Briefs: Companies Deal in Data Center Energy, EV Charging

While Google is busy developing AI data centers worldwide, it’s also focused on mitigating the impact of these facilities on the local grids. The company has made a deal with a regional utility to enhance demand response and load balancing. Eaton is also strategizing for data centers by acquiring a company that makes a solid-state transformer to reduce size and increase energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, electric vehicle charging is on the move. Eaton will supply its connector system for a plug-in hybrid EV. Shell will eliminate its Volta chargers, and Emobi and ElectricFish are partnering to expand EV charging compatibility.

EV chargers, data centers, and EV components. Images used courtesy of ElectrificFish, Canva, and Eaton

Google To Use ML To Handle Midwest AI Data Center Loads

Google has reached a special joint contract with Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) to handle grid demand response with artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The tech giant plans to build a $2 billion data center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. “Project Zodiac” will comprise 12 buildings on 700 acres. Once in operation, the data center will significantly impact energy use.

Plans for Google’s data center, “Project Zodiac.” Image used courtesy of Sturges Property Group

The deal will allow I&M to implement a demand response program to manage energy use during peak demand times on weekdays, late afternoons, and evenings. According to Google, demand response programs allow data centers to interconnect to the grid more quickly and reduce the need for new power plants or transmission infrastructure.

Eaton’s Resilient Power Acquisition Aims for Data Centers and EV Charging

Eaton has acquired Resilient Power Systems, developer of solid-state transformer technology, with an eye on improving power density and efficiency in data centers and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Resilient employs its solid-state transformer in compact EV chargers for fleets and commercial applications. The compact transformer provides high-density power in a smaller footprint. Eaton plans to expand its use in data centers and energy storage.

Eaton To Supply Connector System for Plug-in Hybrid EVs

Eaton will partner with a global OEM to supply its high-power lock box (HPLB) SQ8 connector system for a plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) platform. This will be the SQ8 configuration’s first deployment in a PHEV.

The high-power lock box SQ8 terminal. Image used courtesy of Eaton

The SQ8 is designed for high-power, harsh environments. It uses a patented, inverted terminal contact system that delivers performance and durability within high temperatures and mechanical stress. It uses copper for maximum conductivity and a stainless steel spring to endure high-vibration environments like EVs.

In testing, the HPLB SQ8 terminal achieved a 25-35% improvement in current-carrying capability per given wire size. The system provides 30-60% more current per unit of volume. The SQ8 carries up to 270 amps with negligible resistance loss.

Eaton recommends the HPLB SQ8 for PHEVs, high-voltage heater and propulsion systems in EVs, and battery disconnect units.

Shell To End Volta, Its EV Charging Business

Shell will discontinue its Volta Charging and Volta Media businesses and dismantle its network of over 2,000 EV charging stations by the end of this year.

Volta locations in the U.S. Image used courtesy of Volta Media

Instead, Shell indicated it will focus on high-speed public charging at Shell-branded locations like service stations. The company already has established Shell charging stations in numerous locations throughout North America.

Volta began in 2010 as a startup. Its chargers integrated display screens to generate advertising revenue and were installed in shopping centers, supermarkets, and other high-traffic commercial sites. Shell acquired the company in 2023.

Emobi and ElectricFish Join To Create Grid-Independent Charging

Emobi is partnering with ElectricFish to deliver fast, grid-free electric vehicle charging.

In the collaboration, Emobi will combine its patented JustPlug technology with ElectricFish’s fast charging and microgrid-scale energy storage solutions. JustPlug is a Plug & Charge technology that allows compatibility with various EVs and chargers using ISO 15118. JustPlug also enables ISO 15118 authentication through a secure cloud and provides legacy EV chargers and vehicles to use its functionality. This covers about 80% of existing chargers, according to Emobi.

ElectricFish 350Squared EV charger. Image used courtesy of ElectricFish

ElectricFish’s 350Squared charging system delivers charging up to 350 W. It can be installed in two to three weeks and integrates up to 48 hours of backup energy in integrated battery storage.