards. In 2017, the China Data Center Standards Alliance was formed in collaboration with the Uptime Institute, a leading global standards organization. This alliance aims to develop international data center standards and integrate global technical experiences into China’s data center practices. Chayora has been a strong advocate for aligning with international standards and has established a close partnership with the Uptime Institute. Our data center park in Tianjin is certified by Uptime Institute T3 at all three stages: design, construction, and operation and maintenance. As China's data centers continue to grow and evolve, we hope to see an increasing integration of international standards with China's current industry developments and technological innovations. This alignment will support progress in data centers both in China and worldwide.

Looking ahead, the industry is poised for endless changes and opportunities. As a key player in the data center supply chain, Chayora is committed to working with industry organizations and partners to advance the data center ecosystem and explore new possibilities. In our previous series, Read the Pulse of Data, we covered the emerging characteristics and future directions of data centers in the AIGC era and detailed the solutions Chayora offers to meet these evolving needs. In our upcoming series, we’ll delve deeper into data centers in the current context, so stay tuned for more insights.