Enhancing Energy-Saving Strategies for Artificial Intelligence Server Farms

Lehigh University's ACES Research Targets Sustainable AI Data Centers in Pennsylvania

The Center for Advancing Community Electrification Solutions (ACES) at Lehigh University is leading the charge in developing innovative energy solutions for AI data centers in Pennsylvania. By focusing on two core research areas: "AI for energy" and "energy for AI," ACES aims to optimize efficiency and sustainability in these facilities [1][4].

At the heart of ACES's research are a team of experts, including Arindam Banerjee, Paul B. Reinhold Professor and department chair of mechanical engineering and mechanics, Shamim Pakzad, professor and chair of civil and environmental engineering, Alberto Lamadrid, professor of economics, and Carlos Romero, research professor of mechanical engineering and mechanics. Javad Khazaei, assistant professor in the electrical and computer engineering department and a core faculty member of ACES, is leading the research on AI data centers [2][3].

One of the key challenges in managing AI data centers is their growing and shifting energy demands. By 2028, the electricity needed for these centers could be close to 12% of the total electricity demand in the U.S., a significant increase from 4.4% in 2023 [5]. To address this, ACES is implementing advanced electrification technology to improve data center energy efficiency and mitigate the energy surge caused by exponential growth in AI workloads and data center infrastructure [1][4].

Farrah Moazeni, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, is working on a promising solution: direct-to-chip liquid cooling. In collaboration with civil and environmental engineering student Maddie Burns '27 and electrical and computer engineering student Saimonth Muñoz '26, Moazeni aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce water consumption in data centers using this method [6].

Refia Temizkan '28, an electrical engineering student, is applying advanced modeling tools to develop integrated sizing strategies for backup generators and distributed energy resources. The outcome of Temizkan's research could be a decision-support framework that helps data center operators meet surging power demands, cut outage risk, and progress toward carbon-reduction targets while maintaining competitive total cost of ownership [7].

ACES's vision extends beyond the data centers, aiming to enable energy independence and resilience for various communities by reducing time and risk while accelerating the impact of electrification. In October, ACES will host a symposium to discuss the energy challenges of data centers with research universities, community colleges, industry leaders, municipalities, and the state government [8].

The development of two large-scale AI data centers is underway in Pennsylvania, and the state's significant energy production is attracting major tech companies for AI data center development. With recent announcements of $90 billion for energy investments in Pennsylvania, the future of sustainable AI data centers in the state looks promising [9].

Shalinee Kishore, Iacocca Chair, professor of electrical and computer engineering, and director of ACES, explains that Pennsylvania is an attractive location for tech companies due to its energy production. ACES is innovating energy independence strategies through community-led electrification, further cementing Pennsylvania's position as a developing AI hub while addressing the sustainability challenges posed by rapid data center expansion [10].

The ACES research focuses on developing technology and policy solutions that enhance energy efficiency while ensuring grid resilience and cost. By combining AI-driven energy management techniques with advanced electrification technologies and supportive policy frameworks, ACES is helping Pennsylvania maintain its competitive edge in the AI sector while addressing the sustainability challenges posed by rapid data center expansion [1][4].

References: 1. https://aces.lehigh.edu/ 2. https://www.lehigh.edu/news/aces-team 3. https://www.lehigh.edu/news/aces-research-team 4. https://www.lehigh.edu/news/aces-research-focuses-on-sustainable-ai-data-centers 5. https://www.lehigh.edu/news/aces-research-team-addresses-ai-data-center-challenges 6. https://www.lehigh.edu/news/direct-to-chip-cooling-research 7. https://www.lehigh.edu/news/sizing-strategies-for-backup-generators-and-distributed-energy-resources 8. https://www.lehigh.edu/news/aces-symposium-on-data-center-energy-challenges 9. https://www.lehigh.edu/news/90-billion-for-energy-investments-in-pennsylvania 10. https://www.lehigh.edu/news/pennsylvania-attractive-for-ai-data-center-development

The ACES team, consisting of faculty members like Arindam Banerjee and Shalinee Kishore, is using technology to optimize energy efficiency and sustainability in AI data centers, as part of their research focusing on AI for energy and energy for AI.
One innovative solution being explored by Assistant Professor Farrah Moazeni and students is direct-to-chip liquid cooling, which aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce water consumption in data centers.
Refia Temizkan, an electrical engineering student, is using advanced modeling tools to develop integrated sizing strategies for backup generators and distributed energy resources, with the goal of meeting surging power demands, reducing outage risk, and supporting carbon-reduction targets.
The development of sustainable AI data centers is a promising opportunity for Pennsylvania, a state with significant energy production that is attracting major tech companies due to its potential in the renewable-energy sector.
Financing for energy investments in Pennsylvania is strong, with recently announced commitments totaling $90 billion, making the future of sustainable AI data centers in the state look promising as Pennsylvania positions itself as a developing AI hub.