AI and Data Centers: Strategic MEP Systems for Scalable Infrastructure

When Microsoft released its latest earnings report, most of the attention focused on AI, Azure, and its aggressive cloud expansion. But behind those headlines lies a quieter, more technical story — one that speaks directly to the engineers, contractors, and facility professionals who make this digital transformation physically possible.

Microsoft’s investment in AI infrastructure is driving a massive buildout of hyperscale data centers. These aren’t just warehouses filled with servers; they are carefully controlled environments engineered for power, efficiency, and resilience. 

AI Workloads and the Rise of Heat-Dense Spaces

The shift toward AI applications has dramatically increased server workloads, resulting in unprecedented heat generation. AI workloads are computationally intense, often generating much more heat per rack than traditional data center applications. In some cases, legacy air-based systems are being pushed aside in favor of precision liquid cooling or chilled water systems with hot aisle/cold aisle containment. We're seeing a move toward:

• Direct-to-chip liquid cooling system - This system delivers coolant directly to the processor or GPU via cold plates, efficiently removing heat at the source and supporting higher-density computing loads.

• Rear-door heat exchangers - Mounted on the back of server racks, these units use liquid-cooled coils to absorb and remove hot air exiting the servers, reducing the room’s cooling burden.

• In-rack cooling and localized containment strategies - These solutions confine and cool hot air within individual racks or aisles, improving energy efficiency and allowing for higher power densities by preventing hot-cold air mixing.

These systems require precise control, redundancy, and fast failure recovery. Many data centers now rely on sophisticated thermal management automation, integrating real-time sensor feedback to optimize performance and reduce energy waste. Some facilities are exploring submerged cooling (immersion cooling) — where servers operate in non-conductive fluids — requiring custom MEP integration, specialty plumbing design, and strict containment planning.

Massive Power Requirements and Electrical Redundancy

Supporting AI infrastructure means delivering megawatts of power, reliably and continuously. Engineers are designing systems for:

• N+1, 2N, or even 3N redundancy in power distribution - This refers to levels of power redundancy in critical facilities: N+1 includes one backup unit for every essential component, 2N duplicates the entire system for full failover, and 3N triples capacity for maximum resilience.

• Dual power feeds and automatic transfer switches (ATS) - Dual feeds supply power from two independent sources, while an ATS ensures seamless switching between them in the event of a failure—minimizing downtime and increasing system reliability.

• Busway systems for flexibility in high-density racks - Busway systems provide modular, overhead or underfloor power distribution that allows for quick reconfiguration and expansion in high-density environments without major rewiring.

• Integration with onsite renewables, battery energy storage, and diesel or gas generators - Combining renewable energy, batteries, and traditional generators creates a hybrid power system that improves resilience, reduces grid dependency, and supports sustainability goals in data centers.

Some hyperscale facilities are incorporating on-site microgrids or exploring fuel cell backup power — requiring coordination across utility interconnection, power quality monitoring, and emissions compliance.

Plumbing in an IT World

Water usage in data centers isn’t what it used to be. While some facilities are designed for water-free operation, others are leveraging water-based cooling to drive down operational costs. This introduces:

• Closed-loop chilled water systems - These systems circulate chilled water through cooling equipment in a sealed loop, preventing contamination and maintaining consistent thermal performance for data center cooling.

• Water-side economizers for free cooling - Water-side economizers use cool outdoor temperatures to chill water without running chillers, reducing energy consumption and operating costs during favorable weather conditions.

• Specialty filtration and corrosion control systems - These systems maintain water quality in cooling loops by removing particulates and managing chemical balance, protecting heat exchangers and piping from scale, fouling, and corrosion.

Additionally, water-intensive cooling strategies must comply with municipal restrictions on water usage, especially in drought-prone regions.

Plumbing systems may need to include graywater reuse, onsite storage tanks, and stormwater recovery systems, especially when pursuing LEED certification or operating in greenfield developments.

Fire Protection for High-Value Electronics

Traditional sprinkler systems aren’t suitable for high-density electronic environments. Instead, data centers use:

• Clean agent fire suppression - These systems use non-conductive, residue-free gases (like FM-200 or Novec 1230) to extinguish fires without damaging sensitive electronic equipment—ideal for server rooms and data halls.

• VESDA systems (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) - VESDA systems continuously sample air to detect smoke at extremely low concentrations, providing early warning before visible signs appear—critical for protecting mission-critical infrastructure.

• Zoned pre-action sprinkler systems in support areas - These systems require both heat/smoke detection and manual confirmation before releasing water, minimizing accidental discharge in areas like electrical rooms.

With sealed cold/hot aisle environments and increased airflow speeds, fire and smoke behavior can be unpredictable. Engineers must model airflow to ensure proper detector placement and suppression effectiveness — especially in nonstandard geometries or modular deployments.

MEP Systems for AI Data Centers

As Microsoft and other tech leaders scale up their AI infrastructure with hyperscale data centers, the future is being built not just with code, but with concrete, cable trays, chilled water loops, and clean agent suppression systems. At BUILT Engineers, we specialize in the complex, high-performance MEP systems for AI data centers that power the modern data economy.

Whether you're planning a hyperscale data center or retrofitting existing facilities for AI workloads, BUILT Engineers delivers clarity, speed, and engineering precision at every stage. Contact our team today to discuss a tailored MEP/FP strategy for your data center or critical facility.