Schneider Electric and Nvidia have unveiled a cutting-edge solution to tackle the growing energy demands of AI-driven data centers. The announcement introduces a new reference design for data centers, optimized for Nvidia’s advanced AI processors, while prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainability. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of high-performance computing infrastructure.
Partnering to Build Next-Gen Data Centers
At the heart of this collaboration is a reference design tailored for high-density AI workloads. Developed jointly by Schneider Electric and Nvidia, the design supports liquid-cooled AI clusters capable of handling up to 132 kW per rack. These clusters are powered by Nvidia’s latest AI chips, including the GB200 NVL72 and the Blackwell series, ensuring high computational performance while maintaining energy efficiency.
The design incorporates advanced cooling technologies such as direct-to-chip liquid cooling and liquid-to-liquid coolant distribution units (CDUs). These features aim to enhance energy usage while mitigating the environmental impact of large-scale AI operations. This initiative aligns with growing industry efforts to make AI infrastructure more sustainable.
Innovative Technologies for AI-Ready Infrastructure
Schneider Electric also introduced the Galaxy VXL uninterruptible power supply (UPS), a modular solution that offers up to 1.25 MW capacity for critical loads and can scale up to 5 MW with four units in parallel. This compact UPS design minimizes embedded carbon, streamlining shipping, installation, and maintenance processes, which further supports sustainability goals.
The integrated approach of combining AI-tailored hardware with sustainable design principles allows data centers to handle the increasing demands of accelerated computing efficiently. According to Marc Garner, Senior Vice President of Schneider Electric’s secure power and data center business in Europe, “This partnership ensures we deliver high efficiency and reliability while integrating sustainability from the outset of the design process.”
Setting the Foundation for Accelerated Computing
Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang emphasized the importance of robust and scalable infrastructure in enabling technological innovation. He stated, “Collaborating with Schneider Electric allows us to create purpose-built AI data centers that empower industries to harness the full potential of accelerated computing.”
Schneider Electric’s software suite, including Ecodial and EcoStruxure IT Design CFD, complements the reference design by offering tailored solutions for specific workload demands. This ensures that data centers can adapt to evolving needs without compromising on efficiency or sustainability.
Broader Implications for the Industry
The partnership between Schneider Electric and Nvidia sets a precedent for the future of data center design. By addressing both performance and sustainability, this collaboration highlights the growing need for holistic solutions in the AI and data center ecosystem.
As AI continues to drive demand for high-performance computing, innovations like these play a crucial role in shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow. For further insights into the intersection of AI and data center technology, explore how AWS is advancing green data center technology in collaboration with Orbital Materials.