Schneider Electric recently celebrated the inauguration of its new data center and microgrid research laboratories at its Global R&D Center in Andover, Massachusetts. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to research and development in energy management and automation. The new facilities are part of a €2.26 billion investment dedicated globally to support R&D efforts in 2024. Andover joins four other global R&D centers operated by Schneider Electric, solidifying its position as a leader in the digital transformation of energy management.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Advanced Power Distribution Unit Laboratory
The new additions include a 6,000-square-foot Power Distribution Unit (PDU) laboratory which boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to test high-powered voltage systems intended for the AI data center market. Outfitted with three highly sophisticated testing bays, the PDU lab serves as a critical resource for evaluating and enhancing the technologies that support rapidly expanding data centers. High-voltage test stations within the lab provide researchers and engineers the capability to simulate and rigorously test various voltage requirements to ensure safety, efficiency, and resilience.
In addition to the high-voltage systems, the PDU lab also features 3D-printing stations. These stations enable the quick prototyping and creation of custom components necessary for optimal PDU configuration and integration. Schneider Electric’s PDUs, known for their robust design and ease of installation, can be seamlessly connected with the company’s EcoStruxure software platform. This integration allows for real-time monitoring and control, ensuring that power distribution systems operate at their highest efficiency while maintaining stability and reliability, crucial for AI-driven data centers.
Comprehensive Microgrid Laboratory
The 1,500-square-foot microgrid laboratory is equipped with advanced simulation technology to mimic real-world conditions vital for the testing and development of microgrids. This includes four 90kW grid simulators and three 45kW solar simulators, which simulate the power needs of about 300 homes and the solar power generation for approximately 110 homes, respectively. Such a setup is pivotal for Schneider Electric to comprehensively test fully operational microgrids and refine solutions that promote energy resilience and sustainability.
The laboratory is engineered to assess a variety of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), which encompass on-site renewable energy sources like solar power, backup generators, battery energy storage systems, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. By incorporating these various DERs, the lab can evaluate the performance, integration, and interoperability of microgrid solutions under diverse conditions. This ensures that the products and systems developed are not only efficient but also capable of meeting the dynamic demands of modern energy needs, particularly in commercial and industrial applications.
Addressing Growing Energy Demands
Responding to the AI Revolution
Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President of Data Centers & Networks at Schneider Electric, emphasized the critical role of these new facilities in responding to the exponentially growing demand for data centers, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence. The partnership with Nvidia has been significant in this regard, as they collaboratively introduce novel data center reference designs that support higher density in AI clusters with liquid cooling, which is essential for managing the thermal loads that come with increased processing power.
This strategic collaboration aims to streamline the deployment of AI technologies by providing robust, scalable reference designs that can handle the intensive computational requirements of AI applications. By optimizing energy usage and improving the efficiency of data centers, Schneider Electric not only addresses the current market demands but also paves the way for future innovations, ensuring that their solutions remain at the forefront of the industry. These efforts highlight the company’s proactive approach to the digital transformation landscape, catering to both current and future technological advancements.
Enhancing Energy Resilience
With the AI revolution provoking significant shifts in energy consumption patterns, Schneider Electric’s energy-management sector has seen impressive double-digit growth in 2024, largely driven by the deployment of innovative energy strategies that leverage the full potential of emerging technologies. The company’s comprehensive experience in designing, building, and managing advanced microgrid projects has been instrumental in this growth. In North America alone, Schneider Electric has completed over 350 sophisticated microgrid projects, underscoring their expertise and the critical role of microgrids in enhancing energy resilience.
Throughout the past year, these microgrids have collectively managed more than 100 gigawatts of energy within the United States. This colossal amount of energy is sufficient to power approximately 75 million homes, illustrating the significant impact Schneider Electric’s energy management solutions have in terms of scalability and reliability. These advancements are not merely about meeting immediate energy needs but also about establishing sustainable, long-term energy solutions that can adapt to varying demands, thereby ensuring resilience and operational consistency across various sectors, including residential, commercial, and industrial landscapes.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Supporting Massachusetts’ Economic Growth
The establishment of these cutting-edge labs significantly bolsters Schneider Electric’s reputation as the largest clean energy company within Massachusetts. Employing 1,600 individuals across the state, with 700 based at the Andover facility, Schneider Electric continues to be both a significant economic contributor and an advocate for sustainable practices. The company’s active engagement with the Boston region as the Official Sustainability Partner of the Boston Athletic Association exemplifies its commitment to fostering environmental awareness and sustainability through high-visibility community events, including the prestigious Boston Marathon.
This proactive involvement at the community level demonstrates the company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and its role in fostering environmental stewardship. By aligning its operations and outreach efforts with broader sustainability goals, Schneider Electric effectively positions itself as not just a business leader but also as a vital community partner, driving meaningful change both locally and globally through robust and inclusive sustainability initiatives.
Aligning with Legislative Initiatives
Schneider Electric’s substantial investments and initiatives align closely with the Massachusetts Leads Act, a pivotal legislative effort designed to stimulate economic growth within emerging fields such as climate technology, life sciences, and artificial intelligence. The launch of the new laboratories was marked by an opening ceremony attended by key Massachusetts officials, including Yvonne Hao, Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development, and Rebecca Tepper, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. These dignitaries stressed the transformative impact of Schneider Electric’s research facilities in catalyzing innovation and technological advancement.
Secretary Tepper emphasized the crucial role that technologies developed by Schneider Electric play in achieving the state’s ambitious economic and climate objectives, particularly highlighting how microgrids contribute to the state’s clean energy commitments. Secretary Hao outlined the broader implications of Schneider Electric’s new labs in fostering sector-wide growth and innovation, highlighting the critical importance of data centers in fostering digital transformation across various industries. Their collective remarks underscored the state’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements to stimulate economic activity and secure a sustainable future.
Real-World Applications and Future Projects
Significant Projects and Collaborations
The newly established research facilities in Andover have already played a pivotal role in several high-profile projects that showcase Schneider Electric’s capabilities and the practical applications of their technologies. One notable project includes the development of a microgrid for JFK Airport’s New Terminal One, managed by AlphaStruxure, a joint venture with Carlyle that emphasizes innovative and resilient energy solutions. Another significant initiative includes microgrid solutions for Bimbo Bakeries’ facilities in California, under the GreenStruxure project, reflecting Schneider Electric’s comprehensive approach to tailored energy solutions for specific industry needs.
Additionally, the laboratory’s rigorous testing regimen extends to battery energy storage systems, ensuring they deliver optimal performance during critical periods such as times of peak pricing or grid interruptions. By simulating various operational conditions, Schneider Electric’s new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Andover facility—which includes seven-foot and 20-foot containerized battery systems—is tested to ensure reliability and efficiency under real-world scenarios. This comprehensive testing strategy ensures that Schneider Electric’s energy storage solutions are robust, reliable, and ready to meet diverse energy demands.
Bridging Progress and Sustainability
Schneider Electric recently celebrated the opening of its new data center and microgrid research labs at its Global R&D Center in Andover, Massachusetts. This event marks a notable milestone in the company’s dedication to advancing research and development in energy management and automation. The state-of-the-art facilities are part of a substantial €2.26 billion global investment aimed at bolstering R&D efforts in 2024. Alongside this new addition, Schneider Electric operates four other global R&D centers, underscoring its leadership in the digital transformation of energy management. These centers are pivotal in driving innovation and developing next-generation solutions for sustainable energy use and automation technologies. Schneider Electric’s commitment to R&D reinforces its mission to provide cutting-edge energy management solutions and to maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly changing industry. With these new laboratories in Andover, the company is well-positioned to lead future advancements in the field.