Under the agreement, Microsoft will evaluate Saft's technology in two areas to reduce the carbon footprint of its data centers. 

Illustration-7-wReplace Diesel Generators

Microsoft has announced its goal of eliminating its reliance on diesel fuel by 2030. Diesel is used in generators to provide backup power to data centers. In addition to increasing its carbon footprint, diesel generators require regular maintenance, large on-site fuel tanks, and may be subject to regulations that limit their operation.

Microsoft considers Saft a partner because of its battery energy storage (BESS) solutions, ranging from its Intensium Max 20 high-energy container to complete BESS design and installation, including engineering, PCS, and transformers. Saft's maturity and experience in Li-ion technology, as well as in energy management software development, will help incorporate grid-connected capabilities as additional services to support backup requirements.

To achieve a longer-lasting backup system, it will be necessary to develop battery systems with large energy storage capacities and advanced control systems. Saft experts are currently working with Microsoft to assess the long-term viability of such systems. These will need to be on a scale similar to some of the grid-connected energy storage projects while also meeting the specific needs of data centers.

Sustainability specification with Flex'ion Gen 2

Microsoft also anticipates that our backup batteries latest Illustration-8-wis to use our Flex'ion Gen 2 system to save energy, ensure maximum safety, provide self-powering capabilities, and enable remote monitoring. Our experts are working closely with Microsoft data center engineers to incorporate our system into their specifications, as well as with their preferred UPS vendors. “We launched the Flex'ion Gen 2 system in November 2020 to deliver a gradual improvement in UPS battery power performance without compromising safety,” said François Danet, Director of Sales and Business Development at Saft.

“But it also offers sustainability benefits. Microsoft sees opportunities to reduce cooling requirements in data centers. This is because the Flex'ion Gen 2 is based on Saft's Li-ion electrochemistry, which can operate at 35°C with the appropriate level of safety standards. As a result, data center operators can save energy and water that was previously needed to cool the battery room and thus reduce CO2 emissions.Another advantage is the reduction of critical raw materials such as cobalt, thanks to our LFP (lithium iron phosphate)-based chemistry.”

Another useful feature for Microsoft is the self-powered battery monitoring system. The system is powered by its own battery, making it independent of mains power and providing the same availability as the backup system itself. This is important for data center operators, as it optimizes system availability.

Power density as sustainability

While it may not be immediately obvious, the Flex'ion Gen 2 system's high power density unlocks another sustainability benefit. The high-performance, energy-efficient system in a compact footprint minimizes the UPS space required. This, in turn, reduces the overall size of the data center building, from the ground up. 

“There is a significant amount of CO2embedded in the steel and concrete used for construction,” says François. “Using a high-power-density battery system can reduce civil engineering requirements. Alternatively, it can simply free up space for other services.” Co2-w

With a power density of 220 kW per cabinet, the Flex'ion Gen 2 system offers around 40% more performance than the first generation of Flex'ion. 

Another important factor in reducing the overall footprint of the UPS is safety. Due to its high safety rating (UL 9540A standard), Flex'ion Gen 2 does not require data center engineers to include approximately 1 meter (three feet) of air separation between cabinets or fire protection. This is typically required for fire safety when using other Li-ion battery systems.

Illustration-9-wLooking to the future

With several opportunities to explore, the partnership between TotalEnergies and Microsoft will be interesting to watch. Microsoft has already awarded TotalEnergies a contract to supply 47 MW of renewable energy to electrical installations in Spain. Looking ahead, the partners are working together to combine emerging technologies and digital solutions in an approach that will accelerate the path to net-zero energy.