Introduction

The market for DC-DC power supplies in datacenters is only growing. As per WAWT, the datacenters market would grow faster than the average CAGR of the total DC-DC power supply market. Datacenters to be one of world’s largest energy-consumers as their energy consumption share is expected to grow from 3% in 2017 to 4.5% in 2025. This could be even more with the boost in AI (Artificial Intelligence).

The DC-DC converters amongst datacentres have increased as they are prioritizing energy consumption and having smarter and energy efficient systems. One can argueabout the introduction of the concept of distributed generation in the 1990s in China. Distributed generation has emerged as a pivotal objective in developing smart grids and the energy sytems. This is due to the reliable power supply, reduced transmission losses, applicability to renewable energy sources, and bi-directional distribution capabilities. It has also necessitated flexible control and intelligent management of power flow. 

Power supply requirements of Data Centers 

Been projected to be the one of world’s largest energy consumer by 2025, the foremost power supply requirement of the datacenters is perhaps to cater to the Power Utilization Efficiency (PUE) metric. PUE measures the ratio of total datacenter power consumption to IT equipment load power consumption. The lower the PUE metric, the higher the datacenter energy efficiency.

Therefore alterations in the power supply framework seem imminent. The traditional AC Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems which are widely used are criticized for their low efficiency. This is due to multiple conversions between rectifiers and inverters. A typical architecture would consist of an input-side rectifier, an output-side inverter, and a DC bus connected to the battery. However, this power supply system has low power conversion efficiency after multiple conversions between the rectifier and inverter. This resultsto a high harmonic current distortion rate.

The newer Low-Voltage DC (LVDC) power supply is a better alternative. This can directly provide power to the DC load equipment in datacenters. The battery is used as a filter to avoid external interference, interference from high-frequency switching operating voltage, transient overvoltage change, lightning overvoltage, and harmonics in the AC power supply for communication. (See Figure 1 for LVDC power supply architecture)

Figure 1: Schematic of an LVDC power supply system architecture

However as datacenter arena expands, the 48V LVDC power supply system may be unsuitable for large-scale distributed clean energy applications,. The 380V high-voltage DC (HVDC) system has great advantages owing to the increasing bus voltage, reduced line conduction loss, and improved energy utilization. Such newer power supply systems are projected to boost the growth of DC-DC converters in the coming years.

How Isolated Bi-directional DC-DC Converters will support upcoming Datacenter power supply systems

The size of DC-DC converters are reducing as industry shifts from bulky power-frequency isolation transformers to low-cost and high-frequency isolation transformers. Involving the controlled switching of semiconductor devices, the use of transformers or coupled inductors for electrical isolation, bi-directional energy flow, and a feedback control loop to regulate voltage and current levels.

Since the power supply approach within datacenters has been based on distributed generation, it has necessitated power storage mechanisms. Here, Bi-directional converters are vital for integrating energy storage systems, such as batteries, into LVDC and HVDC power supply systems. They enable efficient charging and discharging of energy storage devices. This further allows the system to store excess energy and release it when needed.

The bi-directionality of these converters also unlocks dynamic load management in power supply systems. They allow for efficient distribution of power based on varying demands and workloads. This helps to balance the energy flow within the system. Specifically, in the LVDC systems, bi-directional converters addresses challenges related to variable load currents and ensure smooth energy transfer while minimizing conduction losses. They are essential for maintaining efficiency in low-voltage environments while bi-directional converters in HVDC systems minimize the need for AC-DC and DC-AC conversions. This improvizes the overall efficiency of the power supply system. They contribute to reducing energy losses and enhancing the performance of HVDC technology. Hence, the isolated bi-directional DC-DC converters have assumed a firm position in the datacenters. 

Advantages of Isolated Bidirectional DC-DC Converters 

Isolated Bi-directional DC-DC Converters are typically more compact and lightweight compared to power-frequency isolation transformers. Datacenters call for designs where space optimization is crucial. And hence, the isolated bi-directional DC-DC converters have an edge over traditional power-frequency isolation transformers.

• Bi-directional converters can efficiently manage power flow in both directions, allowing energy regeneration during braking or other scenarios. This bi-directional capability is crucial for the dynamic energy flow management in datacenters.
• These converters can offer faster dynamic response times, quickly enabling them to adapt to changes in the load conditions. This is especially valuable in datacenters with fluctuating power demands.
• Isolated bi-directional DC-DC converters can be equipped with communication interfaces such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Modbus, or digital communication protocols. This facilitates seamless integration into advanced control systems, enabling real-time monitoring, data exchange, and remote-control functionalities.
• These converters often incorporate digital signal processors (DSPs) or microcontrollers, allowing for sophisticated control algorithms and real-time adjustments. Digital control facilitates precise regulation and coordination with other components in the power distribution system.
• Recent topologies of isolated bi-directional DC-DC converters incorporate smart algorithms like fuzzy logic. This allows for precise monitoring, control, and integration with digital control systems in data centers.

Summary  

The market for DC-DC power supplies in data centers is experiencing significant growth, outpacing the overall market growth rate. As datacenters emerge as one of world’s largest energy consumers, there is a critical need for energy-efficient power supply solutions. Traditional AC UPS systems are being replaced by more efficient alternatives like Low-Voltage DC (LVDC) and high-voltage DC (HVDC) systems. Isolated bi-directional DC-DC converters play a crucial role in these systems as they enable efficient integration of energy storage, dynamic load management, and minimizing energy losses. Advantages include compactness, bi-directional power flow management, fast response times, integration with advanced control systems, and incorporation of smart algorithms for precise monitoring and control. The adoption of these DC-DC converters would continue grow as datacenters prioritize energy efficiency and smarter energy management.

About Wired and Wireless Technologies (WAWT) 

Wired and Wireless Technologies (WAWT) is a strategic technology analyst and consultancy firm. Its comprehensive report titled ‘AC-DC and DC-DC Power Supply Market’ and ‘External Power Adapters and Chargers Market’, provides current estimate and forecast for the power supply market. These reports include critical data, trends and insights vital for companies across the power supply ecosystem. It also has analysis across product, regional and power class segments and power supply vendor market share analysis across application markets, and a wider competitive market landscape. This report includes detailed analysis of the DC-DC Converter market’s current market estimates and the next five years’ annual forecast.

Reach out to our subject matter experts (SMEs) at analyst@wawt.tech. Follow our LinkedIn page (WAWT) for the latest market trends and updates on the power supply market.