Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, has expanded its PowerUPS 9000 uninterruptible power supply (UPS) family with a new 1.8 megawatt model, extending the platform’s capacity from 250kW to 1,250kW. The expanded range is now available across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, targeting large-scale data centres and high-density AI environments.

The system is designed to handle the rapid, unpredictable power swings created by AI workloads, where GPU clusters can shift from low utilisation to peak demand within milliseconds. Such swings can stress batteries, switchgear, generators, transformers and upstream utility infrastructure if left unmanaged.

Built for GPU load swings, tested with STT Singapore

The 1.8MW model incorporates Vertiv’s Battery Shield technology, which reduces unnecessary battery cycling during sudden load transitions, and Input Power Smoothing, which helps stabilise input power flow and ease stress on upstream electrical infrastructure. Vertiv said it tested the control technologies using a proprietary AI load simulator across multiple workload profiles, battery configurations and fluctuation ranges, with results showing stable input current behaviour despite extreme output variability.

In Singapore, Vertiv has also worked with STT Singapore to test the system against real-world AI infrastructure conditions, including rapid load transitions and tighter coordination between UPS operation, energy storage and upstream power infrastructure.

“AI is fundamentally changing data center infrastructure requirements across Asia, driving demand for higher-density power systems that can respond faster and manage the effects of these dynamic AI workloads,” said Tony Gaunt, vice president for product management, Vertiv Asia.

Preserving battery health under extreme fluctuation

Vertiv said the platform is engineered around three priorities:

• Energy efficiency and serviceability across large-scale deployments
• Deployment flexibility within existing power and thermal infrastructure strategies
• Advanced state-of-charge management to preserve battery availability for backup operations

“Traditional UPS systems were not designed for the rapid and repetitive load transitions created by modern GPU environments. The latest expansion in the Vertiv PowerUPS 9000 family incorporates Vertiv’s advanced control, patented technologies that help stabilize power behavior during extreme load fluctuations, while preserving battery health and reducing stress on upstream electrical infrastructure,” said Arunangshu Chattopadhyay, director of AC power and power distribution, Vertiv Asia.

The expanded PowerUPS 9000 family is designed to integrate into Vertiv’s broader power and thermal infrastructure strategy for high-density AI and enterprise data centre applications across the region.