Author: Christian Lucas, Bitcoin Magazine; Compiled by Baishui, Golden Finance

Since the first ASIC miner was shipped in 2013, Bitcoin mining has grown exponentially, increasing hardware efficiency from 1,200 J/TH to just 15 J/TH. While these advancements are being driven by better chip technology, we've now reached the limits of silicon-based semiconductors. As efficiency increases further, the focus must shift to other aspects of optimizing mining operations — particularly power settings.

Three-phase power supplies have become a better alternative to single-phase power in Bitcoin mining. As more ASICs are designed for three-phase voltage inputs, future mining infrastructure should consider adopting a unified 480v three-phase system, especially given its richness and scalability in North America.

Learn about single phase and three phase power supplies

To understand the importance of three-phase power in Bitcoin mining, you must first understand the basics of single-phase and three-phase power systems.

Single phase power supplies are the most commonly used type of power supply in residential environments. It consists of two wires: a wire of fire and a zero wire. The voltage in a single-phase system oscillates sinusoidally, and the power provided peaks and then drops to zero twice during each cycle.

Imagine you're pushing someone on a swing. With every push, the swing moves forward, then back, reaches the highest height, then falls to the lowest point, and then you push again.

Just like swings, single-phase power systems also have periods of maximum and zero power delivery. This can lead to inefficiency, particularly where stable power is required, although this inefficiency is negligible in residential applications. However, in high-demand, industrial-scale operations such as Bitcoin mining, it has become very important.

On the other hand, three-phase power supplies are commonly used in industrial and commercial environments. It consists of three wires of fire to provide a more stable and reliable flow of electricity.

In the same swing analogy, imagine three people pushing the swing, but each one pushes at different intervals. One person pushes the swing when it starts to slow down from the first push, the other pushes until one-third of the cycle, and the third pushes to two-thirds. The result is that the swing moves more smoothly and consistently, as it is continuously propelled from different angles to maintain constant motion.

Similarly, the three-phase power system ensures a constant and balanced flow of electricity, thereby improving efficiency and reliability, which is particularly beneficial for high-demand applications such as Bitcoin mining.

Evolution of Bitcoin mining power requirements

Since its inception, Bitcoin mining has come a long way, and electricity demand has changed significantly over the years.

Before 2013, miners relied on CPUs and GPUs to mine Bitcoin. As the Bitcoin network grew and competition intensified, the development of ASIC (special purpose integrated circuit) mining machines brought real changes. Designed specifically for mining bitcoins, these devices have unrivaled efficiency and performance. However, the power demand for these machines has increased, and the power system needs to be improved.

In 2016, the top mining rig was able to calculate at 13 TH/s, and the power consumption was around 1,300 watts (W). Although extremely inefficient by today's standards, mining using this type of equipment was profitable due to low network competition at the time. However, in order to generate significant profits in today's competitive environment, institutional miners now rely on miners that require around 3,510 W.

As ASIC power requirements and efficiency requirements for high-performance mining operations continue to grow, the limitations of single-phase power systems are highlighted. The transition to three-phase electricity is a logical step to support the industry's growing energy needs.

480V three-phase power supply in Bitcoin mining

Efficiency comes first

The 480v three-phase power supply has long been the standard for industrial environments in North America, South America, and elsewhere. This widespread adoption is due to its many benefits in terms of efficiency, cost savings, and scalability. The consistency and reliability of the 480v three-phase power supply makes it an ideal choice for operations that require more uptime and fleet efficiency, especially in a halved world.

One of the main benefits of a three-phase power supply is its ability to provide higher power density, thereby reducing energy losses and ensuring that mining equipment operates at optimal levels of performance.

Furthermore, implementing a three-phase power system can significantly reduce electricity infrastructure costs. Fewer transformers, smaller cabling, and reduced need for voltage stabilizing equipment help reduce installation and maintenance costs.

For example, a load requiring 17.3 kilowatts of power at 208 v three phases requires 48 amps of current. However, if the same load were powered by a 480v supply, the current requirement would drop to just 24 amps. Halving current not only reduces power loss, but also minimizes the need for thicker, more expensive wires.

scalability

As mining operations expand, the ability to easily add more capacity without overhauling the power infrastructure is critical. The high availability of systems and components designed for a 480v three-phase power supply makes it easier for miners to effectively expand their business.

As the Bitcoin mining industry evolves, the trend of developing more ASICs that meet the three-phase standard is clear. Designing a mining facility with a 480v three-phase configuration will not only solve current inefficiency problems, but also ensure that the infrastructure is future-proof. This allows miners to seamlessly integrate new technology that may be designed with three-phase power compatibility in mind.

As shown in the table below, immersion cooling and water cooling techniques are an excellent way to expand Bitcoin mining operations to achieve higher hash rate outputs. However, in order to support such high computing power, a three-phase power configuration is essential to maintain a similar level of power efficiency. Simply put, this would result in higher operating margins at the same profit margin percentage.

Implementing a three-phase power supply in Bitcoin mining operations

The transition to a three-phase power system requires careful planning and execution. Here are the key steps to implement three-phase electricity in Bitcoin mining operations.

Assessing power requirements

The first step in implementing a three-phase power system is to assess the power requirements for mining operations. This involves calculating the total power consumption of all mining equipment and determining the proper capacity of the power system.

Upgrading power infrastructure

Upgrading the electrical infrastructure to support a three-phase power system may involve installing new transformers, wires, and circuit breakers. Working with a qualified electrical engineer to ensure that the installation complies with safety and regulatory standards is critical.

Configure an ASIC miner for three-phase power

Many modern ASIC miners are designed to run on a three-phase power supply. However, older models may require modifications or the use of power conversion devices. Configuring the miner to run on a three-phase power supply is a critical step in maximizing efficiency.

Implement redundant and backup systems

Implementing redundant and backup systems is critical to ensure uninterrupted mining operations. This includes installing backup generators, uninterruptible power supplies, and redundant circuitry to prevent power outages and equipment failure.

Monitoring and maintenance

Once a three-phase power system is in operation, continuous monitoring and maintenance is critical to ensure optimal performance. Regular inspections, load balancing, and proactive maintenance help identify and resolve potential issues before they impact operations.

conclusions

The future of Bitcoin mining lies in the efficient use of electricity resources. As advances in chip processing technology reach their limits, it is increasingly important to pay attention to power settings. Three-phase power supplies, particularly 480v systems, have many advantages and can completely transform Bitcoin mining operations.

By providing higher power density, higher efficiency, lower infrastructure costs, and scalability, three-phase power systems can meet the growing needs 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, adopting three-phase power can pave the way for more sustainable and profitable operations. With the right infrastructure, miners can take full advantage of the equipment's potential to stay ahead in the competitive Bitcoin mining world.