HVDC in Data Centers - SETsafe

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Circuit Safety Protection SETsafe | SETfuse Solutions & Products

Overview

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) is a power transmission technology used to supply power to data center equipment. It reduces energy conversion losses by converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Its primary purpose is to provide efficient and stable power support for servers, storage devices, and cooling systems in large-scale data centers, meeting the high-density computing needs of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing. Key features of HVDC include high energy efficiency, low loss, and strong stability. Compared to traditional AC systems, HVDC can reduce energy loss by 10%-20%, lower operating costs, and its DC nature reduces grid interference, supports the integration of renewable energy, and lowers cooling requirements, contributing to the construction of green and sustainable data centers.

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology is widely used in data centers and power transmission, with voltage levels varying based on the application scenario and requirements. Common HVDC voltage classes include 380V, 400V, 600V, 800V, 1000V, and above. Data centers typically adopt voltages ranging from 380V to 800V (such as HVDC 380V and HVDC 800V) to balance efficiency and safety, while long-distance power transmission may utilize much higher voltages, from 1000V to several thousand kilovolts. Lower voltages, like 380V, are suitable for small-to-medium-sized data centers due to their good compatibility. Higher voltages, like 800V, are ideal for large-scale data centers because of their low transmission loss and high energy efficiency. The choice of voltage class depends on equipment compatibility, transmission distance, energy efficiency needs, and safety standards.

HVDC 800V (High Voltage Direct Current 800 Volts) is an efficient power transmission technology for data centers with the following features: It uses 800V DC power instead of traditional Alternating Current (AC), which significantly reduces energy conversion losses and boosts energy efficiency (up to 95% or more, surpassing traditional AC-DC conversion). HVDC 800V simplifies the power architecture, reducing the need for transformers and rectifiers, which lowers equipment costs and space requirements. Its high-voltage design supports longer power transmission distances and reduces cable losses, making it well-suited for large data centers. Additionally, HVDC 800V offers greater stability and reliability, reducing harmonic and electromagnetic interference (EMI). It meets the energy-saving and emissions-reduction goals of green data centers and allows for more efficient integration with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

Why Data Center HVDC Systems Need Circuit Safety Protection

Data Center High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems require circuit safety protection to ensure equipment safety, system stability, and personnel safety in high-voltage, high-power operating environments, while also meeting the requirements of regulations and industry standards. The following details the necessity of HVDC circuit safety protection and the relevant certification standards from a professional perspective.

Preventing Equipment Damage

HVDC systems typically operate at high DC voltages (e.g. 240V, 380V, 400V, 600V, 800V, 1000V). Abnormal voltage or current (such as overvoltage, overcurrent) can damage servers, rectifier modules, batteries, or other critical components, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Ensuring System Reliability

Data centers require extremely high power supply continuity (typically 99.999% availability or higher). Circuit protection prevents system interruptions caused by short circuits, overloads, or overheating, ensuring the stable operation of high-density computing tasks like cloud computing and AI training.

Reducing Fire and Safety Risks

Although DC has a lower risk of electric shock compared to AC, high-voltage DC can still cause arcs or overheating, leading to fires or personal injury. Protection measures (such as insulation monitoring, circuit breakers) effectively reduce these risks.

Coping with Load and Grid Fluctuations

HVDC systems are often integrated with renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind power). Fluctuations in grid input or load changes can lead to voltage/current instability. Circuit protection can quickly respond to anomalies and ensure system stability.

Extending Equipment Lifespan

Through measures like over-temperature protection and current limiting, stress on equipment under abnormal conditions is reduced, extending the service life of servers, batteries, and power distribution equipment.

Compliance with Regulations and Industry Requirements

Data centers must comply with electrical safety and industry standards (e.g., IEC, UL). Equipment without proper protection measures may result in legal liability, failure of equipment certification, or denial of insurance claims.

Supporting Green Data Center Goals

Due to their high efficiency and low loss, HVDC systems are often used in green data centers, but they require protection measures to ensure stability and safety when integrated with renewable energy sources, thereby lowering the carbon footprint.

Certification Standards and Regulatory Requirements (For reference only, please refer to the latest standards)

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standards

IEC 60364-7-729:

Requirements for electrical installations of low-voltage and high-voltage DC systems, applicable to the safety design and protection measures of data center HVDC distribution systems.

