ABB, IO to develop energy-efficient data centres

automation technology firm, ABB to develop a data centre module whose electrical system uses direct-current (DC) power, which is reportedly more energy-efficient than the traditional alternating-current (AC) systems, DatacenterDynamics reports.

By feeding DC power directly to IT power supplies, multiple conversion steps that typically take place in AC-power systems are avoided, which reduces conversion-related energy loss and simplifies the infrastructure. A simpler infrastructure requires less space and may be more reliable since there are fewer components.

According to Comms Express, one of the benefits of using DC to power server racks and other equipment is that it reduces power conversion losses and can be between 10% and 20% more energy-efficient than the AC devices currently in use.

George Slessman, CEO of IO, said: "We can now deliver the entire data centre from the source on DC power, while providing flexibility to deliver alternative current power where and when needed."

Green Bang says ABB has made it a goal to expand its DC-powered offerings. It recently announced plans to design and install an advanced DC-power distribution system for green.ch, a Swiss information and communications technology service provider. And this past May, ABB gained a controlling interest in Validus DC Systems, which provides DC power infrastructure equipment.

Designed to be portable and easily packaged together, modular data centres can be manufactured and deployed more rapidly than traditional data centre buildouts.