Hitachi has partnered with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to create a pioneering Hybrid AC/DC Rack-Level Power Distribution Testbed for data centres. This initiative, the first of its kind in Singapore, will be integrated with SIT’s Multi-Energy Microgrid at the Punggol Campus. The microgrid, a first for a Southeast Asian university, combines solar photovoltaic generation with other energy resources to optimise campus-wide energy use. This collaboration will allow Hitachi and SIT to test advanced hybrid power solutions in real-world conditions.
The increasing digitalisation and AI demand in Southeast Asia are driving up energy consumption in data centres, particularly in tropical climates. This trend highlights the need for more efficient energy solutions to reduce costs and carbon emissions. The testbed will explore hybrid AC/DC power distribution, including higher-voltage direct current systems, to improve renewable energy integration. The results will inform future developments in energy-efficient data centre architectures.
SIT students will benefit from hands-on experience in energy innovation, working with Hitachi’s R&D team. This aligns with SIT’s approach to applied learning, preparing students for future engineering challenges. Dr Lin Wujuan of Hitachi Asia emphasised the importance of integrating renewable energy in high-demand facilities, stating, “This collaboration is a testament to our ongoing commitment to developing sustainable solutions.”
Professor Steven Wong from SIT added, “Through SIT’s applied learning and research ecosystem, we work closely with industry partners to test and refine hybrid AC/DC power solutions.” This partnership underscores SIT’s role in advancing practical energy innovation and supporting sustainable digital infrastructure.
