💡Schneider Electric Pilots Software-Defined MV Switchgear with Equinix
Faster datacenter builds, less hardware tweaking
TL;DR
Schneider Electric is piloting software-defined medium voltage switchgear with Equinix, promising faster datacenter construction and easier updates. This could cut ordering and manufacturing times by up to 75%.
Schneider Electric is piloting software-defined medium voltage (MV) switchgear with Equinix, promising faster datacenter construction and the ability to add new capabilities without modifying hardware. This approach uses standardized hardware with protection, automation, metering, monitoring, and control functions configured through software. Schneider claims this can make ordering and manufacturing up to three times faster and halve the time required for commissioning and on-site acceptance testing compared to conventional engineered-to-order switchgear. The architecture is already operating in an Equinix colocation facility as part of a pilot deployment, with wider availability planned for 2028.
Key Points
Schneider Electric's software-defined MV switchgear is piloted with Equinix, aiming for faster datacenter construction and easier updates.
The approach uses standardized hardware with protection, automation, metering, monitoring, and control functions configured through software.
Schneider claims this can make ordering and manufacturing up to three times faster and halve the time required for commissioning and on-site acceptance testing.
The architecture is already operating in an Equinix colocation facility as part of a pilot deployment.
Wider availability of Schneider's software-defined MV switchgear is planned for 2028.
Why It Matters
If you're building large-scale datacenters, Schneider's software-defined MV switchgear could slash construction time and costs. For example, a gigawatt-scale compute load might require extensive medium voltage distribution, and Schneider's approach can make ordering and manufacturing up to three times faster. However, cybersecurity concerns and thorough testing are still critical.
Comments
Be the first to comment
Enjoyed this article?
Get it daily. 7am. Free. Reads in 5 minutes.
Join 3,536 builders reading daily.