DATA CENTRES VERTIV
delivery, while modular designs make it easier to scale and upgrade without disrupting operations.
WHEN AIR COOLING ISN’T ENOUGH AI infrastructure generates heat and whilst traditional IT rooms often rely on air-cooled systems, these are struggling to keep pace with today’s thermal output. Liquid cooling, while still relatively new to some industrial environments, is proving more effective for high-density installations. It removes heat more effi ciently and uses less energy when properly confi gured. For manufacturers building edge capacity, selecting the right cooling strategy is essential, taking into consideration energy effi ciency, system lifespan and maintenance overheads as well as temperature.
CABLING THAT DOESN’T CUT CORNERS Structured cabling is sometimes treated as an afterthought. But for AI-ready environments, it’s a critical enabler. Poorly planned layouts can obstruct airfl ow, increase latency and create maintenance headaches. Materials matter too. Lower-grade cables degrade under the strain of high throughput and elevated heat, increasing the risk of signal loss or failure. To keep performance high and downtime
low, edge deployments must follow strict cabling standards. This includes thoughtful containment, thorough testing and early coordination with mechanical and electrical systems.
BUILD NEW OR RETROFIT? For some manufacturers, retrofi tting existing IT space may offer a practical fi rst step. But high-performance AI infrastructure demands more than additional rack space. Older facilities may lack the power density, cooling capacity, or physical layout to support modern workloads effi ciently. Retrofi tting can work for early-stage
deployments, proof-of-concept projects, or applications with lighter demands. But for long- term scalability, purpose-built edge infrastructure will often prove more cost-effective and resilient in the long run.
SUSTAINABILITY IN THE AI ERA As data centre energy usage increases, so does pressure to build sustainably. Some edge sites are now designed to capture and reuse waste heat for nearby offi ces, greenhouses, or even aquaculture. And some hyperscalers have pledged to adopt water-saving or water-positive cooling systems that return more to the system than they consume by 2030. Sustainability practices are also being hard- coded into regulations. In parts of Europe, data centres must meet strict effi ciency thresholds
e.g. the Energy Effi ciency Directive and reporting such as Corporate Sustainability Reporting. Irish manufacturers pursuing AI will increasingly need to consider how their digital infrastructure aligns with broader environmental goals and reporting requirements. Collaboration is the safeguard of success Edge infrastructure sits at the intersection of electrical engineering, IT architecture and industrial operations. Building it in isolation risks missed connections and design fl aws that can undermine performance. Cross-functional collaboration is essential,
bringing together plant engineers, IT teams and infrastructure specialists early in the process. Strong vendor partnerships also matter. Experienced providers can help navigate compliance, advise on component compatibility and build systems that scale with demand. For Irish manufacturers, edge computing
provides a path to deploy AI in a way that is local, fast and adaptable for future needs. But edge success is not guaranteed. It depends on infrastructure that is thoughtfully planned, well integrated and built to handle the intense power and performance needs of tomorrow’s production lines.
https://www.vertiv.com/en-emea/
www.irish-manufacturing.com September/October 2025 Irish Manufacturing 13
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