Explore the dynamic world of AI and cooling systems with host Robert Ussher from Hanley Automation. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, policymaker, or simply curious, this podcast is your gateway to understanding the pivotal role of cooling technologies in the AI revolution. Join us for insightful interviews, cutting-edge discussions, and actionable strategies that shed light on the future of AI in DC and beyond. From industry experts to innovative solutions, each episode delivers valuable insights to keep you informed and inspired. Subscribe now to stay ahead of the curve and be part of the conversation shaping the future of AI and cooling in DC.
What if the biggest barrier to maximizing cooling capacity and efficiency isn’t the hardware in your data hall, but the static set points and manual control strategies you’ve been running since day one?
In this episode, Clifford Federspiel, founder of Vigilent and former Johnson Controls and UC Berkeley engineer, joins Robert for a wide-ranging conversation about what happens when you hand cooling control to a machine learning system that can predict what’s coming next, and why the data centre industry’s dependence on fixed, conservative control is leaving real savings untouched.
What if the biggest barrier to scaling liquid cooling isn’t the engineering, but an industry-wide habit of keeping things secret that don’t need to be kept secret?
In this episode, Bill Kosik of HED and chair of The Green Grid’s AI Impacts working group joins Robert for a genuinely insightful conversation about the long view of data centre design, and why the lessons from IBM’s water-cooled mainframes still apply to today’s 300kW racks.
What if the biggest barrier to liquid cooling efficiency isn’t the technology itself, but the legacy thinking that’s keeping temperatures unnecessarily low?
In this episode, Jake Roberts of Excool joins Robert for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really takes to deliver cooling solutions across global markets, and why the data center industry’s conservative approach might be leaving serious efficiency gains on the table.
What if the biggest barrier to liquid cooling adoption isn’t the technology – it’s just protecting against what happens when things go wrong?
In this episode, Cassandra Zentner of Actnano joins Robert for a refreshingly practical conversation that strips away the idealism and gets to the heart of why protection matters just as much as prevention – and why automotive-grade coating technology is already more relevant than most people realise.
What happens when you’ve been testing data centers since before “data center” was even a term?
In this episode, Dave Wolfenden of Heat Load joins Robert to trace an extraordinary journey from COBOL programming at Heathrow Airport to becoming one of the UK’s pioneering data center commissioning specialists. Starting with Argos heaters and 500kW of rack-mounted units delivered in transit vans, Heat Load has evolved to deploy up to 120MW of testing equipment across 10 articulated lorries.
In this episode, Maarten Trautmann of Oleon joins Robert to unpack why plant-based dielectric fluids aren’t just a greener alternative – they may be the key to unlocking waterless, sustainable cooling at the edge, at scale, and across Europe.
From his early fascination with Ireland to leading Oleon’s charge into liquid cooling, Maarten shares how Oleon’s biodegradable, non-toxic fluids are offering a credible path to closed-loop cooling, heat reuse, and decarbonisation – without compromising performance.
Two-phase cooling isn’t new – but it’s never been more needed.
In this episode, Dr. Richard Bonner of Accelsius joins Robert to unpack how a decades-old thermal principle, once used in industrial processes, is being reimagined to meet the explosive demands of AI and high-power GPUs.
They explore Accelsius’ patented two-phase cold plate technology – originally developed at Bell Labs – and how it’s being commercialised to deliver unmatched reliability, redundancy, and sustainability. From N+1 pump systems to the role of two-phase in future data center architectures, this episode covers everything from thermal physics to practical deployment strategies.
Craig MacFadyen is back on the podcast – this time fresh from the floor of the OCP Global Summit in Dublin.
In this episode, Craig and Robert dig into the real conversations happening around liquid cooling, hyperscaler expectations, and whether the data center world is preparing for a future that hasn’t quite arrived yet.
From CDUs and 500kW rack forecasts to the tension between innovation and affordability, they tackle the practical, the political, and the philosophical challenges facing data center cooling in 2025. Craig also shares his perspective on startup tech, smarter not newer design, and why collaboration still feels more talked about than practiced.
Is AI truly revolutionising the way we understand clients and employees? Or is it just another buzzword being tossed around?
In this episode, Ryan Scott, Chief Technology Officer at DNA Behavior, joins me to break down the real-world impact of AI in behavioural data analytics. We dive into how DNA Behavior is leveraging AI to predict client behaviour with 70% accuracy – without even requiring a questionnaire. Ryan and I explore the shift towards decentralised AI, the challenges of integrating AI-driven insights into enterprise workflows, and the ethical dilemmas of AI-powered sales intelligence.