IEC 62040-5-3:

Technical specifications for DC uninterruptible power systems (DC-UPS), covering the safety and protection mechanisms of HVDC systems.

U.S. Standards

UL 1449:

Standard for surge protective devices, applicable to overvoltage protection devices in HVDC systems to ensure equipment can withstand transient voltage surges.

NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code, NEC):

The 2020 edition added safety requirements for DC microgrids and HVDC systems, including regulations for grounding, insulation, and protective devices.

UL 1973:

Standard for battery systems, applicable to energy storage batteries used in HVDC systems, ensuring battery safety during overcharge, over-discharge, or overheating.

European Union Standards

Low Voltage Directive (LVD, 2014/35/EU):

Requires HVDC equipment to comply with electrical safety standards, ensuring safe operation in high-voltage DC environments.

EN 50600 series:

Standards for data center infrastructure and equipment, covering safety and reliability requirements for power systems.

China Standards

GB/T 51371:

Design specifications for data centers, which stipulate the electrical safety and protection requirements for HVDC systems.

CCC Certification (China Compulsory Certification):

HVDC-related equipment (e.g., rectifiers, circuit breakers) must pass CCC certification to ensure compliance with safety standards for the Chinese market.

GB 4943.1:

Safety standard for information technology equipment, applicable to servers and power distribution equipment in HVDC systems.

Industry Standards

TIA-942:

Telecommunications infrastructure standard for data centers, emphasizing the redundancy and safety of power systems and indirectly requiring HVDC systems to be equipped with comprehensive protection mechanisms.

ASHRAE TC9.9:

Guidelines from the Technical Committee on Data Center Power and Cooling, covering energy efficiency and safety design requirements for HVDC systems.

Uptime Institute Tier Certification:

Tier III/IV data centers require high-availability power systems, and HVDC systems must pass rigorous protection design verification.

Other Regional Requirements

Japan JIS Standards:

Such as JIS C 4411, covering safety specifications for DC power systems.

Australia AS/NZS 3000:

Electrical installation regulations, including grounding and protection requirements for DC systems.

Data center HVDC systems require circuit safety protection to prevent equipment damage, ensure system reliability and safety, cope with grid fluctuations, and meet regulatory and green data center needs. The relevant certification standards include international IEC standards, U.S. UL/NEC, EU LVD/EMC, China CCC, as well as industry standards like TIA-942 and ASHRAE. These standards, through mandatory certification and testing, ensure that the design and operation of HVDC systems meet high safety and reliability requirements, guaranteeing the continuous operation and sustainable development of data centers.

Common HVDC Circuit Protection Methods

Over-temperature Protection:

Prevents rectifier modules, batteries, servers, or power distribution units from performance degradation, accelerated aging, or damage due to overheating, especially under high loads or cooling system failures.

Application Scenarios:

High-density racks, battery energy storage systems, rectifier modules.

Over-voltage Protection:

Prevents input or output voltage from exceeding the equipment's tolerance range, avoiding damage to sensitive electronic components or insulation breakdown.

Application Scenarios:

HVDC distribution system entry points, renewable energy connection points, server power inputs.

Over-current Protection:

Prevents excessive current from causing line overheating, equipment burnout, or short circuits, especially during sudden load changes, short circuits, or equipment faults.

Application Scenarios:

Distribution buses, rack-level power distribution, battery discharge circuits.

Active Protection:

Through intelligent monitoring and predictive analysis, potential faults are identified in advance and proactively addressed to prevent accidents and improve system reliability.

Application Scenarios:

High-availability data centers, intelligent power distribution systems, cloud service clusters.

Short-circuit Protection:

Prevents high current surges caused by line or equipment short circuits, protecting the system from damage and reducing fire risks.

Application Scenarios: Main distribution lines, branch circuits, cabinet-level power distribution.

SETsafe | SETfuse Solutions, Protection Types, Products, and Series

For detailed product specifications, please click "Learn more" to view the product detail page.

Protection Type: AC Input Overvoltage Protection

Product: Surge Protective Device (SPD)

Series:

SD20R Learn more

Protection Type: AC/DC Rectifier Module Overvoltage Protection