Cooling Data Center Podcast

What if the biggest barrier to maximizing cooling capacity and efficiency isn't the hardware in your data hall, but the static set points and manual control strategies you've been running since day one? In this episode, Clifford Federspiel, founder of Vigilent and former Johnson Controls and UC Berkeley engineer, joins Robert for a wide-ranging conversation about what happens when you hand cooling...

What if the biggest barrier to scaling liquid cooling isn't the engineering, but an industry-wide habit of keeping things secret that don't need to be kept secret? In this episode, Bill Kosik of HED and chair of The Green Grid's AI Impacts working group joins Robert for a genuinely insightful conversation about the long view of data centre design, and why the lessons from IBM's water-cooled mainfr...

What if the biggest barrier to liquid cooling efficiency isn't the technology itself, but the legacy thinking that's keeping temperatures unnecessarily low? In this episode, Jake Roberts of Excool joins Robert for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really takes to deliver cooling solutions across global markets, and why the data centre industry's conservative approach might be leavin...

What if the biggest barrier to liquid cooling adoption isn't the technology - it's just protecting against what happens when things go wrong? In this episode, Cassandra Zentner of Actnano joins Robert for a refreshingly practical conversation that strips away the idealism and gets to the heart of why protection matters just as much as prevention - and why automotive-grade coating technology is alr...

What if the biggest barrier to immersion cooling isn't technical - it's just understanding what it actually is? In this episode, Allison Boen of Alcatex and the Open Compute Project joins Robert for a warmly authentic conversation that strips away the jargon and gets to the heart of why single-phase immersion cooling matters - and why it's already more deployed than most people realise. From her 3...

What happens when you've been testing data centres since before "data centre" was even a term? In this episode, Dave Wolfenden of Heat Load joins Robert to trace an extraordinary journey from COBOL programming at Heathrow Airport to becoming one of the UK's pioneering data centre commissioning specialists. Starting with Argos heaters and 500kW of rack-mounted units delivered in transit vans, Heat...

What if we could decarbonise IT… by rethinking the liquid? In this episode, Maarten Trautmann of Oleon joins Robert to unpack why plant-based dielectric fluids aren't just a greener alternative - they may be the key to unlocking waterless, sustainable cooling at the edge, at scale, and across Europe. From his early fascination with Ireland to leading Oleon's charge into liquid cooling, Maarten sha...

Two-phase cooling isn't new - but it's never been more needed. In this episode, Dr. Richard Bonner of Accelsius joins Robert to unpack how a decades-old thermal principle, once used in industrial processes, is being reimagined to meet the explosive demands of AI and high-power GPUs. They explore Accelsius' patented two-phase cold plate technology - originally developed at Bell Labs - and how it's...

Craig MacFadyen is back on the podcast - this time fresh from the floor of the OCP Global Summit in Dublin. In this episode, Craig and Robert dig into the real conversations happening around liquid cooling, hyperscaler expectations, and whether the data center world is preparing for a future that hasn't quite arrived yet. From CDUs and 500kW rack forecasts to the tension between innovation and aff...

Is AI truly revolutionising the way we understand clients and employees? Or is it just another buzzword being tossed around? In this episode, Ryan Scott, Chief Technology Officer at DNA Behavior, joins me to break down the real-world impact of AI in behavioural data analytics. We dive into how DNA Behavior is leveraging AI to predict client behaviour with 70% accuracy - without even requiring a qu...

🚨 Microsoft is making waves in the data center world – but not in the way you'd expect. The tech giant has canceled multiple U.S. data center leases, scaled back international expansion, and reallocated billions in AI spending—but why? In this quick Hot Take, we break down: - Microsoft's shifting AI and cloud strategy – is this a cost-saving pivot or something bigger? Pre-committed global data ce...

France and the UAE are making waves with a $30-$50 billion investment in a 1-gigawatt AI data center —but why now, and why Europe? 🇫🇷🇦🇪 With France offering 35 potential sites and the UAE backing the deal, this move signals a shift in AI dominance beyond the US and China. Could this mark the start of Europe's AI infrastructure revolution ? And what does this mean for global AI competition? 🎙️ List...

