A well-designed electrical supply supports reliable, energy-efficient data centre operations. Key factors include load profile, redundancy, cable routing and component behaviour under the intended operating conditions. An assessment of the existing installation makes these relationships visible and provides the basis for targeted improvements.
Technical and legal context updated on 8 September 2026.
Electrical design considers the entire supply chain from the grid connection to the rack. Transformers, switchgear, UPS systems and cables are matched to the load profile and availability target. No-load and load-dependent losses must be considered separately.
Efficiency at rated load alone is insufficient for comparing options if the facility mostly operates at partial load. A comparison across the expected operating profile is more informative. UPS and standby power switching and bridging times are matched to the permissible interruption and the power supply strategy.
It all starts with well thought-out planning
Electrical losses in cables depend on factors including current, resistance and operating duration. For a conductor, power loss is P = I² × R. Shorter routes or appropriately sized conductors can affect losses; a blanket savings percentage without specific boundary conditions is not reliable.
Energy storage is also selected according to its application: required bridging time, power, maintenance, space and recharging determine the appropriate design. Opportunities for waste heat recovery are assessed against the location, temperature level and actual heat demand.
Have everything in view
In addition, too little attention is paid to measurement technology in many cases. This must be structured in a meaningful and comprehensible manner. This means that the measured values must also be available regularly as an easily understandable report. This point must also be carefully considered in the planning. The operator of the data center must receive automated reports so that he is always informed about energy consumption and efficiency.
For a sustainable, electrotechnical supply of the data center, the parameters must be certain and answers to questions such as "How big will the data center be?" or "Exactly how much energy is required for this size?" must be found before construction. If something is incorrectly calculated and arranged during planning, these errors are difficult to correct later in operation.
The right tools for energy-efficient operation
For a successful planning of the electrotechnical supply z. B. High Knowledge offers the right tools. First, the energy balance is drawn up. For this purpose, all components used are arranged sensibly. Thanks to a software-based analysis, it is calculated exactly how much energy the IT or air-conditioning technology needs, for example. All individual energy consumptions in the data center are recorded and evaluated in detail. Then it can be determined exactly how big the transformer has to be, for example. The software arranges all components in a clear layout. With this modeling, all elements with short line connections can be set up intelligently.
The software used by High Knowledge carries out complex calculations for load and energy management. She accompanies the planners through the complex cycle of the entire project. “The first step is to set the course for the data center. All the required components are specified and the respective data is recorded exactly,” says Vogt, describing the procedure. In advance, the customer must specify exactly what size and performance he needs. A precise analysis is then carried out to determine which electrical bases exist at the site. Is it possible to get electricity from renewable sources like wind power? What types of energy are actually available? For example, it makes sense if the energy generator and data center are close to each other.
Engineer has the most important tools for planning and implementation
Detailed design follows the comparison of options. Components, protection strategy, selectivity, cable routes and measurement points are coordinated and documented. Calculation and modelling tools support engineering work; technical assessment and responsibility remain with the relevant specialists.
Conclusion
High Knowledge integrates electrical design with cooling, IT load and operational management. The aim is a transparently designed supply whose availability and energy demand suit the project. Statutory obligations are assessed separately for the specific facility and its operator.
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