Summary of AIDC HVDC Expert Exchange Call Industry Overview - The discussion centers around the **HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current)** power supply systems and their advantages over traditional **UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)** systems in data centers, particularly as data centers evolve towards high-performance GPU and ASIC servers [1][2][4]. Key Points and Arguments 1. **Efficiency Comparison**: Traditional UPS systems incur energy losses due to AC-DC-AC conversion, while HVDC systems only require AC-DC conversion, leading to approximately a 1% efficiency improvement, especially in high-power applications [1][2][5]. 2. **Power Demand Increase**: By 2025, GPU and ASIC servers are expected to exceed 100 kW per cabinet, making traditional UPS and low-voltage HVDC inadequate. This necessitates an increase in power system voltage to meet output power demands [1][4]. 3. **Cost Implications**: The cost of adopting HVDC systems is projected to be 30%-50% higher than existing UPS systems for ±400V HVDC, and 20%-30% higher for 800V HVDC systems [3][16]. 4. **Operational Cost Savings**: A 1% increase in power supply efficiency is crucial for large data centers, as electricity costs are the primary operational expense over a 10-15 year lifecycle. Improved efficiency also reduces cooling energy consumption, enhancing overall data center performance metrics like PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) [5][6]. 5. **PUE Definition**: PUE is a key metric for data center efficiency, with values closer to 1 indicating better efficiency. A typical good PUE value is around 1.2, meaning 20% additional energy is used for cooling and power supply systems [6]. Future Developments 1. **Upcoming HVDC Systems**: NVIDIA plans to release an 800V VDC system in May 2025, with other major companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft defining ±400V HVDC systems expected to ship in Q1 2026 [1][7]. 2. **Transition to HVDC**: CSPs (Cloud Service Providers) are expected to gradually transition to ±400V HVDC systems for their server and HGX screen purchases post-2026 [7][10]. 3. **Mixed Power Supply Systems**: Data centers operated by Meta, Google, and Microsoft will utilize a hybrid approach, incorporating both ±400V HVDC and traditional power cabinets [10]. Technical Insights 1. **System Architecture Differences**: ±400V HVDC operates on a three-wire system compatible with existing 400V PSU, while 800V HVDC uses a two-wire system requiring updated PSU support [3][11]. 2. **Power Supply Unit (PSU) Requirements**: The PSU power requirements for ±400V systems will be 12 kW or 18 kW, depending on the server capacity, with older 5.5 kW units becoming obsolete [12]. 3. **Core Components of HVDC Systems**: Key electrical components include power devices (MOSFETs, diodes), magnetic devices (capacitors, inductors), and control devices, with the highest costs associated with power and distribution devices [20]. Market Dynamics 1. **Supplier Landscape**: Major suppliers for HVDC systems include Eaton, Schneider, and Vertiv, with potential for Delta to join. These companies are primarily involved in manufacturing UPS and PSU equipment [19]. 2. **Domestic Participation**: Chinese companies currently play a role in the supply chain but mainly as OEMs, with limited involvement in system-level development. Future opportunities for collaboration in module development may arise [23]. Challenges and Opportunities 1. **Transition Challenges for UPS Manufacturers**: Established UPS manufacturers like Vertiv and Schneider face challenges in transitioning to HVDC due to differences in application and design, despite having relevant technical expertise [26]. 2. **PSU Manufacturers' Position**: Domestic PSU manufacturers are well-positioned to transition to HVDC, but face challenges in market entry, particularly in North America, due to the need for familiarity with local user requirements [27]. Conclusion The shift towards HVDC systems in data centers is driven by the need for higher efficiency and power capacity to support advanced computing technologies. The transition presents both challenges and opportunities for existing power supply manufacturers and new entrants in the market.