The speed-to-power movement is driving decision-making in the data center industry as it searches for near-term solutions to its power supply needs. The inability of many utilities and wholesale market control areas to bring new capacity on-line in a timely manner has prompted many data centers to go behind-the-meter (BTM) and create microgrids and other forms of on-site power.
Yet this approach also carries risk. Generators can become compromised by generative AI spikes. Likewise, lithium ion (li-ion) batteries may also fail much earlier than anticipated.
This white paper highlights how relying upon domestic sourcing of raw materials and supply chains and manufacturing of a different kind of energy storage technology – supercapacitors – is a prudent but largely unrecognized approach to speed-to-power. Rather than competing with either generators or li-ion batteries, supercapacitors complement these on-site assets. Absent from too many discussions today among data centers seeking smart approaches to resilient, reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure are the key role that supercapacitors can play.
Supercapacitors are adept at near-instantaneous bursts of power to smooth out load gyrations that can wreak havoc with power generation equipment. Since the florrent technology is sourced from domestic waste streams and manufactured in the U.S., it can be viewed as a way to maximize economic and environmental benefits locally. In addition, US-sourced supercapacitors enjoy additional tax benefits – up to 10% – that most other supercapacitor suppliers cannot provide.
