The world’s data appetite is insatiable — and data centres are paying the electric bill. According to the International Data Corporation, global energy consumption per server is rising by around 9% each year. Servers might be shrinking in size, but their power needs are growing — and that’s a costly combination. With energy often making up more than half of a data centre’s operating expenses, every watt matters.
Plug, play, and power smart
One way to boost efficiency is by rethinking how we connect everything. Instead of hardwired systems that eat up time and money, ‘plug and play’ connectors and pre-assembled cable assemblies are making their mark. These smart, modular connections slash installation and maintenance times, reduce downtime, and lower the total cost of ownership — all while quietly improving energy efficiency.
As servers pack more performance into smaller spaces, their connections must evolve too. The challenge? Increasing the current-carrying capacity of connectors without increasing their size. Efficiency here isn’t just about power — it’s about precision design and cutting-edge materials that can carry more current while staying cool and compact.
Turning up the current
Current-carrying capacity — the maximum current a connector can transmit for a given cable diameter — depends on how heat is managed. Larger connectors can handle more current, sure, but when space is tight, innovation has to do the heavy lifting.
To boost performance, engineers focus on three areas:
1. Cable connection: Crimping isn’t glamorous, but it’s brilliant. A well-executed crimp delivers a low-resistance, high-strength joint that maximises current flow while keeping things neat and compact. It’s the gold standard for mass assembly — efficient, consistent, and reliable.
2. Contact material: The right alloy makes all the difference. Copper-based materials are the go-to, but the design of the contact points — their number, size, and strength — plays a huge role in reducing resistance. Bigger contact surface = better conductivity = more current per connection.
3. Connector design: Ultimately, it’s about smart design. Optimising geometry, materials, and cooling pathways unlocks higher current capacity without increasing footprint — a win for both performance and efficiency.
Smarter connections for safer systems
The latest wave of smart connectivity doesn’t just move power — it moves information. Connectors can now signal their mating state, reporting on whether they’re properly connected, locked, or overloaded. Some even monitor environmental factors like temperature and humidity. This built-in intelligence keeps systems safe, efficient, and one step ahead of potential faults.
Towards the all-electric society
Energy efficiency isn’t just a data centre issue — it’s a global one. At HARTING, we’re focused on the vision of the All Electric Society: a climate-neutral world powered by renewable energy, electrified industries, and intelligent grids. In this future, data and power are seamlessly connected, working together to make the most of every kilowatt.
Of course, renewable energy comes with its own challenge: variability. That’s where energy storage technologies step in. Modular, plug-in battery storage systems allow electricity to be stored when it’s plentiful and released when demand spikes — stabilising the grid and even enabling more flexible pricing. Think of it as a smart savings account for energy.
The bottom line
Efficiency isn’t just about saving energy: it’s about designing smarter systems from the connector up. By combining advanced connectivity, intelligent monitoring, and renewable energy integration, we can power the next generation of data centres — cleaner, leaner, and ready for the future.
