Siemens and Rittal collaborate on AI data center power infrastructure

Siemens and Rittal have recently unveiled a strategic partnership with the goal of revolutionizing power distribution infrastructure for the next generation of data centers. This collaboration is specifically designed to address the rapidly growing power demands fueled by AI workloads, all while expediting the deployment of cutting-edge, high-performance facilities.

The primary focus of this partnership is to create standardized infrastructure solutions for the IEC market that can effectively support the evolving architectures of future data centers. For engineers and infrastructure designers, this collaboration serves as a clear indication of how power distribution is adapting to accommodate significantly higher rack power densities and quicker deployment cycles.

Tackling the Surge in AI Power Densities

The surge in AI workloads is pushing data center infrastructure to unprecedented limits. With power densities already surpassing 100 kW per rack in AI facilities, Siemens and Rittal predict that this figure could skyrocket to over 1 MW per rack by the year 2030.

Meeting these escalating demands will necessitate innovative approaches to power distribution, cooling, and heat recovery. Siemens Smart Infrastructure is leveraging its expertise in electrical power distribution, while the Friedhelm Loh Group, under its Rittal brand, is contributing its knowledge in racks and standardized infrastructure tailored for hyperscale environments.

Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Loh, owner and CEO of the Friedhelm Loh Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the enhanced partnership with Siemens, stating, “Both companies are driven by the desire to innovate. As technology leaders, we have a responsibility to keep strengthening our customers’ competitiveness with the latest technologies.”

Introducing the “Sidecar” Rack for Simplified Power Delivery

One of the initial outcomes of this collaboration is the development of a next-generation “sidecar” power rack that is positioned directly within the white space of a data center alongside server cabinets.

Unlike traditional power distribution methods, this concept consolidates power electronics within a dedicated rack that directly supplies power to nearby server racks. This innovative architecture not only facilitates rapid deployment but also supports standardized and scalable power delivery, according to Siemens and Rittal.

The system is built on Open Compute Project (OCP) standards and incorporates modular technologies from both companies. By combining Siemens electrical components with Rittal infrastructure platforms like RiLineX and Ri4Power, the solution aims to optimize performance efficiency, particularly in terms of tokens-per-watt for AI workloads.

Andreas Matthé, CEO Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, emphasized the importance of swift and reliable power supply solutions for data centers, especially in the context of AI growth. He highlighted Rittal as an ideal partner for speed and standardization in infrastructure.

Expanding Infrastructure Initiatives

Besides the innovative sidecar concept, Siemens and Rittal are also working on a standardized low-voltage distribution system tailored for modular and containerized data centers. Additionally, efforts are being made to enhance operational safety and personnel protection within high-density facilities. The companies have revealed that initial customer projects based on these joint developments are already in progress.

Looking ahead, the partnership between Siemens and Rittal has the potential to extend beyond data centers and into other industrial and infrastructure applications where scalable and standardized power distribution is increasingly crucial.