As artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation accelerate, data centers are evolving from traditional communication nodes into critical infrastructures supporting high-density computing. Many legacy data centers, built more than a decade ago, struggle to meet modern performance, energy efficiency, and operational standards.
In a recent core provincial data center retrofit, Gottogpower played a key role in upgrading power distribution systems, implementing modular UPS solutions, optimizing cooling systems, and improving operational efficiency. This project demonstrates how legacy facilities can be transformed into AI-ready data centers while minimizing downtime and avoiding major construction.
Project Background: Challenges of Legacy Data Centers
The data center, located in a central urban area, was originally designed to support local communication and data workloads. Over time, it faced several limitations:
- Space constraints: The building layout restricted the expansion of power distribution infrastructure.
- Outdated UPS architecture: Traditional centralized UPS systems lacked scalability and efficiency to support modern high-density computing.
- Inefficient cooling: Conventional air-cooling systems resulted in poor airflow management and high PUE values.
- Low rack power capacity: Typical racks delivered 2–3kW, insufficient for GPU servers and AI compute clusters.
As AI workloads and high-performance computing demand grew, the center required a legacy data center retrofit to enhance power reliability, efficiency, and operational flexibility.
Gottogpower’s Modular UPS Retrofit Solution
Power Distribution Upgrade:
The project deployed Gottogpower modular UPS systems, establishing a highly reliable and energy-efficient power foundation:
- N+1 redundancy ensures high reliability UPS operation.
- Modular design allows online maintenance and future scalability.
- Most units achieve 99% efficiency, with some 98%, and others ranging from 96–97% depending on load, minimizing energy losses.
- Compact footprint reduces space usage by ~30%, freeing valuable room for additional racks.
Distribution Architecture Optimization:
By redesigning the power distribution layout with smart busbars and row-level cabinets, the center achieved:
- Reduced cabling and eliminated unnecessary space usage.
- Improved flexibility for high-power rack deployment.
- Reserved capacity for phased expansion of high-density computing workloads.
Cooling and Energy Efficiency Collaboration:
Given the constraints of the existing building, airflow and cooling strategies were carefully optimized:
- Hot/cold aisle containment improved airflow and reduced thermal hotspots.
- Integration of UPS load data with cooling operations enhanced overall energy efficiency.
- Coordinated power and cooling strategies lowered PUE while ensuring reliability.
Digitalized Operations and Predictive Maintenance:
A unified monitoring platform enabled digitalized operations across UPS, power distribution, and cooling systems:
- Visualization of energy consumption and key operational metrics.
- Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance improved reliability and reduced downtime.
Project Results:
After the retrofit, the data center achieved significant performance improvements:
- PUE reduced from 1.7 to approximately 1.3.
- Rack power increased from 2–3kW to 6–8kW, enabling deployment of AI compute nodes.
- IT load capacity grew by over 60%.
- Operational efficiency improved by 50%, with noticeable energy cost savings.
This project demonstrates that legacy data centers can meet modern AI data center standards without extensive construction, leveraging modular UPS systems, optimized power distribution, and coordinated cooling strategies.
Conclusion:
Upgrading legacy facilities with Gottogpower modular UPS systems shows the long-term value of scalable, high-efficiency, and reliable power solutions. Modernization is not just about adding capacity—it’s about maximizing per-rack compute density, improving energy efficiency, and enabling AI-ready operations. By combining modular UPS, advanced power distribution, and digitalized management, legacy data centers can support next-generation AI workloads and cloud infrastructure while maintaining redundant power systems and high reliability.
Discover how Gottogpower can transform your legacy data center into a modern, AI-ready facility with modular UPS solutions and smart energy management. Contact us today for a customized upgrade plan.