The power grid-to-chip journey: From generation to distribution
The Vertiv™ Power Train spans the entire path of electricity from generation at the grid to conversion and distribution to the chip. Each stage is designed to work together, supporting enterprise IT, edge expansion, and AI workloads with consistency and adaptability.
Switchgears and switchboards
Electrical distribution equipment that controls, protects, and isolates power—supporting reliable operation of mission‑critical systems.
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Provides backup and voltage stability, protecting IT infrastructure during grid fluctuations or interruptions.
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
Transfers power between sources seamlessly to maintain continuous operation and reduce downtime risks. *If there's redundant UPS
Static transfer switches (STS)
Distributes conditioned power to racks and systems, delivering electricity efficiently across the data center floor.
Power distribution units (PDU)
Flexible distribution solutions that adapt to scaling environments and evolving compute demands. *Extends to cover all racks
Busways and busducts
Rack-level delivery with monitoring capabilities, providing visibility and control at the point of consumption. *Available in each rack
rPDUs
The endpoint of the power train, where resilient delivery supports AI workloads, HPC, and enterprise IT performance.
Chip
Main power source delivering electricity from the utility into the data center / other facilities.
Grid
In-rack DC Power systems
UPS as instant backup power
Generator uses fuel to provide power
BESS as backup, using stored renewable energy
Unstable grid scenarios
BESS
Switchgear
UPS
Battery Cabinet
STS
Busway / RPP
rPDU
In-rack DC Power
Battery energy storage system that manages demand, supports alternative energy integration, and provides backup capacity.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS)
Automatic transfer switch that shifts between power sources to maintain continuity during utility changes. *If there's a genset
Automatic transfer switches (ATS)
Rack-level battery solution that provides localized backup, supporting critical loads close to consumption.
In-rack battery
On-site generation that delivers supplemental or backup power when grid supply is limited or unavailable. *Integrated with Vertiv™ solutions, externally sourced
Generators
Integration of solar, wind, or other alternative sources to diversify energy supply and reduce grid dependence. *Integrated with Vertiv™ solutions, externally sourced
Alternative energy
Houses batteries that supply stored energy, extending runtime and supporting UPS systems during outages.
Battery cabinets
Generator
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Power train
Disclaimer: There is no one-size-fits-all power train architecture. The configuration shown is illustrative only and may vary based on application, deployment requirements, and customer preferences.
Actual power line flow
Legend:
Interrupted power flow
Power on standby
ATS
(option for high-density AI servers)
Hot, pluggable DC power system, compactly and modularly designed for high-capacity servers and open compute environments. *Option for high-density AI servers
Remote Power Panel (RPP)
A traditional distribution method,delivering power from a PDU to multiple racks via circuit breakers
PDU
Power Generation
Power Distribution
Power Conversion
The starting point of the power journey, delivering electricity from the utility into the data center for conversion and distribution.
