ABB is actively supporting the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) by rapidly deploying advanced power distribution and protection solutions in data centers in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. High density AI data centers are adopting ABB's innovative HiPerGuard medium voltage uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system to enhance the reliability and energy efficiency of power supply.
Due to the fact that the power demand of AI is 4 to 8 times that of traditional servers, data centers must upgrade their critical power infrastructure to ensure that AI can operate reliably and on a large scale. ABB and its industry partners are launching a new medium voltage power protection architecture aimed at maximizing the resilience and continuity of the power system.
Sebastien Surply, head of ABB's Electrical Power Protection division, said, "We are working closely with consultants and operators in data centers to assist them in addressing challenges and implementing solutions quickly. In this demanding industry, innovation and partnerships are key to maintaining a leading position. The base of HiPerGuard medium voltage uninterruptible power supply (MV UPS) solutions we have installed in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific is growing strongly, and customers are taking advantage of opportunities to optimize their power infrastructure to maximize server availability
Adopting medium voltage power protection enables data centers to enhance AI's energy efficiency and resilience, help eliminate backup generator sets, and provide better load surge management. Under medium voltage conditions, due to the smaller current, the required cable size is correspondingly reduced, which may achieve up to 90% copper material savings, thereby reducing energy loss. Setting up uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) at the substation level also simplifies low-voltage infrastructure, reduces cooling requirements, and improves system reliability.
HiPerGuard is a medium voltage uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed for ultra large scale data centers and other critical mission facilities, providing high power density and alternative grid power. ABB's static converter system provides an alternative option for low-voltage UPS structures. HiPerGuard not only offers the same low total cost of ownership (TCO), high performance, and resilience as classic dynamic rotating UPS systems, but also adds greater flexibility and scalability.
The medium voltage uninterruptible power supply (MV UPS) system provides a more reliable grid connection, minimizing costly downtime and power outages to the greatest extent possible. HiPerGuard has an efficiency of up to 98% at voltages up to 24 kV and helps reduce carbon emissions. During the standard 15 year lifespan, it is possible to reduce 1245 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Through these innovative solutions, ABB is committed to providing strong power guarantees for data centers, supporting the rapid development and application of artificial intelligence.
