Vertiv launches PowerIT rack PDUs to boost AI data centre power
Vertiv has introduced the Vertiv PowerIT rack power distribution unit (PDU), extending its PowerIT product line to address the increasing power requirements associated with artificial intelligence and high-performance computing workloads.
The new Vertiv PowerIT rack PDUs are available in power ratings up to 57.6 kW and support both 208V Delta and 240/415V WYE three-phase power distribution, making them suitable for data centre applications across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The range encompasses basic, monitored, and switched models to fit varying operational needs.
Rising power requirements
The growth of data-intensive AI and HPC applications is putting additional demands on modern data centres. According to Vertiv, racks are now frequently supporting power densities that exceed 25 kW, necessitating robust and high-capacity distribution solutions. The new products are engineered to help operators efficiently distribute and balance loads, minimising the risk of circuit overloads while stabilising voltage output.
"The growing adoption of AI and HPC applications is driving unprecedented power demands in data centres. Vertiv PowerIT rack PDU demonstrates our commitment to meeting these evolving needs with an end-to-end portfolio," said Andrea Ferro, VP power & IT systems for Vertiv in EMEA. "By providing solutions specifically engineered for high-density computing, we're enabling our EMEA and global customers to efficiently scale their power infrastructure while maintaining the reliability and flexibility needed for next-generation data centres."
The PDUs are suitable for use in demanding environments, capable of operating in temperatures of up to 60°C (140°F) and humidity levels reaching 95%. Vertiv emphasises the reliability of these units under such conditions, which are common in high-density server rooms supporting advanced IT loads.
Power management features
The Vertiv PowerIT rack PDUs provide operators with real-time power usage monitoring on the monitored and switched variants, facilitating optimised energy management throughout the data centre. Switched models offer additional remote outlet-level control, enabling rapid adjustments to deployment configurations and the ability to protect critical IT loads through enhanced management capabilities.
Security also features in the product's monitored models, which include the Secure Boot feature. This security mechanism integrates a proprietary hardware trust anchor, designed by Vertiv, to maintain the integrity of the network card's firmware by preventing unauthorised modifications. This aligns with heightened industry focus on strengthening infrastructure against cybersecurity risks.
Customisation and support
Vertiv is providing configure-to-order and engineered-to-order options, allowing customers to select their required outlet configurations, input types, and chassis colours. This flexibility aims to help data centre operators match power distribution infrastructure closely to the specific requirements of their IT deployments.
The Vertiv PowerIT rack PDUs are available with the company's Distribution Assurance Package, which offers a seven-year comprehensive coverage plan, 24/7 emergency response, remote and on-site support, and professional start-up services. This package is designed to assist customers in maintaining system reliability and maximising operational uptime for critical compute environments.
The roll-out of the Vertiv PowerIT PDUs comes as operators across the industry face challenges in scaling existing power infrastructure to support the new generation of high-density computing. The introduction of PDUs rated up to 57.6 kW is positioned to provide greater scalability and operational resilience for facilities upgrading in response to AI and HPC-driven demand.