Summary:
- Applied Digital partners with ABB to innovate energy-efficient solutions for AI capabilities at their North Dakota campus.
- The partnership introduces a new medium voltage power architecture using ABB’s HiPerGuard UPS technology.
- The collaboration aims to revolutionize the electrical infrastructure of large-scale data centers to support the growing demands of AI Factories.
Article:
Applied Digital and ABB Partner to Revolutionize Data Center Infrastructure
Applied Digital, a leading builder and operator of next-generation data centers, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with ABB to enhance the energy efficiency and reliability of their North Dakota campus.
The collaboration between Applied Digital and ABB aims to meet the evolving needs of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by introducing innovative, fast, and energy-efficient solutions. This long-term partnership has already seen the first orders being booked in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, signaling the beginning of a transformative journey in the data center industry.
Introducing HiPerGuard UPS Technology
Central to this partnership is the introduction of a new medium voltage power architecture utilizing ABB’s HiPerGuard Medium Voltage Static Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) technology. This industry-first solution is designed to help AI data centers increase power density, reduce electrical plant footprints, and enhance energy efficiency.
By transitioning from traditional low voltage power distribution and UPS systems to medium voltage solutions, data centers can scale more efficiently in 25 MW blocks. This streamlined approach simplifies installation, increases reliability, and supports greater energy efficiency through reduced conversion losses and heat generation.
Redefining Electrical Infrastructure for AI Factories
Todd Gale, Chief Development Officer at Applied Digital, expressed excitement about the partnership with ABB, stating, “What we are building with ABB is going to completely change the way our industry designs large-scale data centers. By leveraging ABB’s cutting-edge technology and global reach, we are able to redefine the electrical infrastructure landscape and meet the growing demands to support large scale AI Factories.”
Massimiliano Cifalitti, Smart Power President at ABB Electrification, emphasized the significance of partnerships like this in accelerating the timeline for AI-ready data centers. ABB’s technology, designed for peak performance and innovation, is poised to deliver scalable and resilient power infrastructures to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
As the partnership between Applied Digital and ABB continues to evolve, the data center industry can expect to witness a paradigm shift in electrical infrastructure design, optimizing efficiency and resilience to support the demands of AI-driven technologies.
