The Influence of AI on IT Enclosure Design and Configuration

AI is Transforming Data Centres – Are Your IT Enclosures Ready?

The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the IT landscape, driving unprecedented demand for data centre infrastructure. With global data centre demand expected to grow by 10% annually through 2030, operators must rethink how they design and configure IT enclosures to accommodate the increasing need for high-density computing, efficient cooling, and scalable solutions.

By 2030, AI workloads will push data centre energy consumption up by 160%, according to Goldman Sachs. AI is also expected to drive global data centre storage capacity to 21.0 zettabytes by 2027, growing at a rate of 18% per year. This explosive growth is challenging traditional IT infrastructure and increasing the need for next-generation, AI-ready enclosures.

The Challenges of AI-Driven Data Centres

AI workloads require immense processing power, meaning traditional data centre setups are struggling to keep up. The shift towards hyperscale data centres, often spanning close to 100,000 square feet, has accelerated the need for modular and scalable IT enclosures. Some of the key challenges include:

• Scalability – Rapidly deploying and expanding server rack space to meet AI-driven processing demands.
• High-Density Enclosures – Supporting increased computing power without increasing the physical footprint.
• Advanced Cooling – Managing rising thermal loads as AI servers push power consumption beyond 100kW per rack.
• Energy Efficiency – AI workloads are projected to more than double data centre energy demand, requiring new cooling and power distribution strategies.

Modular IT Enclosures: The Future of AI Data Centres

With AI workloads driving higher server densities, traditional IT enclosures must evolve. Modular enclosures offer the flexibility required to scale with AI’s ever-growing demands while ensuring efficient power distribution and sustainable cooling.

Key Features of AI-Ready IT Enclosures:

• Optimised Space Utilisation – AI computing power has increased tenfold, yet server rack footprints remain unchanged. Modern enclosures ensure high-density efficiency.
• Scalable Configurations – Pre-engineered modular designs allow rapid deployment, reducing downtime and increasing adaptability.
• Enhanced Cooling Efficiency – Sustainable cooling solutions, such as liquid and air-based systems, maintain server performance while minimising energy waste.
• Busbar Power Distribution – Compared to traditional plug-and-wire cabling, busbar power systems simplify installation, improve energy efficiency, and enable seamless scalability.

Navigating the Future with Rittal

As an industry leader in IT infrastructure, Rittal is at the forefront of delivering AI-ready IT enclosures designed for the next generation of data centres. Our latest guide, Understanding the Impact of AI on Data Centre Efficiency, explores how data centre operators can:

• Optimise space without compromising performance
• Increase computing capacity while maintaining uptime
• Integrate AI workloads while ensuring energy efficiency
• Leverage advanced liquid cooling solutions to reduce energy consumption

With solutions like VX IT Server Racks, LCP DX Liquid Cooling, and Scalable PDUs, Rittal provides the infrastructure needed to support AI’s growing demands while maintaining efficiency and sustainability.

AI is redefining IT infrastructure. Are your enclosures ready?

Download the whitepaper written by Rittal North America LLC