microsoft-backed veir is bringing superconductors to data centers

Data Center Power Demands and Innovative Solutions

The power requirements of data centers have experienced substantial growth, escalating from tens of kilowatts to as much as 200 kilowatts within a short timeframe. This rapid increase has prompted data center developers to proactively design future facilities capable of accommodating these escalating loads.

According to Tim Heidel, CEO of Veir, the trend is set to continue. He stated to TechCrunch that power demands will likely reach 600 kilowatts in the coming years, eventually progressing to a megawatt. Discussions are already underway regarding the architectural design of data centers equipped to handle multi-megawatt racks.

Challenges with Traditional Power Infrastructure

As power scales increase, conventional low-voltage cabling used to supply power to the racks begins to present limitations. These limitations include excessive space consumption and the generation of substantial heat.

To address these issues, Veir has modified its superconducting electrical cables for deployment within the data center environment. The company’s initial offering is a cable system designed to deliver 3 megawatts of low-voltage electricity.

Veir's Technology Demonstration and Pilot Program

Veir has constructed a simulated data center near its Massachusetts headquarters to showcase the capabilities of this technology. Pilot programs are scheduled to commence in data centers next year, with a projected commercial launch anticipated in 2027, as indicated by Heidel.

Superconductors represent a unique class of materials capable of conducting electricity without any energy loss. However, their functionality relies on maintaining temperatures significantly below freezing.

Shifting Focus from Transmission Lines to Data Centers

Veir initially concentrated on leveraging superconductors to enhance the capacity of long-distance power transmission lines. However, the adoption of new technologies by utility companies tends to be deliberate and cautious. While the potential for utilities to utilize superconductors for high-demand transmission remains, the timeline for such implementation is longer-term.

“The data center sector demonstrates a significantly faster pace of innovation, evolution, growth, and problem-solving compared to the transmission industry,” Heidel explained.

Evolving Customer Needs

Veir has engaged in discussions with data centers for several years. Recently, the nature of these conversations has shifted.

Previously, the primary concern voiced by potential clients centered on grid interconnection challenges. However, a growing number of customers are now prioritizing solutions for issues within their own campuses and buildings.

Adapting Core Technology for Data Center Applications

The startup has adapted its existing technology, originally developed for transmission lines, to meet the low-voltage requirements of data centers. Veir sources the superconductors from established suppliers.

These superconductors are encased in a protective jacket containing liquid nitrogen coolant, maintaining the material at a temperature of -196˚ C (-321˚ F). Termination boxes are utilized at the cable ends to facilitate the transition from superconducting to copper cabling.

“Essentially, we function as a systems integrator, responsible for constructing the cooling systems, manufacturing the cables, and assembling the complete system to deliver substantial power within a limited space,” Heidel stated.

Performance Advantages of Veir's Cables

Veir asserts that its cables require 20 times less space than traditional copper cables while enabling power transmission over five times the distance.

“The artificial intelligence and data center industries are actively seeking immediate solutions and are under considerable pressure to maintain a leading edge,” Heidel concluded.