9. Emerging Trends

The information technology (IT) and telecommunications (TC) industries today are perceived as heavy energy consumption entities, accounting for nearly 2 % of the world energy consumption [1] and with a strong demand-driven upward trend in the years to come. However, in the future the energy efficiency gains from digital processes replacing energy intensive activities may make this industry a major contributor to improved global energy efficiency and overall reduced carbon footprint. For this to be realized, we must improve IT efficiency and energy management in data centers, computer stations, and portable devices, while utilizing dedicated software and hardware that can synchronize and optimize the operation of the entire data center per its designated mission and functions. Accordingly, the next generation of data centers will employ emerging technologies to further improve the energy efficiency and risk management as key components of an optimum operation. This chapter presents some of the key trends including multiobjective optimization of data centers, renewed focus on energy management and the need for development of energy efficient electronics, low resistance cooling methods, utilization of waste heat recovery/chiller-less cooling, thermal storage, and additional measures that can promote reliable and optimum operation of data centers.