Uninterrupted Power: 7 Ways to Safeguard AI Ops in Hyperscale Data Centres
As global reliance on artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and real-time analytics accelerates, hyperscale data centres have become indispensable to the digital economy.
These vast infrastructures are relied on for ensuring the uninterrupted operation of AI systems that help drive any number of services, ranging from autonomous decision-making to generative computation and large language model training.
The energy requirements for these systems are unprecedented, and ensuring an uninterrupted power supply is no longer a technical aspiration; it's fast becoming a critical operational imperative.
In this article, we investigate the strategies available to hyperscalers to secure consistent power delivery. We also examine how service providers and turnkey data centre companies are supporting hyperscalers in this mission, offering comprehensive solutions to meet today’s AI-driven demands.
The Scale of the Challenge
AI workloads, particularly those involving generative models and high-performance computing (HPC), consume vast amounts of energy and require low-latency, high-redundancy environments to operate at full capacity.
Traditional grid infrastructure, increasingly pressured by decarbonisation mandates and intermittent renewables, is not always equipped to guarantee consistent delivery. Simultaneously, hyperscale growth is outpacing available energy infrastructure in many regions.
Major players such as Microsoft and Google are already adapting. Microsoft recently signed a power agreement to restart a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island, while Google is exploring small modular reactors through a partnership with Kairos Power.
These efforts illustrate a shift towards clean, guaranteed power as a stable foundation for AI operations. Yet not every hyperscaler can replicate these nuclear initiatives.
Therefore, we must consider alternative strategies.
Section 1: 7 Power Strategies for Hyperscalers
1. Diversifying Energy Sources with Clean Firm Power
To meet the continuous power requirements of AI data centres, hyperscalers are investing in clean, fixed power sources. Notably, Microsoft has signed a power purchase agreement to restart a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island, providing 847 megawatts of capacity. Similarly, Google is collaborating with Kairos Power to construct small, modular nuclear reactors for its AI data centres. These initiatives offer reliable, zero-emission power, aligning with sustainability goals while ensuring a consistent energy supply.
2. Enhancing On-Site Backup Power Systems
More efficient technologies are replacing traditional lead-acid batteries to provide reliable backup power. Nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries, for instance, offer a higher power density and a wider operating temperature range, making them suitable for modern data centres. Additionally, the adoption of distributed backup systems, such as server rack battery backup units (BBUs), allows for scalable and modular power solutions tailored to specific workloads.
3. Implementing Advanced Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
Modern AI data centres require UPS systems that are not only reliable but also scalable and efficient. Advanced UPS solutions now offer modular designs, remote monitoring capabilities, and integration with energy management systems, ensuring optimal performance and rapid response to power fluctuations. These systems are critical in protecting sensitive AI equipment from power disruptions and maintaining operational continuity.
4. Adopting Grid-to-Chip Power Management Architectures
Efficient power distribution from the grid to individual chips is essential in managing the high energy demands of AI workloads. Implementing intermediate bus converter (IBC) architectures allows for multiple power conversion stages, reducing losses and improving overall efficiency. Furthermore, vertical power delivery (VPD) techniques minimise the distance that power travels, enhancing efficiency and reducing thermal challenges.
5. Leveraging Renewable Energy-Aware Resource Management
Integrating renewable energy sources introduces variability in power supply, necessitating intelligent resource management. The Renewable Energy Aware Resource Management (RARE) system uses deep reinforcement learning to adapt job scheduling based on renewable energy availability, optimising performance while aligning with sustainability objectives.
6. Collaborating with Utilities for Infrastructure Upgrades
Hyperscalers are working closely with utility providers to develop infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale data centres. For example, in Georgia, USA, new regulations require large energy consumers to cover upstream generation costs and necessary transmission upgrades, facilitating longer-term contracts and ensuring grid reliability. Such collaborations are vital in addressing the growing energy demands of AI systems.
