The first phase of this project will deliver a technical specification that includes a complete assessment of the high-voltage DC–DC module — with UL and other safety certification requirements — that can be used to build a prototype module. Phase 2 of the project is expected to include the building and testing of prototype modules based on the specification developed in Phase 1.
Background
There is a lack of standardized high voltage DC-DC power module for cheaper, smaller and higher efficiency solution in the area of high voltage DC (HVDC) power systems. As such, a specification is needed to establish a standardized module that can be used throughout the industry:
AC distribution power system for IT equipment
Higher cost for AC UPS
Lower efficiency and reliability issue for multiple AC/DC conversion
48V DC distribution to Telco equipment
Insufficient power delivery due to lower voltage for future Datacenters
380V DC distribution (HVDC) on the horizon
Higher efficiency and reliability due to less conversion
Higher power distribution due to higher voltage
380VDC – 12V DC module in existing Datacenters AC distribution
Low cost Rack solution by AC – 380V Rectifier and 380VDC – 12V DC module
Project Objectives
Address most, if not all, the electrical and mechanical specifications in this project for a DC-DC module.
Provide the participants with a specification that includes a complete assessment of the High Voltage DC-DC module and safety certification requirements.
Will provide many benefits to industry including:
Cost benefit - Industry standard product
Improvements in time-to-market - Specification and multiple sources for developing the product
Introduction of HV technology on system boards that provide Low cost power solution compared to the company proprietary expensive solutions and Overall cost merit of the power system in a Datacenter over the existing AC–DC systems.
Cost/Size/Efficiency merits - Narrow input voltage range for 380V DC proposed for higher efficiency and Lower DC distribution losses (I2R) due to lower current
Meeting the future power demand (5X more) - 380V DC distribution over 48V DC distribution
Project Focus
Documentation and evaluation on the feasibility of a High Voltage (380V) DC input to a 12V DC output module that included:
Feasibility review of size and power capability
Research on new devices/materials
Technical feasibility study and identification of dependencies for the specification
Assessment on time to market of the DC-DC module
Development of a technical specification for a 380V DC input to 12V DC output module.