Studies and simulations
Scientific results that show what is possible but have not yet been tested in operation.
Industry outlook, Sambuild investigates and Projects
Insights that show how far the technology has come
Every article states its sources, dates and technology maturity. We clearly distinguish between what is proven in operation, what are vendor claims and what is still research.
Liquid cooling becomes standard as racks exceed 100 kW
AI racks of 100 kW and above can no longer be cooled with air. Cold plates and coolant distribution units are becoming the baseline design.
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Warmer cooling water makes free cooling possible almost all year
New AI servers can be cooled with liquid at 45 °C, opening the way for data centers without chillers.
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Cooling without evaporation: less water, but more electricity
Microsoft is building new data centers where cooling water does not evaporate. Water is saved, but electricity demand increases.
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Waste heat from data centers: what works in the Nordics
Several Nordic data centers already deliver heat to district heating networks. Their experience shows both opportunities and limitations.
Read the insightThe heat agreement is written into the project from day one
In Finland and Denmark, new data centers are being planned together with energy companies. Heat delivery becomes part of the business case.
Read the insightWhen there is no district heating network: industry, drying and greenhouses
Where district heating is unavailable or demand is low in summer, the heat can go to local users.
Read the insightThermal storage that frees up capacity within the same grid connection
Chilled water and thermal storage is increasingly used for peak shaving, not just as backup.
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Power fluctuations from AI training and what grid operators will require
Large AI training jobs cause rapid power fluctuations. We are investigating how the facility can smooth them toward the grid.
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When the data center becomes a flexible part of the grid
Solutions are being tested internationally in which data centers temporarily reduce their power draw in exchange for faster grid connection.
Read the insightConditional connection agreements: a faster route to the grid
Svenska kraftnät is studying agreements in which capacity can be allocated earlier, provided that power draw can be curtailed.
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Battery storage at data centers: backup power and grid resource in one installation
UPS and battery systems can sell ancillary services to the grid without losing their backup function. We are investigating how the two can be combined.
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Higher-voltage direct current: what 800 V DC could mean for new data centers
Several major suppliers are moving toward higher-voltage direct current. We are investigating how facilities should be prepared.
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Solid-state transformers: from medium voltage directly to DC
New transformers convert medium voltage directly to direct current and take up less space.
Read the insightBackup power without diesel: fuel cells, HVO and batteries
Hydrogen and fuel cells are being tested as backup power. For Swedish projects, HVO and batteries may be closer at hand.
Read the insightSingle-phase immersion cooling: servers submerged in liquid
Servers are submerged in a dielectric liquid. The technology is commercial but still a niche.
Read the insightTwo-phase immersion cooling and the PFAS question
Two-phase cooling is efficient but often relies on PFAS fluids, whose future is uncertain.
Read the insightMicrofluidic cooling: cooling channels directly in the silicon
In the lab, Microsoft has etched cooling channels directly into the chip. The technology is several years away from commercial use.
Read the insightDigital twins: from drawings to simulated operation
Physically accurate models of power, cooling and IT can be used as early as the design phase.
Read the insightPrefabrication and modular build-out in blocks of 10–250 MW
Factory-built power and cooling modules can shorten construction time. We are investigating how they fit our concepts.
Read the insightTimber in the structure: lower embodied carbon from the building
Data centers with cross-laminated timber structures have already been built in Sweden and the US. This area lies entirely within the developer's responsibility.
Read the insightHow we assess technology
From market analysis to documented benefit
We describe each technology according to how far it has actually come, so that investors, operators and energy companies can assess it on the same basis.
Tested in a real environment
Limited tests in existing facilities, often at small scale.
Available to buy
Products on the market, where the figures often come from the supplier.
Backed by measured data
Operating facilities with reported results, period and basis of comparison.
Energy companies, grid operators and data center operators
Do you want to develop the technology with us?
We welcome a dialogue on heat, flexibility and new technical solutions for data centers in Europe. Together, we can test what creates real benefit, for the facility and for its surroundings.
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