TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's technology companies are preparing as global data centers reconsider power supply architectures to meet growing artificial intelligence demands, CTEE reported Friday.
Nvidia’s Rubin platform, launching later this year, is expected to drive a significant increase in computing power and energy requirements. Major cloud providers, including Google and OpenAI, with extensive data center networks, are considering high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems to improve efficiency and reduce energy loss.
Traditional AI servers convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) through multiple steps, generating heat and energy loss. HVDC systems deliver high-voltage DC power directly to servers, minimizing waste, according to Business Next.
Supply chain sources indicated that cloud providers are testing standalone HVDC cabinets to handle the higher power density of next-generation AI platforms. Taiwan's industry leaders, Delta Electronics and Lite-On Technology, are developing and testing such systems in collaboration with clients.
Delta Electronics has developed 800-volt HVDC technology, including solid-state transformers and direct AC-to-DC conversion systems. The company is working with clients to align production with Nvidia’s Rubin platform launch.
HVDC adoption is progressing along two main paths, ±400V and 800V. Major cloud providers are leading ±400V deployments, which are expected to enter production in the second half of the year, while 800V systems designed for higher power densities are still in design and certification stages.
Lite-On is also expanding its high-wattage modular power solutions and liquid-cooling products to meet the demands of more powerful AI platforms. Production is expected to scale up this year.
AI server rack power consumption has increased from 130 kW to over 200 kW, with future designs targeting 600 kW. As energy demands rise, traditional low-voltage systems face efficiency and space limitations, making it increasingly difficult to fit power modules directly inside server racks.
The industry is shifting to a “separated power and computing” approach, in which standalone cabinets handle power conversion, distribution, and backup before delivering electricity to servers via HVDC. By centralizing these functions, the system reduces energy losses from multiple AC/DC and DC/DC conversions, simplifies cabling, and opens up more space inside server racks.
