For the First Time, Computer Vendors Will Utilize the Modular Data Center On-Site to Highlight the Entire Energy Efficiency Ecosystem

AUTOMATION & POWER WORLD-HOUSTON, April 23, 2012 - ABB, a leader in power and automation technologies, announced that the world's first DC-Powered data center module will be fully functional at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas, during Automation & Power World, ABB's annual user and customer conference. In late 2011, ABB and development partner IO announced that they would work together to deliver DC-powered data center modules, and Automation & Power World marks the global unveiling of their joint efforts.

DC-powered technology is being increasingly adopted for electrical distribution in data centers because it reduces power conversion losses offers improved energy efficiency, reduces complexity and requires less space. All of these combine to decrease equipment, installation and maintenance costs for customers

"It is our goal at ABB to help our customers become more energy efficient through smart and sustainable technologies. For this reason, we are pursuing the further development of DC power in many contemporary applications such as electric vehicle charging, renewable energy, energy storage and data centers where substantial economic and environmental benefits can be realized," said Tarak Mehta, head of ABB's Low Voltage Products division.

The development underlines ABB's goal to expand DC-power applications. ABB recently designed and installed an advanced DC-power distribution system for green.ch, one of the top information and communications technology (ITC) service providers in Switzerland. As of May 2011, ABB holds a majority interest in Validus DC Systems, a leading provider of DC power infrastructure equipment.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people. The company's North American operations, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, employ about 20,000 people in multiple manufacturing, service and other major facilities.