ABB and NVIDIA Collaborate to Revolutionize Data Center Power Solutions for the AI Era
ABB and NVIDIA are joining forces to accelerate the development of next-generation, gigawatt-scale data centers. This collaboration focuses on pioneering power solutions essential for creating highly efficient and scalable power delivery systems to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
Addressing the Power Needs of AI
The increasing demand for electrical power driven by AI necessitates advanced power distribution technologies and architectures. ABB’s expertise in DC power and semiconductor technology will support NVIDIA’s announced 800 VDC architecture for server racks rated at 1 megawatt.
- This partnership will lead to new power solutions for future gigawatt-scale data centers.
- The growing power demands of AI require advanced power distribution technology and architectures.
- ABB’s expertise in DC and semiconductor electronics will support NVIDIA’s 800 VDC architecture.
The research and development projects will support NVIDIA’s planned introduction of an 800 VDC architecture for server racks, aiming for a 1-megawatt capacity.
The Future of Data Center Power Architecture
Efficiently delivering this level of power requires significant advancements in power distribution technology and architecture. Future data center power architectures will combine medium-voltage uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) with DC distribution to the server room, utilizing semiconductor-based devices.
“ABB is leading the development of critical new power distribution technology that will shape the next generation of data centers,” says Giampiero Frisio, President of ABB Electrification. “We have invested early in the groundbreaking technology combination of UPS, DC, and semiconductor electronics that enables data centers to stay ahead of the growing power demands of AI.”
Frisio adds, “This collaboration, supporting the development of 800 VDC architectures for future data centers, is one of many ways we engage with the data center community to meet the needs of this dynamic market.”
Market Growth and AI’s Impact
Global demand for data centers is projected to increase from 80 GW in 2024 to approximately 220 GW by 2030, with capital investments expected to exceed $1 trillion. AI workloads are anticipated to account for roughly 70 percent of this growth.
“As AI needs continue to expand worldwide, data centers must adopt new power distribution strategies that improve efficiency and simplify design,” says Dion Harris, Senior Director, HPC, Cloud and AI Infrastructure at NVIDIA. “Through this collaboration, NVIDIA and ABB are supporting the industry by developing 800-volt architectures that enable the high-density AI infrastructure needed to power the next generation of AI.”
ABB’s Comprehensive Data Center Portfolio
ABB’s data center portfolio includes intelligent power distribution systems, backup power solutions, digital monitoring, and other key technologies that ensure continuous operation and optimize energy use in AI servers. Approximately 40 percent of ABB’s scientific research in electrification focuses on areas critical to next-generation data centers, such as electrical architectures, protection devices, DC distribution, and cooling.
Recent Innovations
Recent ABB innovations supporting the data center industry include ABB’s HiPerGuard, the world’s first solid-state MV-UPS. HiPerGuard solutions help data centers increase power density and energy efficiency in a more compact format. ABB’s SACE Infinitus is the world’s first IEC-certified solid-state circuit breaker, designed to provide the speed and controllability needed to make DC distribution practical.
About ABB
ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation technologies, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By combining its expertise in engineering and digitalization, ABB helps industries perform at consistently high levels, while becoming more efficient, productive, and sustainable. The company has a history of over 140 years and employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide.
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