movement between assets without the need for significant reconfiguration.
WHITE PAPER
ruptive faults that threaten uptime. Critical infrastructure, such as switchgear, busways, UPS systems, and power distribution networks, operates under persistent thermal, electrical, and mechanical stress, increasing the likelihood of undetected degradation over time. In AI-focused data centers, this challenge is amplified: electrical demand fluctuates dramatically as high-performance compute clus- ters cycle between idle states and peak load, subjecting medium-voltage assets to repeated in-rush currents and switching events that can overstress insulation. Any re- sulting outage can trigger substantial financial losses, SLA penalties, and long-term reputational damage. Deploying large‑scale partial discharge (PD) monitoring provides leaders with a proactive, data‑driven safeguard, identifying emerging issues early, reducing unplanned downtime, and strengthening overall operational resil- ience. IPEC is already advancing this strategy at scale through a fleet-wide program with one of the world’s largest data center operators. By deploying our ASM technology across critical substations, we provide continuous 24/7, year-round monitoring of the operator’s most essential electrical assets. This initiative demonstrates how proac- tive PD detection can be integrated into large, complex power infrastructures to enhance resilience and reduce operational risk. The following sections outline how this project was initiated and the approach taken to implement it successfully. In 2023, IPEC was approached by a Major DCO with glob- al operations to evaluate the ASM in substations contain- ing problematic switchgear. The operator had experienced multiple electrical faults and sought a deeper understand- ing of the root causes to prevent further unplanned outag- es. In response, IPEC launched a structured Pilot Program using the ASM-P variant, selected for its versatility within diverse substation environments. The ASM-P (Figure 3) is a portable, self-contained version of the ASM housed in a ruggedized case, enabling rapid deployment and easy movement between assets without the need for signifi- cant reconfiguration. 5. Pilot Project and Proof of Concept for Data Centers ASM-P units were deployed to two separate pilot sites and configured to monitor switchgear using a combination of CC-TEV, AA-Ultrasonic, and Temperature & Humidity (T&H) sensors. This sensor array provided comprehensive coverage of the switchgear environment and enabled cor- relation of partial discharge activity with contributing en- vironmental conditions. Following successful installation and commissioning, data from the pilot systems was con- tinuously monitored and reported back to the DCO. The 5 | Pa ge
Figure 3. ASM-P System
insights gained during these pilot projects demonstrated the effectiveness of continuous PD monitoring, prompt- ing the DCO to adopt the solution across its global fleet. Today, IPEC systems protect approximately 60,000 criti- cal electrical assets worldwide. Figure 3. ASM-P System ASM-P units were deployed to two separate pilot sites and configured to mo using a combination of CC-TEV, AA-Ultrasonic, and Temperature & Humid This sensor array provided comprehensive coverage of the switchgear envir correlation of partial discharge activity with contributing environmental con successful installation and commissioning, data from the pilot systems was monitored and reported back to the DCO. The insights gained during these p demonstrated the effectiveness of continuous PD monitoring, prompting the
6. Challenges and Requirements for an Effective Large-Scale Deployment Deploying large-scale monitoring systems within data centers introduces a distinct set of challenges spanning manufacturing capacity, logistics coordination, and on-site project execution. IPEC has successfully navigated these complexities to deliver on-line Partial Discharge (PD) mon- itoring at a scale previously unseen in the industry. As data center architectures continue to evolve - driven by higher power densities, rapid expansion, and increasingly modular designs - PD monitoring solutions must remain flexible, scalable, and able to adapt without compromis- ing reliability. In the following sections, we outline the key challenges encountered and the major accomplish- ments achieved throughout these deployments. 6.1 Manufacturing at Scale Meeting the demands of a global, fleet-wide deployment requires a manufacturing capability that is both robust and highly adaptable. IPEC has successfully scaled pro- duction to support aggressive project timelines by lever- aging deep internal engineering expertise and a proven ability to navigate complex, multinational supply chains. Through strategic supplier partnerships, disciplined in- ventory management, and flexible production workflows, IPEC has maintained consistent output even during periods of constrained component availability. This opera- tional resilience ensures that PD monitoring systems are built to specification, delivered on schedule, and ready
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