Altay Uzel, Senior Fire Protection Consultant at Telgian Engineering & Consulting, recently shared his expertise with Data Center Knowledge magazine, exploring how the rapid growth of artificial intelligence is transforming data-center design and creating new fire protection challenges.

In the article, Uzel examines how higher power densities, lithium-ion battery systems, advanced cooling technologies and high-performance computing are changing the way fire risks must be evaluated and addressed. He also highlights the importance of integrating fire protection early in the design process to help protect people, property and critical operations as data-center technology continues to evolve.

How AI Is Changing Fire Protection in Modern Data Centers

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing is transforming data-center design—and creating new considerations for fire protection. As computing power becomes increasingly concentrated within smaller spaces, higher rack densities, advanced cooling technologies, lithium-ion battery systems and evolving power infrastructure are changing the fire risks engineers must evaluate.

While the fundamental principles of fire protection remain the same, traditional approaches may not always address the unique hazards associated with modern AI-driven data centers. Higher power densities can increase electrical and thermal demands, while technologies such as lithium-ion UPS batteries, direct-to-chip liquid cooling and immersion cooling introduce additional considerations for detection, suppression and fire containment.

A key lesson from a 2021 data-center fire in Strasbourg, France, demonstrates the importance of looking beyond individual equipment and systems. Building construction, fire compartmentation, emergency procedures, system commissioning and coordinated response can all influence the extent of a fire and its impact on critical operations.

For data-center owners and operators, effective fire protection begins early in the design process. Fire protection engineers should work alongside electrical, mechanical and other design disciplines to evaluate project-specific hazards and develop an integrated strategy that addresses detection, suppression, fire containment, emergency response and operational resilience.

As AI continues to reshape the data-center landscape, fire protection strategies must evolve with the technology. The goal remains the same: control ignition sources, detect problems early, limit fire spread and provide effective suppression while helping protect people, property and the continuity of critical operations.

To read the full article published in Data Center Knowledge, please click here. 

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