APAC data center operator Digital Edge has developed a new energy storage system to replace traditional batteries data centers. Digital Edge has partnered with South Korean energy solutions company Donghwa ES to create what it calls a Hybrid Super Capacitor (HSC) Energy Storage System, a new type of alternative power supply for its UPS systems. Digital Edge claims that this alternative has the potential to revolutionize data center power generation support for future AI and hyperscale workloads.
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Traditional batteries
According to the company, the data center industry currently relies on lithium-ion batteries or lead-acid batteries for backup generators and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), which allow operators to maintain uptime in the event of a power outage on the grid. However, as demand for higher power density deployments increases, the data center industry faces increasing pressure to improve energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.
HSC Energy Storage System
The two companies jointly developed the HSC Energy Storage System technology. Digital Edge says initial testing has been successful and the company has confirmed plans to deploy this technology in select new-build data centers.
The HSC technology uses a hybrid energy storage method that combines activated carbon from an electric double-layer capacitor with carbon from a lithium-ion battery. This combination provides a solution that reduces negative electrode degradation compared to other technologies.
Extended lifespan
This allows the HSC to have a longer lifespan, with an estimated replacement cycle of more than 15 years, or nearly 2.5 times longer than other battery products, the data center company explains.
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Digital edge said: “Working with Donghwa, we are proud to have developed the HSC Energy Storage System, which we hope will increase the security and reliability of the data center industry while supporting our environmental commitments.”
Donghwa ES said: “Through our partnership with Digital Edge, we aim to set a new standard for energy storage systems in the global data center industry. In particular, we plan to make joint efforts to deploy energy storage systems in hyperscale data centers in the Asia-Pacific region, which is experiencing the highest growth in the world.”
Safety and reliability
The HSC is designed to withstand higher temperatures than traditional batteries, up to 65 degrees Celsius, meaning the equipment requires no cooling. Digital edge This makes the HSC well-suited to support energy-intensive AI and high-power density deployments that require complex liquid cooling.
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Further, Digital edge The HSC says the HSC can charge faster in minutes, allowing it to efficiently handle multiple consecutive power outages within a data center. In addition, no metal oxide is used, which fundamentally eliminates the risk of fire due to thermal flooding, significantly reducing the potential fire hazard.
