Schneider Electric introduces the Galaxy VXL launched. This is a compact and scalable three-phase UPS designed to provide efficient power protection tailored for AI data centers, industrial applications and large-scale electrical systems.
During its digital Accelerated Innovation event, Schneider Electric is launching a new UPS developed for modern, AI-related workloads. The Galaxy VXL is a three-phase UPS from 500 to 1250 kW (400 V), designed for applications with high energy and reliability requirements. Schneider Electric specifically mentions AI and AI data centers in that context.
The UPS offers a power density of 1042 kW/m² in a 1.2 sq. ft. design. With efficiencies of up to 99 percent and up to 97.5 percent, the UPS helps reduce data center energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Schneider Electric chose a modular design so the system can deliver up to 1.25 MW from a single frame, expandable to 5 MW by connecting devices in parallel.
Lithium and lead
The Galaxy VXL is compatible with lithium-ion and VRLA batteries and includes the Live Swap feature. This makes maintenance easier and safer for the infrastructure, since the power supply does not need to be interrupted. Once again, Schneider Electric refers to the requirements of AI data centers.
The Galaxy VXL features security and monitoring options. The UPS meets IEC 62443-4-2 cybersecurity standards and supports remote monitoring via Schneider Electric’s own EcoStruxure IT software. That allows users to perform proactive maintenance, which basically minimizes outages.
Schneider Electric has high expectations for UPS demand. To meet the anticipated demand, the company has increased its production capacity. It plans to have 9,000 units per year rolling off the line by 2025.
For AI data centers
Schneider Electric expects to add 150 GW of new data center capacity by 2030. 60 percent of those new data centers will be AI-related, the company predicts. 25 percent of those are expected to handle heavy training workloads.
Although Schneider Electric is following the general trend of expectations with that prediction, we do note that data center operators at the company’s Innovation Summit in the spring of this year indicated that there are actually no AI data centers in Europe yet. In any case, the company intends to have the necessary solutions in the shop window when they do. Separately, efficiency is an interesting feature for any data center UPS, regardless of the AI context.