Accelerating AI Data Center Deployment with Software-Defined Medium-Voltage Switchgear

Overview

The paper compares traditional engineer-to-order (ETO) medium-voltage switchgear with software-defined platforms built on digital relays, low-power instrument transformers and configured functionality. The subject is shortening MV distribution lead time under the rapid-deployment pressure of AI data centres. The comparison uses a 20-panel, 34.5 kV, 2,500 A lineup. Control wiring falls from 4,800 m to 635 m, an 87 percent reduction; terminals fall from 12,000 to 1,120, 91 percent fewer; and copper use drops 85 percent. These reductions directly affect workshop and site labour.

The end-to-end schedule shrinks from 31.5 weeks to 11.5 weeks (64 percent shorter, 2.7 times faster). Engineering and manufacturing drops from 26 to 8.5 weeks, and installation and commissioning from 5 to 2.5 weeks. Campus MV distribution is commonly at 13.8 kV or 34.5 kV. The benefits go beyond schedule, extending to operational flexibility and reduced personnel exposure. Results rest on one example lineup, so gains may differ in other configurations, and manufacturer lead times should be confirmed per project.

Practical defaults for a schedule estimator can be drawn from the paper: about 26 to 32 weeks for traditional ETO MV switchgear and about 12 weeks for the software-defined option. The catalogue can hold MV voltage presets of 13.8/34.5 kV (North America) and 11/20/33 kV (IEC). On projects where lead time is critical, the two options should be compared side by side.

Key points

1. End-to-end schedule 31.5 to 11.5 weeks (64 percent shorter, 2.7 times faster)
2. Engineering and manufacturing 26 to 8.5 weeks; installation and commissioning 5 to 2.5 weeks
3. 87 percent less control wire (4,800 to 635 m)
4. 91 percent fewer terminals (12,000 to 1,120)
5. 85 percent less copper
6. Comparison case: 20-panel, 34.5 kV, 2,500 A lineup
7. Campus MV distribution commonly at 13.8 kV or 34.5 kV

Using it in design

• In the schedule estimator, default MV switchgear lead time to about 26-32 weeks (ETO)
• Offer a software-defined option at about 12 weeks
• Keep MV voltage presets in the catalogue: 13.8/34.5 kV (North America), 11/20/33 kV (IEC)
• Include this option in comparisons for projects needing short lead times

Who should read it

Project managers and MV designers of hyperscale and AI data centres targeting fast deployment.

Related standards

• IEC 62271-200
• IEC 61850
• IEEE C37.20.2

Publication details

Authors

John Slater; Wendy Torell; Venanzio Paolo Ferraro; Maxime Durand; Amita Sonar

Publisher

Schneider Electric

Year

2026

Document number

WP 303

Document language

English

Source type

Manufacturer

Access

Free to read

Licence

Copyright retained; citation only — the publisher’s terms apply to the original document

Citation