ABB has announced a development cooperation with Nvidia. The cooperation focuses on the development of new power supply architectures for data centers, which are intended to meet significantly higher performance requirements in the future. The focus is on the introduction of an 800 VDC architecture with which Nvidia is planning server racks with outputs of up to 1 megawatt.
Combination of medium-voltage UPS and DC distribution
According to the Dell'Oro Group, the global energy demand of data centers is expected to increase from 80 gigawatts (2024) to around 220 gigawatts in 2030 - around 70 percent of this growth is attributable to AI workloads. New concepts therefore combine medium-voltage UPS systems with direct current distribution right into the server room. These are based on modern semiconductor power electronics and advanced protection devices. ABB refers to extensive research activities in these areas.
Technologies for higher power density and efficiency
ABB already offers solutions such as intelligent distribution systems, emergency power technology and digital monitoring tools for data centers. Current developments include HiPerGuard, a semiconductor-based medium-voltage UPS, and SACE Infinitus, an IEC-certified DC circuit breaker. Both technologies are designed to support higher power densities, better energy efficiency and a smaller footprint. The cooperation with Nvidia is intended to facilitate the industry's transition to 800 VDC architectures.