tech
Data centers become "killer application" for new power transformer tech
Solid-state transformers could also benefit EV charging and, someday, households.
TL;DR
- AI data centers are a major driver of surging electricity demand and investment in solid-state power transformers.
- Traditional power transformers, with designs dating back to the 1880s, are hand-assembled, custom-built, and face manufacturing and supply chain delays.
- Solid-state transformers use semiconductor switching for voltage conversion, are mass-manufactured, smaller, lighter, and can integrate multiple functions, including AC/DC conversion.
- AI data centers benefit from solid-state transformers due to their embrace of DC power architectures for energy-hungry AI chips.
- Companies like Amperesand, Heron Power, and DG Matrix are raising significant funding to commercialize solid-state transformer technology.
- Solid-state transformers could also ease supply chain shortages for conventional transformers and benefit electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
- Demonstrations show solid-state transformers can handle high power loads for applications like EV charging and integrate AC/DC conversion.