7. Exploring On-Site Power Generation Technologies
To reduce reliance on external power grids, hyperscalers are exploring on-site power generation options. Investments in small modular reactors (SMRs), geothermal energy, and other emerging technologies offer the potential for localised, reliable power sources. These initiatives not only enhance energy security but also contribute to sustainability goals by reducing transmission losses and associated emissions.
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To ensure an uninterrupted power supply for AI systems requires a multifaceted approach, combining these advanced technologies, strategic collaborations, and innovative resource management. As hyperscalers continue to expand their AI capabilities, these strategies will be instrumental in maintaining seamless operations and achieving sustainability objectives.
Section 2: 7 Power Solutions from Turnkey Providers
While hyperscalers pioneer power strategies, turnkey service providers are building the physical and operational frameworks to enable rapid and reliable deployment. These providers are crucial partners in operationalising AI infrastructure.
1. Cannon Technologies: Modular and Scalable Infrastructure
Cannon Technologies offers energy-efficient, modular data centre solutions designed for rapid deployment and scalability. Their "Cannon Globe Trotter" range provides transportable modular data centres, while "Cannon Data Campus" caters to multi-megawatt facilities. This modular approach allows hyperscalers to expand capacity efficiently, ensuring power and cooling systems are aligned with AI workload demands.
2. Delta Electronics: Integrated Power and Cooling Solutions
Delta Electronics provides comprehensive solutions for data centre infrastructure under its InfraSuite brand, encompassing uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), cooling systems, data centre infrastructure management (DCIM), and racks. Their integrated approach ensures the optimised power distribution and thermal management, critical for maintaining uptime in AI-intensive environments.
3. Vertiv: Advanced UPS Systems for Critical Operations
Vertiv specialises in UPS systems designed to ensure uptime for large data centres. Their solutions feature redundant configurations and dual bus capabilities, providing robust protection against power disturbances – such as blackouts, surges, and noise interference. Such protection ensures all critical AI systems remain operational and avoid interruption.
4. Novva: Full-Service Management and Support
Novva offers turnkey solutions for data centres that are focused on rapid deployment and comprehensive management. Their services include 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance, and strategic consultations, ensuring that AI workloads are supported by resilient and secure infrastructure. This holistic approach minimises downtime and enhances operational efficiency.
5. GreenScale: Sustainable and AI-Ready Facilities
GreenScale provides fully managed, turnkey data centres equipped with advanced infrastructure technologies. Their facilities emphasise sustainability, with efficient power distribution and cooling systems tailored for AI applications. This aligns with hyperscaler goals for achieving operational excellence while adhering to environmental standards.
6. Winthrop Technologies: Comprehensive Design and Construction
Winthrop Technologies delivers comprehensive solutions for data centres, encompassing design, construction, and commissioning. Their expertise spans civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, and electrical services, ensuring that power infrastructure is meticulously planned and executed to support AI workloads effectively.
7. CommScope: Engineering AI-Ready Data Centre Infrastructure
CommScope stands out as a global leader in infrastructure solutions for hyperscale clients, including Google, Microsoft, Meta, and AWS. Through its Turnkey Services division, CommScope provides end-to-end support; from initial planning and design through to implementation and ongoing services.
Their work goes beyond cabling and connectivity. CommScope actively collaborates with hyperscalers to design power-efficient, modular networking infrastructures that are AI-optimised. This includes:
By designing infrastructure that matches the power draw profiles of high-density AI equipment, CommScope plays a vital role in ensuring resilience and continuity in some of the most advanced data centres in the world.
By leveraging the capabilities of these service providers in the data centres space, hyperscalers can now address the critical challenge of ensuring uninterrupted power supplies for AI systems. These partnerships will continue to facilitate the deployment of robust, scalable, and efficient infrastructure, essential for maintaining process continuity and seamless operation in the AI era.
Key Takeaways
The pursuit of uninterrupted power is no longer confined to engineering departments. It is a strategic imperative at the boardroom level.
Those hyperscalers who lead in power strategy will shape the next era of digital transformation.