Mark Yeeles, Vice President, Secure Power Division, UK&I, Schneider Electric, tells us the deployment of prefabricated data centre solutions can overcome the challenge of keeping up with the relentless demands of AI workloads at the Edge.
As the use of AI technologies intensifies, data centres are being pushed to the edge – both figuratively and literally – redefining where and how they operate to keep pace with the ever-evolving AI landscape. AI continues to revolutionise our world, and it is driving an unprecedented surge in demand for Edge Computing solutions.
According to LF Edge, the power footprint of edge devices will rise at a compound growth rate of 40%, from 1 GW in 2019 to 40 GW by 2028. With no signs of slowing, enterprise edge AI will only contribute to the accelerated growth as technologies advance and companies rapidly embrace more automation, more connected devices, and more intelligent systems.
So, how do data centres overcome the challenge of keeping up with the relentless demands of AI workloads at the edge? The solution lies in the deployment of prefabricated data centre solutions – which are solving challenges across the data centre landscape, as well as at the edge.
The power of prefab solutions for data centres
Prefabricated data centre solutions are modular, pre-engineered solutions that can be rapidly deployed to meet the growing demands of AI-driven workloads. These solutions offer scalability, efficiency and speed, allowing data centre providers to expand their infrastructure without the lengthy construction timelines of traditional data centres.
As computational power and data processing needs skyrocket, prefabricated solutions have emerged as a top choice for their ability to deliver high performance with reduced costs and positive environmental impact. By enabling faster go-to-market capabilities and flexible designs, they are becoming a critical asset for data centres and their clients to stay competitive in the AI era. With the explosive market growth of modular solutions, data centres are unlocking a new world of exciting benefits that drive efficiency, scalability and innovation like never before.
Fast deployment
One of the top benefits of going modular is the speed of installation. Modular units can be brought online in as little as a few months, compared to one or two years for a ‘stick-built’ data centre. In fact, it generally takes 30% less time for modular data centre deployment, making prefab solutions a game changer in the fast-paced world of data centre construction – where procuring more data centre capacity has never been more urgent.
Compass Datacenters is leveraging Schneider’s prefabricated infrastructure to accelerate its time to market. By opting for Schneider’s innovative pre-assembled solutions instead of traditional ground-up construction, the operator was able to significantly reduce deployment timelines, enabling faster operations to meet increasing customer demand.
Scalability
Prefabricated data centres can be scaled up as a data centre clients’ needs grow. Hyperscaler clients may opt for prefabricated modular solutions when deploying data centres of 10MW or greater, utilising designs that feature repeatable modules for electrical rooms, cooling spaces and more.
Predictable efficiency and cost
Data centres built with standardised designs and pre-engineered components achieve more consistent performance across deployments, minimising the variability and unpredictability often associated with traditional construction. Prefabricated data centres deliver optimised performance right out of the box, providing more predictable cooling capabilities and energy usage. In fact, prefabricated data centres equipped with chilled-water and free cooling systems are able to achieve a PUE of less than 1.5, setting a new standard for energy efficiency. What’s more, with pre-engineered designs and components, these solutions minimise unexpected expenses associated with traditional construction, such as on-site delays and material overruns. Factory assembly allows for accurate cost estimates and reduces costly modifications during deployment. All Schneider Electric solutions are factory tested before deployment. Moreover, predictable energy efficiency and operational performance allow operators to forecast long-term expenses with confidence, supporting better budget planning, more accurate ROI analysis, and a clear path for sustainable growth.
Sustainability
Prefabricated data centres offer significant sustainability benefits, making them an environmentally responsible choice. By employing modular construction methods, these facilities generate considerably less waste compared to traditional builds, and their right-sized designs ensure optimal resource utilisation, avoiding the energy and space inefficiencies of overbuilding. In addition, prefab solutions support remote monitoring and management, enabling operators to optimise energy use and cooling systems for greater efficiency. Plus, prefabricated components have a long-life span. When it’s time for an upgrade, they can often be disassembled and reused, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
Reclamation of valuable space
In many instances, the physical space occupied by a data centre could be more effectively utilised to support an organisation’s core operations. Facilities like universities, hospitals, call centres and factories often face the challenge of data centre expansions encroaching on valuable building space, making it difficult to justify the associated costs. Relocating the data centre to an external location or a less critical area can be a smart financial decision, offering a win-win solution for both the CIO and CFO – maximising operational efficiency and optimising space utilisation.
How modular data centres can be utilised
Prefabricated modular data centre solutions are ideal for accelerating speed to market and supporting AI workloads.
Modular data centres for AI inference
By processing AI workloads at the edge, it reduces latency and speeds up decision-making, making it perfect for businesses that require real-time insights without the need for large-scale infrastructure. Modular solutions can be used for companies starting their journey into AI, supporting chatbots, sales CRMs, e-commerce platforms and AI analytics.
Prefab high-density with quick implementation to meet specific needs
Designed for rapid deployment, this high-density prefab solution supports AI workloads by delivering powerful computing capabilities right where they are needed. It allows businesses to quickly scale their infrastructure in edge environments to handle complex AI tasks with minimal delay and maximum efficiency, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced carbon footprints.
Tailored data centre reference design to suit infrastructure requirements any time
For large businesses with specialised AI applications at the edge, modular solutions provide custom-built infrastructure that can be optimised for specific AI workloads. Whether it’s tailored power, cooling or compute requirements, this flexible solution provides the infrastructure to handle demanding AI processing in decentralised edge locations. Ready to meet the most rigorous requirements, this solution is designed for AI training models and massive workloads.
What the future holds: AI, edge and modular data centre solutions
While the next chapter of technology advancements has yet to unfold, there is no doubt that modular data centres will be key to taking AI and Edge Computing to new heights.
As the tech landscape continues to rapidly evolve, partnering with industry experts is always a good idea for staying on top of your digital infrastructure game. Schneider Electric’s data centre experts have developed a modular data centre reference design to help organisations accelerate infrastructure deployment and meet the unique challenges of AI-driven workloads.
Looking forward, one thing remains certain: staying ahead in the ever-changing digital landscape is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. When operators can successfully integrate the power of AI workloads, Edge Computing strategies, and ongoing advancements in modular infrastructure, they will be able to drive unprecedented levels of efficiency, scalability and security. Moreover, achieving this will position organisations to thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving AI era, fuelling progress and paving the way for the next wave of AI innovation – at the edge and beyond.
