Bitcoin mining has seen rapid growth since the first ASIC miner shipped in 2013, increasing hardware efficiency from 1,200 J/TH to just 15 J/TH. While these advances were driven by improved chip technology, we are now reaching the limits of silicon-based semiconductors. As efficiency stabilizes, the focus must shift to optimizing other aspects of mining operations — particularly power setup.
Three-phase power has emerged as a better option than single-phase power for Bitcoin mining. With more ASICs being designed for three-phase voltage inputs, future mining infrastructure should consider adopting a uniform 480v three-phase system, especially given its abundance and scalability in North America.
Understanding Single-Phase and Three-Phase Electricity
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 settings. It has two wires: a live wire and a neutral wire. The voltage in a single-phase system oscillates sinusoidally, producing power that peaks twice during each cycle and then falls to zero.
Imagine you are pushing someone sitting on a swing. With each push, the swing moves forward and then back, reaches a peak height and then returns to the lowest point, after which you push again.
Just like swing, single-phase power systems have periods of maximum and zero power delivery. This can lead to inefficiencies, especially when constant power is required, although in residential applications this inefficiency is negligible. However, it becomes significant in high-demand, industrial-scale operations such as bitcoin mining.
Three-phase power, on the other hand, is more commonly used in industrial and commercial settings. It has three live wires, providing a more constant and reliable power flow.
In the same swing example, imagine you have three people pushing the swing, but each person is pushing at different intervals. One person pushes the swing right when it starts to slow down from the first push, the second pushes it about a third of the way through the cycle, and the third person pushes it about two-thirds of the way through. The result is a swing that moves much more smoothly and consistently because it is constantly being pushed at different angles, maintaining a steady speed.
Similarly, a three-phase power system ensures constant and balanced power flow, resulting in high efficiency and reliability, which is especially beneficial for high-demand applications such as Bitcoin mining.
The Evolution of Bitcoin Mining Power Requirements
Bitcoin mining has come a long way since its inception, and power requirements have changed significantly over the years.
Before 2013, miners relied on CPUs and GPUs to mine bitcoin. As the bitcoin network grew and competition increased, the real game-changer came with the development of ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) miners. These devices are specifically designed for the purpose of mining bitcoin, offering unmatched efficiency and performance. However, the increased power requirements of these machines necessitated advancements in power supply systems.
In 2016, a top-tier miner was capable of computing 13 TH/s with a power consumption of around 1,300 watts (W). Mining with this rig, considered highly inefficient by today’s standards, was profitable at the time due to low network competition. However, to generate meaningful profits in today’s competitive landscape, institutional miners now rely on rigs demanding around 3,510 W.
As the power requirements of ASICs and the efficiency demands of high-performance mining operations grew, the limitations of single-phase power systems became apparent. A shift to three-phase power became a logical step to meet the industry’s growing energy needs.
480v three-phase in bitcoin mining
Efficiency comes first
480v three-phase power has long been the standard in industrial settings in 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 stability and reliability of 480v three-phase power makes it ideal for operations that demand greater operating time and fleet efficiency, especially in a world of more than half the world’s electricity grid.
A primary advantage of three-phase power is its ability to provide high energy density, which reduces energy losses and ensures that mining equipment operates at optimal performance levels.
Additionally, implementing a three-phase power system can lead to significant savings in electrical infrastructure costs. Fewer transformers, smaller wiring, and a reduced need for voltage stabilization devices contribute to reduced installation and maintenance costs.
For example, a load requiring 17.3 kilowatts of power on 208v three-phase would require a current of 48 amps. However, if the same load is supplied by a 480v source, the current required drops to only 24 amps. Halving the 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 major changes to the power infrastructure is critical. The high availability of systems and components designed for 480v three-phase power makes it easier for miners to efficiently scale their operations.
As the bitcoin mining industry evolves, there is a clear trend towards the development of three-phase compliant ASICs. Designing mining facilities with a 480v three-phase configuration not only addresses current inefficiencies but also makes the infrastructure future-proof. It also allows miners to seamlessly integrate new technologies that can be designed with three-phase power compatibility in mind.
As shown in the table below, immersion-cooling and hydro-cooling techniques are better ways to scale up Bitcoin mining operations in terms of reaching higher hashrate output. But to support such a high compute capacity, a three-phase power configuration becomes necessary to maintain the same level of power efficiency. In short, this will lead to higher operating profits with the same profit margin percentage.
Implementing three-phase power in bitcoin mining operations
The transition to a three-phase power system requires careful planning and execution. Here are the key steps involved in implementing three-phase power in Bitcoin mining operations.
Estimating power requirements
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 for the power system.
Upgradation of power infrastructure
Upgrading the electrical infrastructure to support a three-phase power system may involve installing new transformers, wiring, and circuit breakers. Working with qualified electrical engineers is essential to ensure that the installation meets safety and regulatory standards.
Configuring ASIC Miners for Three-Phase Power
Many modern ASIC miners are designed to operate on three-phase power. However, older models may require modifications or the use of power conversion equipment. Configuring the miner to run on three-phase power is an important step in maximizing efficiency.
Implementation of redundancy and backup systems
To ensure uninterrupted mining operations, it is necessary to implement redundancy and backup systems. This includes installing backup generators, uninterruptible power supplies, and redundancy power circuits to protect against power cuts and equipment failures.
Monitoring and maintenance
Once a three-phase power system is operational, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are critical to ensure optimal performance. Regular inspections, load balancing and proactive maintenance can help identify and resolve potential problems before they impact operations.
conclusion
The future of bitcoin mining lies in the efficient use of power resources. As advancements in chip processing technologies reach their limits, focusing on power setup becomes increasingly important. Three-phase power, especially a 480v system, offers many benefits that can revolutionize bitcoin mining operations.
By providing higher energy 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, adopting three-phase power could pave the way for more sustainable and profitable operations. With the right infrastructure, miners can harness the full potential of their equipment and stay ahead in the competitive world of bitcoin mining.
This is a guest post by Christian Lucas, Strategy Specialist at Bitdeer. The opinions expressed are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of BTC Inc. or Bitcoin Magazine.