How are modular solutions transforming the future of data centers? And what role does engineering heritage play in shaping today's innovations? In this episode, Robert sits down with Lewis Cobb, Head of Modular Data Centre Projects at Durata, to explore the shift towards modular construction in the data center industry. With a background at Rittal and a deep understanding of mission-critical power...

How is liquid cooling revolutionising the data center industry? And what does it take to stay ahead in a world where efficiency and sustainability are king? In this episode, Christopher Bentley, President at Liquid Cooling Startup, InfraTechDC, dives deep into the advancements in direct-to-chip cooling and the evolving landscape of energy efficiency. From his formative years learning the intricaci...

"Stargate, Billion-Dollar Investments, and the Data Center Power Players" In this quick Hot Take, we explore the $400 billion Stargate project, Elon Musk's clash with Oracle, and the jaw-dropping investment plans from Microsoft ($80B by 2025) and Meta ($65B in 2024). Is the industry experiencing a groundbreaking leap forward, or is there more smoke than fire? 🤔 Tune in to hear our thoughts on the...

What role do polypropylene pipes play in revolutionising cooling solutions for modern data centres? How are they helping meet the demands of AI factories and high-density computing? In this episode, I sit down with Jerry Chizmadia , a seasoned expert with over 15 years of experience in direct-to-chip cooling and a deep network of partnerships across the industry. Representing Aquatherm North Ameri...

We change things up in this episode as I join Andy Davis on an episode of the Inside Data Centre Podcast, to explore some of the hottest topics shaping the data centre industry today. Here's what we cover: Cooling Technologies: I share insights into the latest advancements in cooling and their impact on data centre performance and sustainability. Career Development: A look at my journey, how I've...

Is liquid cooling the key to the future of data centers? How is the Open Compute Project (OCP) steering the industry toward innovation and efficiency? In this episode, we talk with Cosimo Pecchioli , IT Hardware & OEM Partnership Director at bp (Castrol) and Co-Leader of the Cooling Environment Project at the OCP Foundation. Cosimo dives into the pivotal role OCP plays in fostering collaboration a...

Wondering how past innovations shape the future of data centre cooling? Or curious about how pioneers navigated the early days of the industry? In this episode, Noel Lynch, a respected leader in data centre cooling and former Managing Director of EDPAC International, shares decades of insight into the evolution of cooling technology. In this episode, Noel discusses early advancements like variable...

Curious about the rapid changes in the cooling industry? Or wondering how consultants bridge the gap between manufacturers and data centres? Daniel Burczyk, Director/Partner of DBK Consulting, brings over a decade of expertise in helping manufacturers and clients navigate the evolving world of cooling technology. From his unique position as a consultant to the cooling industry, Daniel offers a wid...

Curious about the latest advancements in liquid cooling for data centers? Or interested in how DCX is leading the charge with innovative immersion and direct-to-chip cooling technologies?   Maciek Szadkowski, Chief Technical Officer at DCX, brings a wealth of knowledge in next-generation cooling solutions, drawing from years of experience managing large-scale installations and overcoming the chall...

Are you intrigued by the latest trends shaping the data center industry? Or curious about how the $57 billion AI bubble is impacting site selection and innovation?   In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of data centers with Eddie Kilbane, Echelon's head of site selection and a seasoned industry expert.   Eddie shares his insights on the current $57 billion AI bubble and the ch...

Curious about the evolution of cooling technology in data centers over the past three decades? Or interested in how industry veterans are shaping the future with innovative cooling solutions? Brendan Leonard, Managing Director at Stulz, brings a wealth of experience from every level of the business. His journey from a service technician to a leading industry figure offers valuable insights into th...

 Interested in how Airedale has evolved over the past 50  years to become a leader in data center cooling? Or  curious about the future trends in cooling technology?  Join Robert as he sits down with Patrick Cotton of  Airedale Chillers to explore the company's journey and  Patrick's 15-year tenure. They delve into Airedale's  transformation from an air conditioning company to a  data center cooli...

Curious about the latest trends in data center cooling and how they're meeting rising demands? Or interested in how companies are tackling the challenges of liquid cooling?   Matt Archibald, Director of Technical Architecture at nVent, shares his extensive experience and insights into the evolving landscape of data center cooling.   In this episode, Matt and Robert delve into the intricacies of li...