Hitachi will be working with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to co-develop a hybrid AC/DC rack-level power distribution testbed.
The project will connect to SIT’s Multi-Energy Microgrid at its Punggol campus, a system that integrates solar photovoltaic (pV) generation and other distributed energy resources for campus-wide energy monitoring and optimisation.
The new testbed will evaluate hybrid AC/DC power distribution approaches at the rack level, including higher-voltage direct current systems designed to better integrate renewable energy. By deploying the setup within SIT’s “living lab” environment, engineers will assess performance under real operating conditions rather than simulations. Findings are expected to inform future designs for more energy-efficient and resilient data centre architectures.
Beyond technology validation, the collaboration will place SIT students alongside Hitachi’s R&D team on live assignments involving hybrid power systems and renewable integration. This reflects SIT’s applied learning approach that embeds industry projects into education to translate innovation into practice and develop future-ready engineers.
“Rapid AI adoption and digitalisation are increasing energy demand in data centres. Through SIT’s applied learning and applied research ecosystem, and campus-based energy infrastructure, we work closely with industry partners [including Hitachi] to test and refine hybrid AC/DC power solutions in real operational settings,” says Professor Steven Wong, director of the Centre of Digital Enablement at SIT.
Dr Lin Wujuan, general manager of R&D Center at Hitachi Asia, adds: “Efficient integration of renewable energy remains a critical challenge for high-demand facilities such as data centres. We are honoured to collaborate with SIT to advance renewable energy integration and redefine how high-demand facilities use power efficiently.
