Have you ever wondered where all the data from social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are stored? If you guessed “in the Cloud” you’re right. However, this data also needs to be kept in local data centers.

Recently, AI has grown a lot, which I’m very sure that you would know by now.  For example, there were only about 20 AI models in 2019, but now there are over 400 in 2024, and the power of computers, especially those with GPUs, has increased 500 times since 2020.

So this BIG growth in computer power means data centers need to be better and faster. So HUAWEI is helping by offering a complete data center service across ALL industries, working with different partners to make sure they have the best solutions to power the digital era forward for today’s data centers.

And I will tell you how after visiting the Global Data Center Facility Summit 2024 in Singapore.

 

So, the event started with Mr. Charles Yang, the Senior Vice President of HUAWEI and President of Global Marketing, Sales, and Services under HUAWEI Digital Power, talking about how to embrace the Intelligent Computing Era, followed by other key speakers as well.

And then we adjourned to the exhibition area to get the absolute breakdown of how HUAWEI and the partners are planning its Data Center Management moving forward.

HUAWEI’s Contribution

So, let’s start with HUAWEI’s Contribution, on how they are making this whole project a true success.

Now, HUAWEI’s main aim is to provide solutions for being green, simple, smart, and reliable. 

With that, they are the ones that will be looking to provide the PowerPOD, UPS, EHU, Fan Wall, SmartLi, and management system.

While there are tons of ways to achieve this, let’s examine the 6 key ways that they are planning the next generation of Data Center Facilities.

1. Prefabricated Modular Data Center (Large Data Centers)

Let’s first talk about the prefabricated modular data center.

Now, this exists because traditional data centers (DC) have many issues, like complex delivery and a time-to-market (TTM) of more than two years. That’s why pre-fabricated modular DCs are way more reliable. 

So, prefabricated modular data centers can be built in the factory, reducing the time-to-market to as fast as six months.

Traditional data centers have a lower cooling system efficiency, known as PUE (power usage effectiveness), and prefabricated data centers are more efficient because 90% of the work is done in the factory, reducing on-site changes and design alterations.

2. FusionModule (Small and Medium Data Centers)

Next is the FusionModule, which is one module one DC.

So there are 3 different types and physical sizes of the FusionModule which are the FusionModule2000, which has a large screen with AI cooling efficiency and is used for small to medium-size data centers like central bank centers and enterprise headquarters.

Then there is the FusionModule800, which is more suited to medium-sized enterprises and government institutions

and the FusionModule500, which is ideal for small data centers, such as bank branches or even offices as well.

3. Smart Cooling System

So, all of these data centers need to be cooled but also needs to be smart, hence why HUAWEI has developed 2 methods of its Smart Cooling System.

Firstly, there is the indirect evaporative cooling solution EHU, which uses a modular controller and fan driver that can be replaced in just 1 minute for hot-swappable maintenance. 

By maximizing the use of free cooling sources, the solution greatly improves cooling efficiency, saves water and electricity, and of course, achieves ultimate energy efficiency.

Then there is the Fan Wall Chilled Water, which supports sufficient cooling capacity even in tropical climates. And it supports the higher temperature of supply water up to 20°C, which can effectively reduce the chiller power consumption. 

So with uninterrupted cooling during active/standby power switching, the Fan Wall also supports the modular design of the fan driver and power module, and the hot-swappable maintenance time is less than 3 minutes.

So yes, this EHU and Fan Wall Chilled Water indeed are the best solution, especially for large data centers.

4. UPS

Then, the third way is through HUAWEI’s high-end UPS systems.

So UPS, in case you didn’t know, stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply, so imagine if you are using your PC at home and suddenly your home electricity goes off and your PC stays powered. Well, the UPS is designed to ensure your critical equipment operation remains uninterrupted.

And from an industry standard, these are important to make sure that areas like Metro Areas, which can be impacted by power outages, can be rectified and have no interruptions, and for Precision Manufacturing like Mining, this is even more crucial for that as well.

And speaking of mining, if you haven’t seen our video of us going 900 meters underground at the Lilou Coal Mine in Shandong, China, check out that video in case you haven’t done so.

5. SmartLi

Then there is the unique SmartLi.

Now this is a total game-changer in the industry because not only it work hand in hand with UPS but also is designed to be easily monitored, highly reliable, and has comprehensive oversights at multiple levels.

So this lithium battery has 10 hardcore protection and five-layer battery management system (BMS) protection, which ensure the ultimate reliability and this is all thanks to the temperature, voltage sensors, fault rectification module, fire extinguishing module, and more.

Firstly is the AI-enabled Warning for potential issues, before any faults occur.

There is even an active current sharing that supports new and old mixed battery cabinets.

Finally, the intelligent balance control ensures that all parts of the lithium battery are working properly at its peak performance.

6. PowerPOD

Then, finally, let’s talk about the PowerPOD technology.

So, this PowerPOD tech is divided into two parts, Indoor PowerPOD and Outdoor PowerPOD.

The key benefit of this Indoor PowerPOD is that it has full link visibility, so it is very reliable. It also has AI proactive prediction and over 150 temperature measurement points compared to traditional methods.

Power efficiency also decreases power consumption by up to 70%, lowering electricity fees, and the space utilization is vastly reduced by 30%, cutting down the number of cabinets from 18 to just 10, and the time efficiency for its delivery time is reduced from 2 months to just 2 weeks! 

As for the Outdoor PowerPOD, besides the ones available just outside offices and campuses, here is where we will dive into the case study of HUAWEI’s Outdoor PowerPOD, which is the next thing that we’ll be talking about.

 

6.1 HUAWEI Outdoor PowerPOD

So, this is Outdoor PowerPOD, which is a prefabricated power supply and distribution solution that features the fusion of cooling and power systems. 

It integrates multiple components into just one container, shortening the delivery period from 24 weeks to just 18 weeks, meeting the requirements for fast delivery and flexible capacity expansion. 

And with that, it is designed to accommodate CPUs and high-density GPUs very efficiently.

And specifically for this HUAWEI Outdoor PowerPOD provides an extremely efficient, reliable, and scalable power supply solution for modern-day data centers, addressing the evolving needs of various industries with innovative technology, design, and most importantly, functionality. 

 

7. Partner’s Contribution

So all of these can be achieved very efficiently thanks to HUAWEI’s partner’s contribution. While there are many partners involved, here are the key ones.

 

CIMC

First is CIMC, which started as a company that just made containers. Now, they have also helped build data centers over the past 15 years. 

Now, moving forward, CIMC helps HUAWEI by making special container-like data centers and also works with other suppliers to make sure everything runs very smoothly.

 

TELLHOW

Then, TELLHOW is a partner who is based in Shenzhen, China and makes high- end low-voltage products, so they specifically work with HUAWEI on low-voltage systems. 

They handle everything from design and research to manufacturing, installation, and even after-sales support, where their mission is to build new power systems and promote green energy as their power systems are compact, modular, and very cost-efficient. 

 

WEICHAI

Finally, the company WEICHAI is a company that is in charge of power generation, as they are a company that has been providing such power generation in all areas or fields.

So yes, this significant collaboration between HUAWEI, CIMC, and WEICHAI comes in the form of the HUAWEI PowerPOD 3.0, which we saw outside at the Marina Bay Sands outdoor area.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, my biggest takeaway is this – it is amazing how HUAWEI and its partners are transforming data centers to make them better and more efficient.

From pre-made data centers, FusionModule, and the SmartLi to the PowerPOD, this is a great testament that data centers are ready for the future. 

They can handle all the data while using less energy, which means that all the apps, websites, and everything that we love can be kept running smoothly and reliably.