As AI workloads drive unprecedented increases in rack density, power demand, and thermal complexity, the technologies that underpin resilient, efficient data center infrastructure have never been more important. This special encore presentation revisits one of the highest-rated technical sessions from last year's Data Center Insights, highlighting innovations in air movement and cooling that remain highly relevant as the industry designs for the AI era.

Presented by John Palomba, Director VAC, ebm-papst Inc., the session explores how electronically commutated (EC) fan technology is redefining data center cooling through higher efficiency, intelligent controls, and improved operational resilience. Attendees will learn how EC fan systems compare with conventional AC fan architectures, the engineering principles behind brushless DC motors and integrated electronics, and why these technologies are becoming increasingly valuable in both retrofit projects and next-generation AI facilities.

The presentation also examines practical deployment strategies, real-world implementation examples, and how advances in airflow management complement broader trends shaping modern infrastructure—including hybrid cooling architectures, higher-density compute environments, and the industry's progression toward more resilient power and cooling designs.

Whether planning new AI-ready facilities or modernizing existing infrastructure, attendees will gain practical insights into technologies that improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and help prepare data centers for the next generation of high-performance computing.