Data Centers & EV Charging
Data Centers and EV charging facilities must take advantage of new power electronics technologies to meet future performance requirements and mitigate their impacts on the electric power grid
Data Center Power
Data centers are expected to consume as much as 12% of all electricity generated in the U.S. by 2028 (U.S. Department of Energy). Future data servers will require hundreds of kilowatts per rack, which is driving industry leader NVIDIA to recommend the 800 volt direct current architecture as “the optimal architecture for next-generation power distribution.” As illustrated in the power flow diagrams below, this represents a paradigm shift from the current practice of distributing AC power throughout the data center, which then must be converted to DC within every server rack to run DC-powered graphics processing units (GPUs).
Converting grid AC power to DC “at the perimeter” of the data center instead of within each server rack offers many advantages, including:
- Improving overall AC-to-DC conversion efficiency
- Reducing the size and cost of cables used to distribute power throughout the facility
- Simplifying and reducing the costs of server racks
- Simplifying the integration of distributed energy resources such as solar energy, backup battery, and fuel cell generator systems
Converting AC to DC at the perimeter is best achieved with a solid-state transformer (SST), which saves space and reduces installation complexity by replacing not only the traditional step-down transformer, but several other pieces of equipment including rectifiers and power quality equipment such as harmonic filters and voltage regulators. Properly designed SSTs will also be safer than conventional transformers, eliminating flammable materials and offering the ability to shut down much faster in the event of a lightning strike or equipment malfunction.
Bandgap Technologies offers several industry-leading data center solutions, including:
- Modular SST components such as the PowerGate Bridge
- Complete turnkey SST systems capable of delivering 800 or 1,500 volt DC power
- Variable frequency drives to control server cooling pump motors
- DC-to-DC converters to convert 800 or 1,500 VDC distribution power to 12-volt power for GPUs
EV Charging Facilities
EV charging facilities present similar challenges to those created by data centers. DC fast chargers require about the same amount of power as large, modern data servers, driving additional demand for DC power distribution and required equipment. Future EV charge station needs will include SSTs capable of delivering the same distribution voltages as data centers, along with DC-to-DC converters built into charge dispensers to charge EV battery packs at variable voltages ranging from 400 to 800 VDC. RockeTuck’s SST and related power conversion products will be demonstrated at an EV charging facility at the Port of Long Beach in Calfiornia starting in late 2027, in collaboration with the charging facility owner, Zeem Solutions.
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