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The move to direct current (DC) power systems is accelerating. As global electricity demand continues to surge, the need for greater efficiency, reduced energy waste and faster access to power has never been more urgent. That’s where DC power systems come in – representing a fundamental shift in how we locally generate, distribute and consume energy.
At RE+, the largest clean energy conference in North America, I had an opportunity to spotlight the benefits of DC systems and microgrids. I also explored how we’re working with UL Solutions and the Current/OS Foundation to drive visibility and unified standards to ensure this shift is a safe one and supports interoperability, so that customers can mix and match best-of-breed solutions from any manufacturer. Here’s what you need to know:
First off, DC power is increasingly shaping the way the world works today, especially for your electronic devices. According to industry data, roughly 70% of generated AC power needs to be converted into DC for use in electronic devices and systems like data center power distribution infrastructure, electric vehicles (EVs), LED lighting, industrial applications and more.
As more DC energy loads and sources come online, DC power distribution systems will yield substantial benefits: saving money through improved energy efficiency, reducing equipment footprint, enabling simplicity and increasing reliability. That’s because DC power distribution reduces energy losses and removes the need for components needed in the conversion process, between alternating current (AC) and DC power. It also yields material savings, as less copper and conduit are required, which in turn helps drive labor and cost savings. With solar, energy storage and EV batteries running on or generating DC power, an entirely DC system simplifies the integration of all onsite renewables.
Data centers are a remarkable use-case for DC power distribution, and the industry is currently at the forefront of the movement to accommodate a new data heavy, AI-driven era of computing. DC power distribution infrastructure is the natural solution to support 1 megawatt IT racks. This is an area where we’re collaborating with NVIDIA on design best practices. Eaton is investing in the needed and novel technologies for DC power distribution, like solid-state transformers, and recently acquired Resilient Power systems.
As data centers shift to DC power distribution, DC microgrids will have an important role to play, enabling new levels of resiliency, sustainability and savings. With a DC microgrid, data centers can far more efficiently use onsite distributed energy resources to power their servers, avoiding the need for multiple power conversions (and related energy losses) between onsite generation and the rack. Noting that DC power distribution equipment is needed, while the microgrid controller can manage AC or DC power.
It is important to drive standardization on DC power distribution systems to advance safety, interoperability and flexibility, allowing customers to choose the best technology for their DC power systems from any manufacturer. Here in the U.S. and around the world, we see an imperative need to harmonize on global standards for DC systems that follow the common voltage bands as well as grounding and protection schemes.
We’re playing a key role, along with other major industry players, to help formulate unified global standards surrounding DC power distribution and protection. As a longtime leader in advancing codes and standards, Eaton is actively participating with Current/OS, UL Solutions, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and other organizations to advance the development and refinement of global standards for DC systems. We’re excited to host the Current/OS general assembly meeting at Eaton Center in Cleveland this month.
There are multiple technologies needed to enable DC power distribution. At Eaton, we continue to accelerate new product development and commercialization of novel solutions to enable DC architectures. Already, we have an existing portfolio of DC power products – Including low-voltage circuit breakers, fuses, switchgear, DC-DC converters, battery storage systems, UPSs and more. And we have broad application expertise to develop the right protection schemes; that work is underway.
Solid-state transformers (SST) are a key technology needed for data centers, EV charging and microgrids. Eaton is aiming to commercialize solid-state transformers over the course of the next year. This technology is a big leap that will help reduce the losses in data center and EV charging applications. Our innovative technology offers high-density electrical power in a smaller footprint than comparable solutions, and will support our customers’ need to lower costs, improve power reliability and increase efficiency.
Advancing DC systems hinges on both DC loads and sources. There’s a need for an entire DC power ecosystem, especially including HVAC. Establishing codes and standards will pave that road safely.
At Eaton, we’re leading the way by collaborating with other industry leaders to establish specification guidelines, advance codes and standards, and innovate and commercialize breakout DC solutions. Our approach will ultimately help customers save money, improve efficiency, reduce equipment space requirements, advance resiliency and drive simplicity – establishing a new era of ultra-efficient electrification for power systems across industries.
