Bitcoin mining has seen tremendous growth since the first ASIC miner hit the market in 2013, improving the efficiency of devices from 1,200 J/TH to just 15 J/TH. While these advances were driven by better chip technology, we are now reaching the limits of silicon-based semiconductors. As more efficiencies stabilize, the focus must shift to improving other aspects of mining operations – particularly power setup.
Three-phase power has emerged as a superior alternative to single-phase power for Bitcoin mining. As more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) are designed to incorporate three-phase voltage, future mining infrastructure should consider adopting a uniform 480-volt three-phase system, especially given its availability and scalability across North America.
Understanding Single Phase and Three Phase Power
To understand the importance of three-phase power in Bitcoin mining, it is first necessary to understand the basics of single-phase and three-phase power systems.
Single-phase power is the most common type of power supply used in residential environments. It consists of two wires: a live wire and a neutral wire. The voltage in a single-phase system fluctuates sinusoidally, providing power that peaks and then drops to zero twice during each cycle.
Imagine you are pushing someone on a swing. With each push, the swing moves forward and then back up, reaching a peak height and then dropping back down to its lowest point before you push it again.
Just like swing, a single-phase power system has periods of peak and zero power delivery. This can lead to decreased efficiency, especially when constant power is required, although this decrease in efficiency is negligible in residential applications. However, it becomes important in high-demand industrial processes such as Bitcoin mining.
On the other hand, three-phase power is commonly used in industrial and commercial settings. It consists of three live wires, which provides a more stable and reliable power flow.
In the same swing analogy, imagine that there are three people pushing the swing, but each person pushes at different intervals. One person pushes the swing as soon as it starts to slow down from the first push, another person pushes it until it is a third of the way through, and the third person pushes it until it is two-thirds of the way through. The result is a swing that moves more smoothly and steadily because it is constantly being pushed from different angles, while maintaining a constant motion.
Similarly, the three-phase power system ensures a steady and balanced flow of power, resulting in higher efficiency and reliability, which is especially beneficial for high-demand applications like Bitcoin mining.
Evolution of Bitcoin Mining Power Requirements
Bitcoin mining has come a long way since its inception, with significant changes in power requirements over the years.
Prior to 2013, miners relied on CPUs and GPUs to mine Bitcoin. The real change came with the development of ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) mining hardware as the Bitcoin network grew and competition increased. These devices were specifically designed for the purpose of Bitcoin mining, offering unparalleled efficiency and performance. However, the increasing power requirements of these devices necessitated advances in power supply systems.
In 2016, a high-end mining rig was capable of processing 13 TH/s with a power consumption of around 1,300 watts (W). Although considered extremely inefficient by today’s standards, mining with this rig was profitable due to the low competition on the network at the time. However, to make meaningful profits in today’s competitive landscape, institutional miners now rely on rigs that require around 3,510 W.
The limitations of single-phase power systems have become apparent as the power requirements of ASICs and the efficiency requirements of high-performance mining operations have grown. The shift to three-phase power has become a logical step to support the industry’s growing power needs.
480 volt three phase in bitcoin mining
Efficiency first
Three-phase 480V power has long been the standard in industrial environments throughout North America, South America, and other regions. This widespread adoption is due to its many benefits in terms of efficiency, cost savings, and scalability. The consistency and reliability of three-phase 480V power make it ideal for operations that require increased uptime and fleet efficiency, especially in a post-half-life world.
One of the primary benefits of three-phase power is its ability to provide higher power density, which reduces energy losses and ensures that mining equipment operates at optimum performance levels.
In addition, implementing a three-phase power system can result in significant savings in electrical infrastructure costs. Fewer transformers, smaller wiring, and reduced need for voltage stabilization equipment contribute to lower installation and maintenance costs.
For example, a load requiring 17.3 kW of power at 208 volts three-phase requires 48 amps of current. However, if the same load is supplied by a 480 volt source, the current requirement drops to only 24 amps. This reduction in current not only reduces power loss, but also reduces the need for thicker, more expensive wiring.
Scalability
As mining operations expand, the ability to easily add more capacity without the need for major overhauls to the power infrastructure becomes critical. The high availability of systems and components designed for 480V three-phase power makes it easy for miners to scale their operations efficiently.
As the Bitcoin mining industry evolves, there is a clear trend toward developing more ICs specifically for three-phase applications. Designing mining facilities with a 480V three-phase configuration not only addresses current inefficiencies, but also future-proofs the infrastructure. This allows miners to incorporate newer technologies that are likely to be designed with three-phase compatibility in mind.
As shown in the table below, immersion cooling and water cooling are superior methods for scaling Bitcoin mining operations in terms of reaching higher hash rates. However, to support such a much higher computational power, a three-phase power configuration becomes necessary to maintain a similar level of energy efficiency. In short, this will result in higher operating profit with the same profit margin.
Implementing Three-Phase Power in Bitcoin Mining Operations
Moving to a three-phase power system requires careful planning and implementation. Below are the key steps involved in implementing a three-phase power system in Bitcoin mining operations.
Energy Requirements Assessment
The first step in implementing a three-phase power system is to assess the power requirements of the mining operation. This involves calculating the total power consumption of all mining equipment and determining the appropriate capacity of the power system.
Electricity infrastructure development
Updating the electrical infrastructure to support a three-phase power system may involve installing new transformers, wiring, and circuit breakers. It is essential to work with qualified electrical engineers to ensure that the installation meets safety and regulatory standards.
Configuring ASIC Miners for Three Phase Power
Many modern ASIC mining rigs are designed to run on three-phase power. However, older models may require modifications or the use of power conversion equipment. Configuring mining rigs to run on three-phase power is a critical step in maximizing efficiency.
Implementing redundancy and backup systems
To ensure that mining operations continue uninterrupted, it is essential to implement redundancy and backup systems. This includes installing backup generators, uninterruptible power supplies, and backup power circuits to protect against power outages and equipment failure.
Monitoring and maintenance
Once a three-phase power system is in operation, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure optimal performance. Regular inspections, load balancing, and proactive maintenance can help identify and address potential problems before they impact operations.
conclusion
The future of Bitcoin mining lies in the efficient use of energy resources. As advances in chip processing technology reach their limits, focusing on power setup has become critical. Three-phase power, especially 480V systems, offers several advantages that could revolutionize Bitcoin mining operations.
By offering higher power density, improved efficiency, lower infrastructure costs and scalability, three-phase power systems can support the growing demands of the mining industry. Implementing such a system requires careful planning and execution, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
As the Bitcoin mining industry continues to evolve, the adoption of three-phase power could pave the way for more sustainable and profitable operations. With the right infrastructure in place, miners can harness the full potential of their equipment and stay ahead in the competitive world of Bitcoin mining.
This is a blog post written by Christian Lucas, a strategist at Bitdeer. The opinions expressed here are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.