All of this AI will require significantly more power. It is estimated that by 2030, the additional electricity added to the grid will be equivalent to the electricity consumption of three New York Cities, largely thanks to new AI data centers. Therefore, data center power distribution design must meet new levels of performance and reliability. When designing data center UPS systems for this new era, power quality/delivery, availability, sustainability, and total cost of ownership (TCO) must be considered.
The nature and complexity of AI computing will test the resilience of data center power infrastructure. A search query on ChatGPT consumes ten times more power than a traditional Google search. This additional capacity puts enormous pressure on temperature, cooling, and grid resilience.
This increased complexity is precisely how this capacity is generated. Artificial intelligence models can reach 150% of their power capacity in seconds or even milliseconds, putting even greater stress on the entire power chain (e.g., the grid, switching equipment, UPS). All links must be optimized to work together and properly support these loads.
The rapid application of artificial intelligence is quickly changing the discussion about power density. A few years ago, the power density of data centers was typically 30kW per rack, but today, many data centers have reached 50kW per rack and are planning for 150kW, and even 500kW is being discussed in the near future.
Artificial intelligence systems will require backup systems with power far exceeding 1MW, while also needing to handle power peaks of up to 150%. Therefore, artificial intelligence requires a large-scale, single, and ideally dedicated data center.
Meeting the power requirements of artificial intelligence
No power means no data, therefore power availability needs to be analyzed. Can the power source (grid, wind, solar, etc.) support the data center? If not, how frequently is the backup power source (e.g., backup systems) used?
If a backup system is relied upon periodically, rechargeable batteries are a better fit for a UPS than float batteries. Rechargeable batteries are better suited for switching applications and continuous operation. However, their power density is lower than that of float batteries, which can lead to oversized systems.
In addition to the potential impact on battery chemistry, AI loads can place additional loads and demands on UPS systems and even the power grid. Major OEMs and utilities are continuously optimizing their systems to handle these power surges.
Achieving sustainability
Everyone agrees on the importance of sustainability. True sustainability must encompass the entire lifecycle of a battery—procurement, operation, and disposal.
A responsible and ethical manufacturer will ensure that batteries are sourced from legitimate channels. Sustainable practices should be adopted in the design and manufacturing processes.
Recycling programs vary by company and chemical composition. Lead-acid batteries have a well-developed ecosystem sufficient to cover recycling costs. The ecosystems for newer technologies like lithium-ion batteries are evolving, and therefore may incur recycling costs.
Determine the true total cost of ownership (TCO).
Four factors can accurately determine the TCO of a battery backup system:
Installation – The costs of the first day, such as batteries, cabinets or racks, and labor for connecting the system, are all included in the installation cost.
Maintenance – the most important factor is the frequency of maintenance. Another consideration is labor costs, as some technologies may require a more skilled workforce.
Replacement – Determining when to replace a battery can be very difficult when comparing various technologies. While there is no single method, it is recommended to use the standard warranty for each technology to calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The warranty clearly indicates the level of support a company provides for its products, making it the best way to compare batteries. The standard warranty should always be considered the true benchmark.
Disposal – Choosing a battery means choosing a partner. Choose a manufacturer with a battery collection and recycling program that provides an environmentally friendly, safe, convenient, and low-cost recycling solution.
in conclusion
Choosing a battery backup system for an AI data center requires consideration of many factors. A partner capable of developing a complete solution best suited to the application is just as important as the battery itself.
As artificial intelligence continues to impact electricity demand, UPS systems must be designed from the outset. This will help ensure a continuous supply of additional power.
