amperesand Targets Data Centers with Solid-State Transformers

The Growing Energy Demands of Data Centers and Innovative Solutions

As projections indicate data centers may account for as much as 12% of total U.S. electricity consumption by 2028, technology firms are actively seeking diverse power sources, encompassing nuclear energy, renewable options, and other alternatives. However, the nature of electrical current generated by sources like solar differs significantly from that of a nuclear power plant, presenting integration complexities.

Data Center Power Capacity Expansion

According to Gary Lawrence, CEO of Amperesand, global data center capacity currently stands at approximately 90 gigawatts in 2023. This figure is anticipated to exceed 185 gigawatts by 2028, signifying rapid growth.

Amperesand's Approach to Power Conversion

Current power conversion equipment, specifically transformers, are capable of handling present demands. Nevertheless, Amperesand believes its technology offers superior performance and efficiency in this area.

Silicon Carbide Transformers: A New Paradigm

Amperesand’s core innovation involves replacing the traditional iron cores found in conventional transformers with silicon carbide. While existing transformer designs have proven effective for over a century, they exhibit limitations.

Specifically, these transformers struggle with voltage and frequency fluctuations and require customization for specific electrical formats.

Benefits of Solid-State Transformers

Solid-state transformers utilizing silicon carbide offer a potential solution to these challenges. Brian Dow, Amperesand’s chief product officer, explains that the platform is inherently modular and multi-port in its design.

“We can generate various AC phases, convert AC to AC or AC to DC. Native integration of DC sources, such as photovoltaic systems and batteries, is possible. Furthermore, compatibility with turbines and small modular reactors is achieved, allowing for seamless transitions between sources.”

Funding and Market Focus

Amperesand is currently raising a Series A funding round, following a $12.5 million seed round secured last year. This information was shared exclusively with TechCrunch.

Phil Inagaki, managing partner at Temasek’s Xora Innovation, noted the rapid progress of the Series A raise. The company’s target applications extend beyond data centers to include EV charging and grid infrastructure. The solid-state nature of the technology facilitates software-based control, and a 6 megawatt transformer was successfully demonstrated last year.

Leadership and Expansion

Xora incubated Amperesand, with Inagaki overseeing its initial development. With funding secured and a clear strategy established, leadership transitioned to a new team comprising Lawrence, Dow, and Tommy Joyner, the company’s chief technology officer.

To access the substantial U.S. market and attract skilled personnel, the Singapore-based startup is establishing a U.S. office. Dow and Joyner both previously held positions at Tesla and Generac.

The Importance of U.S. Talent

Inagaki emphasized the value of U.S. talent, stating, “The U.S. remains a hub for exceptional talent. While we have resources in Singapore, scaling at the necessary pace requires access to a larger talent pool.”