The Future is Here: How Starline Busway is Powering the AI Servers of Today and Tomorrow

The skyrocketing popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over aspects of every industry that we can imagine. AI is revolutionizing telecom, healthcare, finance, transportation and manufacturing, by automating processes, enhancing decision-making and improving efficiency.

In the world of data centers, efficient and reliable power distribution is crucial for the smooth operation of AI servers. That's why many data centers are turning to the innovative Starline Busway system, which provides a flexible and scalable solution for delivering power to mission-critical equipment. With Starline Busway, power is distributed via a compact, pre-engineered track that can be easily reconfigured or expanded as needed, without the need for costly and time-consuming electrical work. This makes it ideal for data centers that need to accommodate growing workloads and changing equipment configurations. And with advanced features like continuous monitoring and real-time power management, Starline Busway ensures that AI servers receive the clean and stable power they require to deliver accurate and timely results. Overall, Starline Busway is an ideal solution for data center operators who need a reliable and efficient power distribution system to support their AI workload.

ChatGPT is the most prominent AI-powered tool of today, with more than 1 billion visits since it’s November 2022 release. Its most popular use has been content generation - including writing the previous paragraph of this very post! Generative AI models like ChatGPT are constantly training and refining to improve. This kind of demand has led to advancements in computing power and cloud computing, making it even easier and more affordable for businesses and individuals to access AI technology. As a result, the increase in demand for smart devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) has created new opportunities for AI applications, such as voice assistants and autonomous vehicles, that can enhance how people live and work.

What’s the backbone of these innovations? A little thing called a GPU. Graphics processing units – better known as GPUs – are fundamental computing engines that are efficient at

processing large and complex tasks with a lot of repetition. GPUs are more than just the graphics cards that make video game imagery look good, they’ve become key components for running AI and machine learning servers because of their versatility and performance, but with that comes higher power usage requirements for data centers than ever before at the server rack level.

The Importance and Benefits of Power Distribution Technology

Power distribution technology is critical for data centers because it ensures that power is distributed efficiently and reliably to the various IT equipment and systems supporting data center operations. Data centers use enormous energy to manage computing tasks that power up AI technology and communication networks. The IT equipment and infrastructure within data centers also require a constant and reliable power supply to operate efficiently and effectively. In addition, the power distribution infrastructure must be designed to accommodate the data center’s high energy requirements and provide backup power during unforeseen power outages.

A well-designed power distribution system can also improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. Technologies like virtualization and energy-efficient power supplies can help reduce the overall energy consumption of the data center.

Many scenarios that facility managers encounter require electrical infrastructure changes, such as adding or upgrading equipment, reconfiguring floor layouts, adding onto an existing building, constructing an additional facility, moving operations to a new location or responding to rapidly changing market demands. Regardless of the reason for the change, power distribution needs are always a crucial consideration in this process.

How Track Busways Work to Power Today’s Servers

A better alternative to using conduit for power distribution is a track busway system. A track busway system offers high-performance power distribution for equipment with various power needs.

Track busway systems are designed to allow substantial flexibility for a configuration to meet specific facility needs. The system operates as a custom overhead power grid (it’s also possible to wall or rack-mount it) with an open channel for inserting power plug-in units at any location to provide a power source at the exact location needed. It is offered from 40A through 1200A and consists of straight sections, elbows and tees that create the paths for power distribution and are coupled with power feed units to supply incoming power. The plug-in units integrate the circuit breakers and electrical outlets that provide power to equipment.

Track busway systems are also scalable and can grow and change easily along with the facility’s needs. Adding new busway sections when expanding or moving sections when making changes is simple. Track busway also allows facility managers to have power deployed at the point of use rather than install various conduit runs from equipment back to the panels. Busway systems are an ideal alternative to pipe and wire. It’s about bringing power to vital equipment

instead of hauling the equipment to a fixed and constricting power source or power distribution layout.

Take Advantage of Legrand’s Series-S, IP54 Rated Track Busway Power Distribution System Today

The Starline Series-S Track Busway combines the performance, functionality and flexibility of our proven Track Busway system with the added benefit of an IP54 ingress-protection rating. The systems are available from 100 amps to 1250 amps, allowing users to install the system anywhere that additional water, dust or other contaminants require up to IP54 or NEMA 3R ratings. The protection level extends to our uniquely designed plug-in units, which are offered with a wide variety of watertight IEC- and NEMA-rated devices to meet any need.

With this new product, we can help manufacturing for facility managers who need a splashproof and highly dust-resistant electrical distribution system by delivering flexibility and reliability to meet facility changes. Unlike pipe and cable or busduct, the Series-S track busway offers flexibility to make quick and easy changes with the scalability to accommodate higher power loads, as demonstrated by successful installations in data centers and industrial applications.

Power distribution technology ensures reliable and efficient power delivery to the IT equipment and infrastructure within data centers. It is critical for modern-day businesses and organizations that rely on data processing and storage. A well-designed and maintained power distribution system like Legrand’s Series-S, IP54 rated track busway power distribution system can help reduce downtime, improve energy efficiency and ensure the continued operation of mission-critical systems. These systems will be instrumental in powering AI technology’s growth for the data centers and mission-critical spaces of today and tomorrow. Contact a Starline team member to learn how a track busway system is the right decision for your application needs.