UBS Data Centre Equipment: Deep Dive at DC World — Demand Strong; 800VDC Architecture Explained
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Key Views
The 800VDC architecture transition will be gradual and nuanced rather than a sweeping overhaul. Near-term implementations (ORv3 and the 800VDC Sidecar) leverage existing supply chains to support rack densities of 300kW+. Full solid-state architectures, incorporating solid-state transformers and DC-DC conversion while eliminating UPS systems, are expected to follow in 2027–2028 for 1MW+ rack densities. Eaton currently leads in readiness, followed by ABB, while Schneider is actively adapting.
Expert calls highlight a pivotal shift in AI focus from training to inference, with power supply emerging as the primary bottleneck—projects facing two-to-three-year power waits may become infeasible due to high hardware idle opportunity costs. Liquid cooling is now essential for next-generation chips, with direct-to-chip emerging as the preferred approach.
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