As demand rises for AI build out in data centers, increasing densities and varieties of equipment and services has led to complexity challenges. What the market needs is integrated solutions from a provider that can support the AI wave at every step.
As data center owners and operators race to meet the demands of artificial intelligence (AI) workloads and services, they are facing an issue common to many new technology deployments—complexity.
Complexity in AI comes from:
- Need for speed of deployment
- Need to support very high-power densities. This will require
- Racks that can support high dynamic loading with shock packaging
- Racks that can support traditional AC architecture
- Racks that support DC architecture (ORV3 inspired)
- High current rack power distribution
- Highly specialized cooling architectures with liquid cooling, rear door heat exchanger, in rack CDUs and in room CDUs
- Need for highly reliable, resilient and sustainable infrastructure solutions
- Engineering silos: An old problem, but with a new urgency (and shrinking pool of experts who can engineer these systems, let alone integrate them together).
- Zero margin for error. None.
Unified approach
When implementation needs to be fast, the solutions must be proven, efficient and streamlined from the outset. A unified approach to delivering AI means reduced risk across the board. This means reduced costs, increased reliability and resilience, as well as providing better cybersecurity through uniformity. A fully integrated solution, preferably from a single vendor, also supports stronger relationships to understand and provide any customization required.
Full portfolio
But how can Schneider solve your AI challenges?
Start with the next generation of EcoStruxure™ Pod architectures that support AI and high-performance compute applications. They are prefabricated and shipped specifically assembled to your needs for rapid deployment onsite. These architectures are supported by installation, commissioning, and maintenance services for the deployment of complex data center infrastructure. The EcoStruxure Pod architecture features NetShelter™ Racks. These Racks are available in various dimensions (U heights and depth) to support a wide range of power levels/rack.
Liquid cooling
A key element of the solution stack is expertise and full offerings in liquid cooling. With Motivair joining Schneider Electric, we now have a comprehensive range of offerings that can be integrated with modular, pod and rack solutions, fully backed by research and consultancy services. The full alignment of the two portfolios means there are no worries about compatibility. Implementing liquid cooling becomes more streamlined, saving time and money while also getting AI solution running quicker.
Software suite
These new systems need to be monitored and managed, with a full end-to-end view from planning to operation. The EcoStruxure™ software suite provides the full range of advanced digital solutions.
- Integration of ETAP and NVIDIA Omniverse technologies enables the creation of a comprehensive AI Factory digital twin where multiple dynamics interact seamlessly. ETAP’s sophisticated modelling technology enables creation of virtual replica of a data center’s electrical infrastructure and combines it with real-time power system data, advanced analytics, and insights.
- EcoStruxure™ IT CFD analysis enables virtual equipment layout for optimization of Cooling and Energy Efficiency.
- Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) enables real time monitoring and management of mission critical assets.
Active management
Active system management along the entire (Design, Build, Operate and Maintain) lifecycle is key to overcoming challenges and unlocking value from the solutions. Schneider Electric provides consulting services to optimize Design and Build phase. Asset performance is further optimized during the Operate and Maintain phase with digitized asset tracking and monitoring, collecting asset data to perform health monitoring via the array of connected sensors, and providing predictive and prescriptive insights through data analytics. Sustainability and modernization services further optimize asset life and minimizes environmental impact with circularity and modernization services.
From complexity to integration
Delivering AI capability to data center owners and operators to support their customers’ demand requires a strategic interplay of layered solutions, from grid to chip and chip to chiller. Integrated solutions from a single vendor with a holistic vision and comprehensive solution portfolio significantly reduces risk, deployment time and cost, especially when supported by consultancy and professional services built on industry leading research and expertise.
Working closely with our customers, we know what they want to achieve and what they have to work with. We know the industry and where it’s going. Schneider Electric has always taken the approach of providing full portfolio solutions, and AI is no different. Through the trusted relationships we have built over decades, customers can continue to rely on us to interpret the trends, develop the solutions and support them every step of way.
Schneider Electric is uniquely positioned as the solution provider capable of addressing the full spectrum of AI challenges. To learn more about our AI-ready data center solutions see our website or speak to a local representative about your next steps in AI.
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