The industries of tomorrow will need more data centers than are available today. From 5G edge computing, AI, and machine learning to blockchain, cryptocurrency, and high-frequency trading, data traffic will continue to rise with increased internet usage. The popularity of remote work is also driving demand for greater IT infrastructure. According to Aritzon, a market research company, the value of the global data center market is expected to approach $300 billion by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of greater than 5% from 2022.

In addition to more IT resources, the advanced industries will need data centers that can handle heavier workloads, which will require more power. But, more power generates more heat — the enemy of reliable electronics. As data center capacity is limited by data center cooling, traditional approaches to thermal management may not be enough. Data centers also need solutions that are environmentally sustainable and do not raise significant environmental health and safety (EHS) concerns. Whether it’s for new installations or retrofits, data center designers and operators have important decisions to make.