#Japan #Tokyo #NVIDIA #AI Data Centers #ABB

ABB and NVIDIA Unite for Gigawatt-Scale Data Centers

ABB has made headlines with its recent announcement of a collaboration with NVIDIA aimed at transforming the future of data centers. The focus will be on creating advanced power solutions tailored for the burgeoning demands dictated by AI workloads. This partnership is particularly crucial as the power requirements for data centers are set to increase dramatically, necessitating cutting-edge distribution technology and architecture.

The collaboration centers around the introduction of 800 VDC (voltage direct current) architecture for mega-watt server racks, a pivotal move to enhance the efficiency and scalability of power supply systems. With the exponential growth in AI workloads projected to contribute to around 70% of the overall demand for data centers, it’s clear that a revolution in power technology is not just desired but imperative.

ABB’s extensive expertise in advanced DC technology and semiconductor electronics provides a solid foundation for supporting NVIDIA’s vision for high-performance data centers. Giovanni Frigio, President of ABB Electrification, expressed confidence in their technological advancements, stating, “Our leading role in the development of new distribution technologies is crucial for realizing the next-generation data centers. We have invested early in state-of-the-art UPS and semiconductor electronics to pre-emptively address the rising power demands of AI.”

As the world anticipates the data center demand to leap from 80 GW in 2024 to an estimated 220 GW by 2030, the implications of this partnership could redefine industry standards. The projected $1 trillion in equipment investments underscores the significance of innovation tailored for AI responsiveness, making the advancement in data power architectures imperative.

Dion Harris, Senior Director of HPC, Cloud, and AI Infrastructure at NVIDIA, highlighted the need for a simplification of designs while improving efficiency, as the need for AI continues to grow globally. “Through our collaboration, NVIDIA and ABB aim to facilitate the industry's progress towards an 800VDC architecture capable of supporting high-density AI infrastructure,” he noted.

ABB's offerings extend to intelligent power distribution systems, backup power solutions, and digital monitoring technologies, ensuring the continued operation of AI servers while optimizing energy use. Notably, about 40% of ABB’s scientific research in electrification focuses on the critical areas such as power architecture and DC distribution systems, underscoring their commitment to future-proofing data center frameworks.

Recent innovations from ABB include the HiPerGuard, the world’s first semiconductor UPS, designed to enhance power density and energy efficiency within AI-centric data centers. Furthermore, the SACE Infinitus - a pioneering semiconductor circuit breaker with IEC certification – is engineered to deliver the speed and control necessary for effective DC distribution.

With over 140 years of experience, ABB stands as a global leader in electrification and automation, committed to realizing a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By integrating engineering with digitalization, they strive to enhance industrial performance, pushing forward efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Their motto “Engineered to Outrun” exemplifies their mastery in driving innovation.

ABB operates with a workforce exceeding 110,000 across the globe, and its public listings on the Swiss Stock Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB) highlight its reputable standing in the international market. For more information, visit www.abb.com.