High-Voltage DC Architecture Emerges as Key Solution for Power-Hungry AI Data Centers
February 11, 2026
The explosive growth of artificial intelligence is forcing a fundamental redesign of data center power infrastructure. As modern AI training clusters now demand between 50 kW to 100 kW per rack, traditional alternating current (AC) power distribution systems are increasingly seen as a bottleneck, struggling to deliver power efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively at such unprecedented densities. A new technical whitepaper from Enteligent, a California-based developer of DC power electronics, argues that high-voltage direct current (HVDC) architecture presents a viable path forward. The company's analysis indicates that for a typical 10-megawatt AI data center, adopting an 800VDC backbone can yield substantial savings, including an estimated $5.8 million reduction in initial capital expenditure. These savings primarily stem from the elimination of costly central uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and rack-level power distribution units (PDUs). The operational benefits are equally significant. According to the whitepaper, annual operating expenses can drop by approximately $711,000 due to markedly improved energy efficiency and reduced cooling demands. This efficiency gain is achieved by streamlining the power pathway. In a conventional solar-powered facility, DC energy from panels is inverted to AC for distribution, only to be rectified back to DC multiple times before reaching servers. Enteligent's architecture allows solar arrays and battery storage to connect directly to the 800VDC bus, eliminating two major conversion stages and cutting energy losses by 8% to 10% compared to AC-interfaced models. This results in a dramatic leap in end-to-end efficiency. While traditional AC systems can see efficiency plummet to around 78%, the 800VDC system maintains 94% to 95% efficiency. This double-digit improvement not only reduces the total electricity load but also the heat generated, meaning more clean energy from on-site solar directly powers computing hardware. The whitepaper also highlights how the 800VDC design alleviates physical bottlenecks. High-density AI racks operating at 240VAC require massive copper cables to handle currents exceeding 400 amps. At 800VDC, current is reduced by roughly 70%; a 100 kW load requires only 125 amps. This allows the use of smaller #2 AWG conductors instead of bulky 4/0 AWG cables, reducing copper mass by 50% to 80% and significantly lowering material and installation labor costs. Reliability is enhanced as the system simplifies the power chain. Enteligent proposes replacing failure-prone individual server power supplies with shared, high-efficiency DC power shelves at the rack level. These shelves utilize hot-swappable modules, enabling maintenance without disruptive shutdowns. The implications for the industry are profound. As AI clusters scale toward 200 kW per rack, high-voltage DC provides a scalable foundation that AC distribution cannot safely match. Hyperscale operators are already moving toward direct-DC standards to meet sustainability targets and manage soaring power costs. By integrating solar and storage directly into an 800VDC backbone, data centers can transform into grid-stabilizing assets while maximizing the value of on-site renewable generation.
Source: pv-magazine-usa