How are modular solutions transforming the future of data centers? And what role does engineering heritage play in shaping today’s innovations?
In this episode, Robert sits down with Lewis Cobb, Head of Modular Data Center Projects at Durata, to explore the shift towards modular construction in the data center industry. With a background at Rittal and a deep understanding of mission-critical power, Lewis discusses how Durata is refining modular strategies to provide scalable, efficient, and high-performance solutions.
How is liquid cooling revolutionising the data center industry? And what does it take to stay ahead in a world where efficiency and sustainability are king?
In this episode, Christopher Bentley, President at Liquid Cooling Startup, InfraTechDC, dives deep into the advancements in direct-to-chip cooling and the evolving landscape of energy efficiency. From his formative years learning the intricacies of problem-solving to his innovative approach to cooling solutions, Christopher shares how his journey has shaped his expertise.
What role do polypropylene pipes play in revolutionising cooling solutions for modern data centers? How are they helping meet the demands of AI factories and high-density computing?
In this episode, I sit down with Jerry Chizmadia, a seasoned expert with over 15 years of experience in direct-to-chip cooling and a deep network of partnerships across the industry. Representing Aquatherm, Jerry explores how polypropylene pipes are quietly driving efficiency and innovation in the liquid cooling space.
We change things up in this episode as I join Andy Davis on an episode of the Inside Data Center Podcast, to explore some of the hottest topics shaping the data center industry today.
Here’s what we cover:
In this episode, we talk with Cosimo Pecchioli, IT Hardware & OEM Partnership Director at bp (Castrol) and Co-Leader of the Cooling Environment Project at the OCP Foundation. Cosimo dives into the pivotal role OCP plays in fostering collaboration and setting guidelines that are transforming data center cooling on a global scale.
In this episode, Noel Lynch, a respected leader in data center cooling and former Managing Director of EDPAC International, shares decades of insight into the evolution of cooling technology. Noel discusses early advancements like variable speed drives, the emergence of hybrid cooling solutions, and the industry’s shift toward comprehensive solutions that manage both liquid and air cooling. This conversation explores how collaborative approaches, and evolving standards could shape the future of sustainable, energy-efficient data centers.
Curious about the rapid changes in the cooling industry? Or wondering how consultants bridge the gap between manufacturers and data centers?
Daniel Burczyk, Director/Partner of DBK Consulting, brings over a decade of expertise in helping manufacturers and clients navigate the evolving world of cooling technology. From his unique position as a consultant to the cooling industry, Daniel offers a wide lens on liquid cooling adoption, supply chain challenges, and where innovation meets industry expectations.
Curious about the latest advancements in liquid cooling for data centers? Or interested in how DCX is leading the charge with innovative immersion and direct-to-chip cooling technologies?
Maciek Szadkowski, Chief Technical Officer at DCX, brings a wealth of knowledge in next-generation cooling solutions, drawing from years of experience managing large-scale installations and overcoming the challenges associated with high-density data environments. His passion for making liquid cooling more accessible and affordable is evident as he discusses the journey from customised boutique solutions to universal applications in data centers.
Are you intrigued by the latest trends shaping the data center industry? Or curious about how the $57 billion AI bubble is impacting site selection and innovation?
In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of data centers with Eddie Kilbane, Echelon’s head of site selection and a seasoned industry expert.
Eddie shares his insights on the current $57 billion AI bubble and the challenges it presents, including the inherent latency from innovation to execution in the data center industry.
Brendan Leonard, Managing Director at Stulz, brings a wealth of experience from every level of the business. His journey from a service technician to a leading industry figure offers valuable insights into the past, present, and future of data center cooling.
Matt Archibald, Director of Technical Architecture at nVent, shares his extensive experience and insights into the evolving landscape of data center cooling.
Curious about the potential of data centers to enhance energy efficiency? Or interested in how Nexalus is innovating the future of direct-to-chip cooling?
Dr. Cahal Wilson is an expert in thermodynamics with years of experience in energy recovery and data center cooling solutions. He combines his background in a family business with cutting-edge insights to pioneer energy-efficient designs.
We work across sectors where precision, uptime and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable. From highly regulated production environments to mission-critical infrastructure, we bring deep sector-specific knowledge to every project, ensuring the right technologies, partners and support are in place to meet the unique demands of each industry. Explore the sectors we specialise in below.
