Schneider Electric: "The Solution to AI Data Center Power Bottlenecks Is 800V DC"

Supporting Megawatt-Class Power Capacity
Collaboration with Nvidia on 1.2MW Power Infrastructure Development

On August 4, Schneider Electric proposed the need to shift to an ‘800V DC (direct current) architecture’ as an alternative to overcoming the power supply limitations of high-performance artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.

Schneider Electric’s rationale is that, with the surging demand for generative AI and high-performance computing, a data center’s competitive edge is shifting from simply securing graphics processing units (GPUs) to how reliably and efficiently it can supply power.

Currently, the power density per rack in data centers is soaring beyond 400kW, reaching the megawatt level. Conventional alternating current (AC)-based data centers face limitations as power conversion devices and cabling are densely packed within racks, which restricts computing space and air circulation, ultimately increasing cooling demands. Schneider Electric stresses that simply increasing the amount of equipment is not enough to operate megawatt-level AI racks; a fundamental overhaul of the power delivery system itself is essential.

The 800V DC structure, presented as a practical alternative, raises the voltage so that large amounts of power can be transmitted with lower current. In addition, the function of converting AC to DC is moved outside the IT rack, which significantly reduces congestion within the rack. As a result, this setup secures space for GPU and server placement and ensures air flow for heat dissipation, thereby improving power efficiency and alleviating cooling and maintenance challenges.

For a smooth transition in existing data centers, Schneider Electric recommends placing dedicated power racks near the IT racks. By structuring power conversion and protection devices on a per-rack basis, any failure can be confined and controlled at the individual rack level. Furthermore, in cooperation with Nvidia, Schneider Electric is developing 800V DC sidecar technology to power AI racks of up to 1.2MW, and in 2026, at the Nvidia GTC event, showcased a prototype of next-generation Vera Rubin Ultra platform dedicated power infrastructure. This device is also equipped with a live swap function, enabling replacement of power components without shutting off power.

Additionally, Schneider Electric highlights its differentiated technical capabilities, which include analysis of fault current and arc flash, power simulation, and validation testing to ensure the entire path—from power entry to the rack—operates seamlessly as a unified system.

Kwon Jiwoong, President of Schneider Electric Korea, stated, “The transition to 800V DC is not simply a matter of raising the voltage or introducing specific equipment. It is a process of designing and validating power conversion, protection, energy storage, and maintenance as a single system.” He added, “Schneider Electric will support customers in the shift to 800V DC based on power infrastructure, liquid cooling, and ETAP and AVEVA-based software capabilities, tailored to customers’ workload and availability objectives.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.