The Future of Data Centers in the Age of AI Discussed at Danfoss Data Center Day
Danfoss Data Center Day, which showcased reliable and efficient solutions for data centers, was held at MEXT on September 23. Organized in cooperation with the Consulate General of Denmark in Istanbul, the event addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on the growing energy and cooling requirements of data centers.
As artificial intelligence applications become increasingly widespread, processing intensity in data centers — and consequently their energy and cooling requirements — is rising rapidly, making cooling systems one of the strategic elements of data center design. Organized in response to this transformation, Danfoss Data Center Day provided a platform for sharing knowledge and experience on designing data centers that are more efficient, sustainable and future-ready. The event brought Denmark’s expertise in energy efficiency and waste heat recovery together with Türkiye’s data center ecosystem, while exploring solutions ranging from air and liquid cooling to power conversion, next-generation hydronic technologies and waste heat recovery.
“Liquid cooling is no longer an option; it is a necessity”
Sharing his views on the future of data centers at the event, Jakob Byg Hornbek, Senior Advisor for Corporate Management and Public Affairs at Viegand Maagøe, said: “Liquid cooling is no longer an option; it is a necessity. If you are operating in the field of artificial intelligence, it is something you simply have to consider. In addition, liquid cooling makes it possible to turn waste heat generated by data centers into a valuable resource. Instead of releasing this heat directly into the atmosphere, it can be converted into economic value. To achieve this, the data center needs to be designed to accommodate liquid cooling, as adding this infrastructure later involves significantly higher costs. You need to locate your data center in an industrial area where the waste heat can be utilized and supplied to potential off-takers. When you contribute to society, it also becomes much easier to engage in dialogue with the public and policymakers.”
“The energy profile of data centers is changing”
Prunelia Stuart, Portfolio Manager for Hyperscale Data Centers at Danfoss, emphasized that the approach to data center cooling should not be assessed through a single technology. She said: “Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the energy profile of data centers, and as a result, cooling has become one of the most critical decisions that must be made in every project. The importance of liquid cooling is increasing every day, but the right solution often does not rely on a single technology. At the event, together with different industry stakeholders, we discussed how various solutions ranging from air cooling to liquid cooling can work together to create more efficient and resilient data centers. Investments of this scale cannot be evaluated independently by a single company. Investors, designers, operators and technology providers need to assess this process together. At Danfoss, we are ready to be part of this dialogue.”
End-to-End Data Center Solutions from Danfoss
Danfoss offers a broad portfolio of solutions addressing the evolving needs of data centers, ranging from air and liquid cooling systems to power conversion and waste heat recovery. CoolTrain™ liquid cooling solutions for high-density AI workloads, heat exchangers providing high heat transfer performance, Alsmart® intelligent control platforms for HVAC equipment, and AB-QM & NovoCon® solutions providing precise flow control in hydronic systems are among the key technologies in Danfoss’ data center portfolio. In addition, Turbocor® oil-free compressor technology, which provides long-term reliability in chiller systems, and the next-generation iC7-HVACR drive technology, combining energy efficiency, cybersecurity and intelligent monitoring capabilities, complement Danfoss’ end-to-end solution approach.
As Danfoss continues to expand its solutions for the data center industry, the company is also continuing its investments in next-generation technologies and growth initiatives aimed at addressing increasing energy and cooling requirements.
Data Center Ecosystem Stakeholders Discussed the Transformation
Danfoss Data Center Day brought together data center investors and developers, as well as finance and investment professionals, public-sector and diplomatic representatives, international engineering and consultancy firms, and representatives from the telecommunications and technology sectors. While providing a common platform for knowledge and experience sharing among different stakeholders in the data center industry, the event also addressed the sector’s transformation agenda.
Panels held throughout the day explored different dimensions of the data center ecosystem. The first panel, titled “Data Center Design & Cooling Strategies in the Age of AI,” examined the impact of artificial intelligence on data center design and cooling strategies from the perspectives of experts in engineering, consultancy and technology.
The second panel, titled “Türkiye’s Data Center Ecosystem: Sustainable Growth and Digital Future,” focused on data center investments in Türkiye, public policies and the industry’s digital future, with the participation of experts from the telecommunications sector, public institutions and international market research organizations.
