Rack Power Distribution Units (rPDUs) are essential components in modern data centres, responsible for distributing power from upstream sources such as floor PDUs, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), and generators to critical IT infrastructure. Unlike power generation systems, rPDUs do not produce electricity but serve as intelligent intermediaries that ensure reliable and efficient power delivery to servers, storage systems, and networking equipment. Their importance is amplified in high-density computing environments and edge deployments, where uptime, energy efficiency, and remote manageability are paramount.

Integrating 1D thermal modelling with intelligent rPDUs enables dynamic thermal-aware power management, further enhancing energy efficiency and reducing cooling loads. This article presents a 1D thermal modelling framework for rack-mounted PDUs, with simulation results compared against experimental temperature measurements. The goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of faster thermal models in supporting energy-efficient and thermally aware data centre operations.

This article appeared in the July 2026 Issue of BENCHMARK.