Briefs: AI Data Centers Drive Power and Storage Solutions

Several technologies are stepping up to meet the power demands of AI data centers and the resulting grid impacts, with innovations in electrical infrastructure and energy storage systems leading the way.

Infineon and LS Electric will collaborate for DC power solutions and semiconductor-based technologies, and Inovance has released a next-generation string power conversion system and other enhanced components. In storage, Peak Energy is expanding its facilities to produce sodium-ion batteries, while ESS Tech is deploying sodium-ion batteries in its modular energy storage systems.

Data centers, energy, and storage.

Infineon and LS Electric Team Up on DC Power Solutions for Data Centers

Infineon Technologies and South Korea-based LS Electric will collaborate to develop high-efficiency direct current power infrastructure solutions. The Memorandum of Understanding targets the rapidly expanding AI data center market and next-generation power grids.

In the joint effort, the companies will develop power semiconductor-based technologies to optimize high-density energy environments. Key development areas include power conversion systems for energy storage systems, solid-state transformers, and solid-state circuit breakers.

Solid-state transformers can reduce system footprint by up to 30% in size and weight compared to conventional copper and iron alternatives while yielding higher efficiency. Solid-state circuit breakers leverage advanced semiconductors and smart algorithms to isolate faults on a microsecond scale, improving overall grid stability.

Infineon enables DC power architectures for AI data centers. Image used courtesy of Infineon

Under the agreement, Infineon will supply its extensive portfolio of power semiconductors, microcontrollers, and advanced power control solutions. LS Electric will steer the system-level design, industrial automation integration, and commercialization.

Inovance Intros Next-Gen PCS and Other Tech for Storage Systems

Inovance Technology introduced its next-generation utility-scale and commercial energy storage solutions. The rollout includes the European debut of a 432 kW String Power Conversion System (PCS) for integrated energy storage systems.

The 432 kW String PCS supports energy storage configurations up to 8 hours and is compatible with multiple battery cell formats. Powered by advanced silicon carbide technology, it delivers a peak efficiency of 99.3% and operates at full power without derating up to 50°C.

Safety infrastructure includes a fully enclosed liquid-cooling system, electrolyte leak detection, explosion venting protection, and electrical-hydraulic isolation. The hardware uses a compartmentalized architecture with front-access operation to streamline maintenance tasks.

Learn more about Inovance’s string PCS. Video used courtesy of Inovance

Inovance also upgraded the 2.5 MW Centralized PCS featuring a third-generation enclosed air-and-liquid cooling system. The architecture boosts heat dissipation by 20% and elevates power density by 30%.

The centralized platform supports critical grid functions such as grid-forming control, high- and low-voltage ride-through, black start capability, and dynamic reactive power. Inovance also displayed turnkey integrated transformer stations scaling from 3.45 MW to 12.5 MW.

Peak Energy To Build First Sodium-Ion Grid Storage Factory in California

Peak Energy will build the first U.S. manufacturing facility dedicated to grid-scale sodium-ion energy storage systems in Sacramento, California. The 183,000-square-foot facility represents a capital investment of up to $71 million.

The factory will produce up to 4 GWh of battery systems annually, enough to power nearly 4 million homes. Production and initial shipments are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027.

The facility will manufacture fully passive grid-scale storage systems designed to operate for over 20 years without scheduled maintenance. This passive cooling architecture reduces energy storage costs by 20% compared to standard options.

Battery storage factory. Image used courtesy of Peak Energy

The company has already secured more than 6 GWh of customer commitments, including agreements with Jupiter Power, Energy Vault, and RWE Americas.

ESS Tech Releases Modular Sodium-Ion Energy Storage System

ESS Tech has launched the ESS Bridge, a modular sodium-ion battery energy storage system designed for utilities, artificial intelligence-driven data centers, and critical infrastructure operators. The product expands the company's portfolio of non-lithium energy storage solutions.

The product architecture is delivered as a plug-and-play building block within a 10-foot container. The system fully integrates battery cells, modules, power conversion, cabling, and battery management system hardware and software.

The modular units are stackable, enabling operators to achieve up to 4.8 MWh of total storage capacity within the physical footprint of a traditional 20-ft. battery container. The architecture features an operational temperature range of -40 to -50°C and a 20-year design life.

ESS modular storage system. Image used courtesy of ESS Tech

The system utilizes an inherently safe sodium-ion chemistry that eliminates thermal runaway fire risks. This configuration uses basic air cooling, eliminating the need for complex HVAC infrastructure or liquid cooling systems.

ESS Tech stated that sourcing for the platform relies on abundant materials, thereby mitigating supply constraints and geopolitical risks associated with traditional lithium minerals.