Cummins and Distributors to Build Standby Power Solution for Data Centers in China
Story by Cummins Inc.
The city of Zhongwei in China’s northwest Ningxia province is fast developing into the country’s data and cloud computing hub. Driven by the Chinese government’s “East-West Data Project,” many tech companies are seeking to leverage Ningxia’s cool climate and rich renewable energy sources to create their next generation of energy-efficient data centers.
As part of this national initiative, the China Radio and Television Group (CRTG) commissioned Cummins Power Generation and its authorized distributors to build a highly reliable standby power solution for Phase 1 of its first, national large-scale data-center cluster. Backed by a total planned investment of more than 10 billion Chinese renminbi (RMB), the finished complex will revolve around nine data centers in the Western Cloud Base of Zhongwei Industrial Park. The cluster will house a planned 12,096 high-power server racks to provide computing power for CRTG’s internal business and massive colocation, storage, and cloud services for institutions nationwide.
CRTG engaged Cummins to deliver the new backup power for this first phase, which comprised two initial data centers on a 27,780 m2 site. Capable of hosting 2,016 8kW server racks and supported by numerous auxiliary facilities, the centers also had to offer flexible scalability for a huge, intelligent computing center. Phase 1 commenced in early 2023 and Phase 2 in 2025.
Cummins answered the brief by developing a N+1 redundant system architecture. This configuration utilizes an additional generator set (+1) beyond the minimum number needed, and is frequently used to optimize power availability and maintenance windows in today’s data centers.
“We’re delighted to have supplied CRTG with critical power continuity for Phase 1 of its Zhongwei operations,” said Chris Hao, upstream influence manager, genset sales, China, for Cummins. “We’re confident our successful partnership with the group will enhance the visibility of Cummins products in China’s media sector, thereby fostering future sales expansion.”
Parallel operation systems
To achieve this N+1 redundant configuration, Cummins built two parallel operation systems based on two 110 kV substations with independent power supply circuits. A total of 14 Cummins C2250D5E 10 kV high-voltage diesel generators were supplied and divided into two groups of seven, with each group assigned to deliver the standby power for each distribution system. The configuration ensured that if one group failed, the other could pick up the load.
The choice of Cummins C2250D5E generator sets aligned with the low-carbon ethos propelling the East-West Data project. With each incorporating a fuel-efficient Cummins QSK50 engine manufactured at the Cummins Chongqing Engine Plant, they comply with EPA Tier 2 and the China National Emission Standard III (CSIII) in minimizing emissions and maximizing performance.
Cummins teams provided the full technical support needed to install the generator sets on schedule. Its technicians then implemented testing and commissioning, helping ensure they were operational by the deadline.