In Edison’s Revenge, Data Centers Are Transitioning From AC to DC

AI-driven data centers are shifting from traditional AC to high-voltage DC power distribution to address the massive energy demands of modern AI racks approaching 1 MW each. Converting 13.8 kV AC directly to 800 VDC at the data center perimeter eliminates intermediate conversion steps, reducing energy losses, copper requirements, and equipment footprint. Companies like Delta, Vertiv, and Eaton are developing new DC architectures that enable 85% more power transmission through the same conductor size.