Amperesand Aims to Revolutionize Data Centers with Innovative Solid-State Transformers

As data centers are projected to consume a staggering 12% of the electricity in the U.S. by 2028, technology companies are actively seeking diverse power sources, including nuclear and renewable energy. The challenge lies in the different types of electric currents generated by these sources, particularly the contrast between solar and nuclear energy.

Growing Demand for Data Centers

According to Gary Lawrence, CEO of Amperesand, “We’ve got about 90 gigawatts of data centers globally in 2023, and that’s going to increase to over 185 gigawatts by 2028, so it’s only just around the corner.” This rapid growth underscores the urgent need for efficient power solutions.

Revolutionizing Power Transformation

Amperesand is pioneering a new approach to power transformation by replacing traditional iron cores in transformers with silicon carbide. While existing transformers have been reliable for over a century, they struggle with voltage surges and require customization for each specific electricity format.

• Surge Regulation: Traditional transformers are not efficient at handling fluctuations in voltage.
• Customization: Existing designs must be tailored to different electricity formats.

Benefits of Solid-State Transformers

The innovative solid-state transformers developed by Amperesand offer several advantages:

• Multi-Port Design: Capable of managing different AC phases and converting between AC and DC.
• Integration with Renewable Sources: Can seamlessly integrate with photovoltaic solar systems, batteries, and even small modular reactors.
• Adaptive Technology: Allows for quick transitions between power sources, ensuring reliability even during grid issues.

Funding and Future Prospects

Amperesand is currently raising a Series A funding round after successfully completing a $12.5 million seed round last year. Phil Inagaki, managing partner at Temasek’s Xora Innovations, stated, “We’ve just kicked off a Series A, and it’s moving really quickly.” The company aims to target applications not just in data centers but also in electric vehicle (EV) charging and grid management.

Leadership and Strategy

With a new leadership team at the helm, including Lawrence, Brian Dow, and Tommy Joyner, Amperesand is well-positioned for growth. Inagaki, who initially guided the company’s formation, emphasized the importance of strong leadership and strategy in their expansion efforts.

Expanding into the U.S. Market

To capitalize on the vast U.S. market and access local talent, the Singapore-based startup is opening an office in the United States. Dow and Joyner, both former Tesla and Generac employees, bring valuable experience to the team. Inagaki remarked, “The U.S. is still where there’s amazing talent that we can capture.”

For more insights on the future of energy technology and data centers, visit TechCrunch or explore our internal resources on energy solutions.