In recent months, the world of technology has been abuzz with advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Large Language Models (LLMs), and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). These innovations have not only captured the headlines but have also sparked a domino effect, causing a reevaluation of the entire data center infrastructure that supports AI workloads.
As AI workloads continue to push the boundaries of traditional infrastructure, the question of whether alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) is the optimal choice for tomorrow’s data centers is gaining momentum. While AC has been the go-to choice for commercial and data center power distribution for decades due to its ease of transmission and standardized equipment, DC power is now emerging as a viable alternative.
According to experts like Peter Panfil, Vice President of Global Power at Vertiv, DC power has been making inroads in data centers for about two decades. The use of 400V and 800V in Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) has been common, but new applications of DC are now being explored to address the dynamic load shifts in AI workloads.
Both vendors and hyperscalers are actively developing 400V, 800V, and even 1,500V DC architectures to support the growing demands of AI workloads. Full-stack DC simulations are being conducted to validate performance under high-density compute scenarios.
One of the key advantages of DC, as highlighted by Joshua Buzzell, Chief Architect at Eaton, is its higher efficiency and the elimination of the need for AC-based UPS systems. This results in space savings and reduced conversion losses, making DC a compelling choice for powering AI data centers.
However, the path to widespread adoption of DC in data centers is not without its challenges. Component redesign, safety concerns related to high-voltage DC, and the lack of universal standards for DC distribution are some of the technical hurdles that need to be overcome.
Despite the initial cost implications of converting to DC, the long-term benefits and potential savings are significant. DC systems are more efficient, require fewer power-conversion units, and are better suited for integrating with renewable energy sources like solar PV and battery storage.
In terms of sustainability, DC has a clear edge over AC, as it results in lower conversion losses and is more compatible with renewable energy sources. The ability to connect directly to DC buses and the reduction in heat generation also contribute to lower cooling needs and overall operational efficiency.
Converting an existing data center from AC to DC may pose challenges, but with careful planning and phased migration strategies, it is a feasible endeavor. Data center managers can consider implementing isolated DC power zones or introducing DC microgrids to gradually transition to a more efficient and sustainable power infrastructure for AI workloads.
However, the transition to complete DC data centers is already underway, driven by initiatives like the Mt. Diablo project. This collaboration between Meta, Microsoft, and the Open Compute Project introduces a ±400 VDC rack power distribution system derived from EV infrastructure, offering promising results such as supporting 1 MW racks and improving rack space utilization.
Another notable pilot by ABB for Green Datacenter AG showcased the feasibility of centralized rectification and bus-bar distribution to deliver nearly 1 MW of DC power. Similarly, startups like Claros are innovating modular DC power delivery technologies with integrated voltage regulators for more efficient power distribution directly to server chips, eliminating conversion stages.
The Open Compute Project’s Open Rack standard, adopted by major players like Meta and Google, leverages 48 VDC bus-bar distribution to servers, enhancing power efficiency. Eaton’s collaboration with Nvidia aims to shift towards high-voltage direct current (HVDC) infrastructure to support high-density GPU deployments, enabling future scalability.
Experts predict a gradual shift towards DC-dominant data centers driven by AI workloads’ power demands and advanced cooling solutions. While AC power will remain essential for facility-level operations, the efficiency demands of high-density AI and GPU workloads will likely lead to the prominence of DC power within data centers, especially at higher voltages like ±400 VDC, ensuring optimal performance and scalability.
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