Powerbox launches first power supply for immersed computing applications

Powerbox, a European manufacturer of power supply solutions, has announced the release of its OFI600A12, a power supply designed for immersed applications such as hyper-loaded computing machines. The company states this is the first commercial power supply on the market developed to meet the specifications for immersed applications and guarantee a high level of safety for both the system and operators. The unit features digital supervision functions and can be factory reconfigured to meet specific task demands within minutes.

The OFI600A12 is the result of two years of research and development. It is based on an interleaved power factor correction (PFC) design with an LLC converter as the second stage. The power supply is engineered to have a low inrush current, less than 10A at 264VAC, and operates with an input voltage range of 187 to 265VAC. It offers dual outputs: a 12V/600W master output and an independent 5V/10W auxiliary output, with an efficiency rated up to 93 percent.

The device includes remote On/Off and reset functions, over-current, and over-voltage protection, complying with safety and EMC regulations. Output protection can be configured for various modes, such as shut-off, hiccup mode, or constant current, depending on the application. These configurations can be selected as factory-set profiles to suit specific requirements. The unit is protected by a conformal coating and adheres to RoHS and REACH directives.

The concept of immersed data centers, which gained traction around 2005, requires careful selection of power components. Manufacturing practices for these systems are similar to those in the marine industry, emphasizing robustness and resistance to high humidity or salty environments. Powerbox has leveraged its experience in ruggedized design for the marine sector to develop its immersed electronics, ensuring component compatibility with cooling fluids to prevent corrosion.