ZincFive has unveiled a new battery system tailored specifically for AI data centers, utilizing nickel-zinc (NiZn) technology instead of the conventional lithium-ion batteries that dominate the market. The BC 2 NiZn AI battery cabinet is designed to effectively manage the energy demands of critical AI workloads within data centers.
This innovative battery solution operates in two modes: it serves as both an energy backup system and manages energy consumption actively when not deployed for backup needs. ZincFive claims that the system boasts an ultra-fast transient response and high power density, along with the added benefits of safety and sustainability provided by the nickel-zinc chemistry. This enables data centers to adjust seamlessly to the increasing demands of AI infrastructure.
The BC 2 AI battery is engineered to effectively handle abrupt power spikes generated by GPU clusters and AI training setups while still supporting traditional IT operations reliably. By managing power dynamics at the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) level, it alleviates pressure on existing infrastructures, cuts capital expenditures (CAPEX), and improves interactions with the grid.
Tod Higinbotham, CEO of ZincFive, remarked that with the launch of the BC 2 AI, the company is offering a safe, sustainable power solution that is ready to meet the high demands of AI workloads while continuing to support traditional IT requirements. He emphasized that this development marks a pivotal moment not just for ZincFive but for the entire data center sector adapting to the AI-driven landscape.
Additionally, the design of the BC 2 AI is more compact compared to competing systems, which can occupy significantly more space to accommodate AI-related power surges—sometimes requiring two to four times more space to manage loads that exceed 150% of UPS-rated capacity. ZincFive’s more efficient design allows for better handling of power needs while minimizing the footprint.
