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The Role of GPO in Power Distribution and Modern Data Centers

Benefits of GPO in Data Centers

Author: Chris Urban, Industry Segment Manager


The demand for high-performing, energy-efficient power distribution systems to power and secure data centers is growing exponentially as businesses adapt to a digital-first world. These critical facilities must meet the increasing demands of data processing and storage while ensuring sustainable, dependable, and safe operations. At the heart of these advancements is GPO (Glass Polyester), including the specialized GPO-3, a highly engineered thermoplastic material that combines optical clarity, exceptional thermal resistance, structural durability, electrical insulation properties, and flame retardancy.

Whether in power distribution systems or modern data centers, GPO materials play a pivotal role in protecting equipment, enhancing performance, and ensuring safety. This article explores the applications and benefits of GPO and GPO-3, particularly in transformers, and data center infrastructure, and highlights the importance of sourcing from trusted suppliers like thyssenkrupp Engineered Plastics.

What is GPO?

GPO plastic materials, including GPO-3, are specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of power distribution systems and data center environments. These materials are indispensable for critical applications like transformers, power distribution systems, and server enclosures known for their unique properties:

  • High dielectric strength
  • Exceptional thermal resistance
  • Flame retardancy
  • Structural durability

In power distribution, GPO and GPO-3 components ensure the safe and efficient flow of electricity by providing reliable insulation, reducing energy losses, and preventing equipment failures. For transformers, GPO-3 is frequently used in insulating panels, coil supports, and barriers, ensuring long-lasting, reliable performance even under high loads. Similarly, in data centers, these materials protect sensitive equipment from electrical and thermal risks, minimize downtime, and support a more sustainable, energy-efficient operation.

GPO and GPO-3 Plastic Materials

Key Benefits of GPO and GPO-3

Thermal Management Solutions

Efficient thermal management is critical for both power distribution systems and data centers, where intense heat is generated by transformers and servers during operation. GPO materials, including GPO-3, are designed to withstand high temperatures, providing essential heat resistance and thermal stability that protect equipment and maintain optimal performance.

In power distribution systems, GPO materials are used in heat shields, transformer housings, phase barriers, and coil supports, where they function as thermal barriers to dissipate heat and prevent overheating of critical components. This ensures reliable and efficient power distribution while protecting high-voltage equipment.

In data centers, GPO components are employed in server racks, airflow management systems, and thermal barriers to channel airflow effectively. This ensures that cool air is directed precisely where it’s needed, improving overall thermal efficiency and reducing the risk of equipment failure.

By minimizing overheating, GPO materials help mitigate the risk of system downtime in both power distribution networks and data centers, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Electrical Insulation

Reliable electrical insulation is vital for ensuring the seamless operation of power distribution systems and data centers, where the risk of electrical faults or fires must be minimized. GPO materials, especially GPO-3, excel in providing superior dielectric properties, ensuring safety and reliability even in high-voltage environments.

Dielectric Properties

GPO materials have exceptional dielectric strength, making them excellent insulators. This critical property prevents short circuits, reduces the risk of electrical fires, and ensures uninterrupted power flow.

Key Applications

  • Transformers: GPO-3 is widely used as insulating panels, coil supports, and barriers, protecting windings and cores while improving operational reliability.
  • Data Centers and Power Distribution Systems: GPO is essential for the fabrication of control panels and enclosures, providing reliable insulation and ensuring operational safety.

Fire Resistance: Ensuring Safety in Power Distribution and Data Centers

Fire safety is a fundamental consideration in the design and operation of power distribution systems and data centers, where electrical faults and high temperatures can pose significant risks. GPO materials, including GPO-3, are inherently fire-retardant, making them a reliable choice for critical components that must comply with stringent safety standards. GPO materials resist combustion and maintain their structural integrity under high temperatures, offering enhanced protection against fire hazards.

