AI Data centres need stable power and grid emulators are more important than ever
AI data centres are growing fast. The number of data centres in the UK is set to increase by almost a fifth, according to figures shared with BBC News. [1]
With the number being built the strain on the grid could be enormous. That means more risk: voltage dips, surges, outages—and in some cases, poor harmonic performance.
To reduce this risk, data centres are adding backup systems: UPSs, battery banks, fuel cells, and even solar. These help smooth out the worst disruptions. But they don’t fix everything. Power disturbances still reach the servers.
Server power supplies are under pressure
As AI models grow, so does server power demand. Power supplies must now handle:
- Variable load steps
- Grid instability
- Transfer switches
- Surges and undervoltage
- High-efficiency AC–DC conversion
Should the power supply not be able to tolerate these events, the system crashes—or worse, gets damaged.
That’s why engineers are turning to Grid Emulators—to simulate the real-world conditions these supplies will face.
Pacific Power Source
In the US, some of the biggest names building hyperscale and AI-focused data centres are using pacific’s AFX. These systems are designed for:
- Simulating grid faults
- Injecting harmonics
- Varying frequency and phase angle
- Producing high-voltage AC and DC output
- Running regenerative tests at high power (up to 300 kVA+)
How Caltest can help
We supply Pacific Power Source AC test systems in the UK. These are used in labs and production to simulate real grid conditions.
Whether you’re testing a server PSU, a PDU, or a full rack-level power solution, we can recommend the right setup. We also offer:
- Calibration
- Technical advice
- Application support
- Ongoing service and maintenance
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyr9nx0jrzo
