Unlock Efficiency and Performance in Data Centers
January 27, 2025
The digital world is evolving at breakneck speed, yet many data centers are struggling to keep up due to aging infrastructure. According to the Uptime Institute, 55 percent of data centers are over a decade old, and nearly 25 percent are older than 15 years. With such a significant portion of facilities nearing or exceeding their intended lifespans, modernization is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. From optimizing power distribution to upgrading cooling systems, there are numerous ways to breathe new life into these critical facilities and meet the demands of high-performance computing.
A fresh look at power distribution
Modernizing a data center often begins with its power distribution system. Today’s IT equipment is designed to handle voltages between 85 to 264 volts AC, making voltage conversion an enticing opportunity for boosting efficiency. Distributing power at 415 volts AC for conversion from 240 volts AC, for example, can yield significant benefits—but compatibility is key. Servers, cooling systems, UPS (uninterruptible power supply) units, and transformers must be assessed to ensure they can handle the shift—or upgraded if they can’t. Equipment originally designed for 480 volts AC, for instance, might encounter performance issues when operated at lower voltages.