GPO’s fire-resistant properties ensure compliance with local and international fire safety standards. In data centers, fire-resistant GPO materials are used in server enclosures, thermal barriers, and electrical panels, safeguarding critical infrastructure and sensitive equipment. In power distribution systems, GPO components contribute to the overall safety of transformers and electrical housings.

Sustainability Benefits of GPO in Power Distribution and Data Centers

As businesses increasingly prioritize environmentally responsible practices, GPO materials offer a range of benefits that contribute to reducing the overall environmental footprint of these critical operations beyond their exceptional performance and safety features. By incorporating GPO components into their infrastructure, organizations can reduce landfill contributions and promote resource efficiency, aligning with global sustainability goals and regulatory requirements. The durability of GPO materials ensures long service life, reducing the frequency of replacements and minimizing the demand for raw materials. This extended lifespan helps conserve valuable resources and leads to lower operational costs by decreasing the need for frequent repairs and maintenance.

Furthermore, GPO’s thermal efficiency plays a pivotal role in energy conservation by reducing the amount of energy required for cooling systems. In data centers, where temperature regulation is essential to maintain optimal performance, GPO’s superior insulation properties help mitigate heat buildup, leading to reduced reliance on energy-intensive cooling equipment. This not only supports data centers in meeting their energy reduction targets but also contributes to overall cost savings and a smaller carbon footprint. Similarly, in power distribution applications, GPO materials help maintain efficient thermal management, preventing overheating and ensuring that energy is used more effectively across the system. By leveraging these sustainable benefits, power distribution networks and data centers can enhance their operational efficiency while making meaningful progress toward environmental responsibility.

GPO Benefits Sustainability Efforts

Conclusion: GPO as a Cornerstone of Data Center Innovation

As data centers evolve to meet the demands of a digital-first world, the role of advanced materials like GPO becomes increasingly critical. The ever-growing need for higher data processing speeds, increased storage capacities, and improved energy efficiency requires data center infrastructure to be built with materials that offer superior performance and longevity. GPO materials provide a unique combination of benefits, including unmatched thermal management capabilities, exceptional electrical insulation properties, sound-dampening qualities, and fire resistance, making them an indispensable component in modern data center design. With data centers operating around the clock and generating significant heat loads, GPO materials help regulate temperatures effectively, ensuring optimal airflow and reducing the strain on cooling systems. Their excellent dielectric strength prevents electrical failures, safeguarding critical hardware from potential damage and minimizing downtime. Additionally, GPO’s sound-dampening properties contribute to a quieter, more efficient working environment by reducing noise generated by high-performance servers and cooling equipment.

By sourcing GPO materials from trusted suppliers like thyssenkrupp Engineered Plastics, data center operators can ensure consistent quality, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. We offer a comprehensive range of GPO solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of data center applications, from thermal insulation panels to electrical enclosures.

Whether it's improving thermal performance, ensuring electrical safety, or enhancing overall facility resilience, thyssenkrupp Engineered Plastics provides the solutions needed to support the evolving demands of today’s data centers. When it comes to enabling customers to accelerate performance and increase value, thyssenkrupp Engineered Plastics stands out as a leader in delivering innovative material solutions that drive the future of data center innovation.

Contact us today to learn how thyssenkrupp Engineered Plastics can accelerate your Data Center project with GPO!


About the Author

Chris Urban, Industry Segment Manager at thyssenkrupp Engineered Plastics, is a seasoned expert in the power distribution industry. With over 26 years of experience in engineered plastics, Chris has established himself as a thought leader in providing innovative solutions for switchgear, transformer, and electrical insulation applications. His deep understanding of engineering plastics and high-performance plastic stock shapes allows him to tackle complex challenges in the power distribution market, consistently delivering value to his customers. Chris's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, coupled with his collaborative approach and willingness to share insights, has made him a respected voice in the field of power distribution and electrical insulating plastic materials.

Chris Urban, Industry Segment Manager

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