Techzine TV podcast

800V DC will power future AI data center infrastructure

Coen or Sander Season 3 Episode 12

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 28:58

Rob Bunger, Global Director of Data Center Solution Architecture at Schneider Electric, sits down with us to talk about why the industry is moving from traditional 48V AC to 800V DC power distribution for next-generation AI workloads. As AI racks scale from 150kW to potentially 1MW per rack, the current power architecture simply cannot deliver the required density without consuming all available rack space with cabling and power supplies.

The solution involves leveraging 800V DC technology (partly coming from the EV charging industry), deploying power through sidecar systems, and eventually centralized DC distribution. This shift addresses critical challenges including space constraints, safety requirements, and the need for live-swap capabilities in high-density environments. Bunger discusses real-world deployment timelines, with pilot projects expected in 2024, and explains how this represents a fundamental shift in data center power architecture.

Key takeaways:
• Why 48V AC power distribution cannot scale beyond current AI rack densities
• How 800V DC reduces cabling complexity and saves rack space
• The role of sidecar systems in transitioning to DC power
• Safety testing and breaker technology for high-voltage DC systems
• Timeline for commercial deployment of 800V DC infrastructure

Chapters:
0:15 - Introduction to 800V DC power systems
1:38 - Current 48V power architecture explained
3:21 - Power density challenges with AI racks
8:12 - Why 800V DC is the solution
12:12 - Sidecar deployment architecture
15:01 - Deployment timeline and future outlook
17:24 - The return to DC power distribution
19:01 - Safety considerations and testing