The rapid development of artificial intelligence applications is fundamentally changing the demands placed on data centres. Whilst traditional IT infrastructures were long designed for stable but comparatively moderate power densities, the energy requirements of modern AI systems are rising dramatically. As a result, power distribution is becoming the focal point of data centre architecture.
Against this backdrop, Siemens and Rittal have launched a strategic partnership to develop new, scalable solutions for the power supply of future high-performance data centres.
Rising power densities as a driver for new concepts
Data centres designed for AI applications are already achieving power densities of over 100 kilowatts per rack today. Forecasts suggest that this figure could rise to over one megawatt per rack in the coming years.
This development presents operators with fundamental challenges: traditional power distribution concepts are reaching their limits, as are existing approaches to cooling and heat dissipation. The infrastructure must therefore be reimagined – modular, scalable and highly standardised.
Standardisation as the key to scaling
A key objective of the collaboration is the development of standardised infrastructures for the international market.
By aligning with established standards and modular architectures, data centres should be able to be planned, built and commissioned more quickly.
Standardisation plays a dual role here: it reduces complexity whilst simultaneously increasing interoperability between different components. This is a decisive factor, particularly in dynamic environments where new computing capacities must be made available at short notice.
New architecture: power distribution in the ‘white space’
An innovative approach of the partnership is the relocation of power distribution components directly into the so-called ‘white space’ of the data centre – that is, the area where server and storage systems are located.
At the heart of this concept is a so-called sidecar power rack, which provides the power supply immediately adjacent to the IT racks. Bundling power electronics in close proximity to the consumers offers several advantages:
- shorter power paths and lower losses
- faster provision of power for high-load applications
- flexible scalability as required
- simplified integration into existing infrastructures
Such an architecture is particularly relevant for AI applications that rely on high computing power and fast data processing.
Focus on efficiency and ‘time-to-compute’
In addition to technical performance, the speed of provisioning new computing capacities is also coming into focus. In an increasingly data-driven economy, the time taken to make computing power available – often referred to as ‘time-to-compute’ – determines competitiveness.
Modular and pre-configured solutions enable new capacities to be implemented more quickly. At the same time, energy efficiency is improved, which plays a central role in the face of rising electricity costs and growing sustainability requirements.
Integration of power, cooling and security
Rising power densities affect not only power distribution but also cooling and operational safety. Higher loads lead to greater heat generation, which must be efficiently dissipated.
Future data centres therefore require integrated concepts that consider power supply, cooling and security aspects together. These include, amongst others:
- optimised low-voltage distribution systems
- modular container solutions for flexible expansion
- increased requirements for operational and personal safety
- intelligent control systems for monitoring and optimisation
Partnerships as a driver of innovation
The collaboration between Siemens and Rittal demonstrates that the transformation of data centre infrastructure is increasingly being driven by partnerships.
By combining expertise in power distribution, IT infrastructure and system integration, solutions are emerging that are designed to meet the growing demands of AI applications. Initial projects are already underway.
Conclusion
The increasing prevalence of AI applications requires a fundamental shift in the planning and operation of data centres. Rising power densities, shorter innovation cycles and higher efficiency requirements necessitate new infrastructure concepts.
Standardised, modular and scalable solutions for power distribution – particularly in close proximity to IT systems – could play a central role in this. Collaboration between technology providers will be crucial to implementing this transformation efficiently and laying the foundations for the next generation of high-performance data centres.
