Schneider Electric Targets AI Data Centers With Intelligent Power Distribution

What happened

French energy management company Schneider Electric, at Data Center Korea 2026 held in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, on Nov. 4, presented integrated solutions covering high-voltage distribution, server power delivery and liquid cooling under the theme "From Grid to Chip, From Chip to Cooling," showcasing high-voltage switchgear, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), coolant distribution units (CDUs) and integrated operations software, along with its intelligent power control center (IPCC) and intelligent motor control center (IMCC). According to the company, AI is driving data center capacity from tens of megawatts to 100–200MW, with next-generation AI server racks expected to consume more than 1MW each, pushing up incoming supply voltages: conventional data centers typically receive power at 22.9kV, while large-scale facilities use 154kV supplies and must install their own substations to step down voltage. On power architecture, Nvidia is pursuing the adoption of an 800V high-voltage DC architecture for next-generation AI data centers; Schneider Electric said it is preparing a roadmap toward an eventual transition to fully DC-based systems, noting the transition will take considerable time, UPS systems may still be used during the interim, and some applications may no longer require them once the transition is complete; solid-state transformers (SSTs) could replace certain UPS functions, while batteries, including battery backup units (BBUs), are expected to become even more important for managing substantial AI workload power fluctuations. For cooling, Schneider Electric acquired liquid cooling specialist Motivair last year, securing direct-to-chip (D2C) cooling and high-capacity thermal management technologies, and showcased Motivair's MCDU-25 coolant distribution unit at the event; it also links its electrical power management system (EPMS) with its building management system (BMS) to provide integrated management of power and cooling infrastructure.

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Source and time

Source: The Elec · 11/5/2026 · View original source