Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology
Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology

Powering AI-Ready Data Centres

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AI-enabled data centres are driving global electricity consumption to new heights. By 2030, data centres could account for 2.5–5% of global electricity consumption – twice as much as today.

At the same time, rapidly growing AI loads are leading to volatile and highly dynamic power profiles that are straining the power grid and pushing existing infrastructures to their limits.

Added to this is a global copper shortage, which limits the scalability and sustainability of conventional power distribution architectures.

Modern data centres therefore require new technologies in power electronics, distribution and control that go far beyond classic AC systems.

Fraunhofer offers a comprehensive portfolio of expertise for secure, efficient, and future-proof energy infrastructures for data centers. Our solutions cover all levels—from medium-voltage AC/DC interfaces to rack-level converters and integrated energy storage systems.

Solutions for energy distribution & grid stability

  • Modular, flexible solid-state transformers (SSTs) for scalable, compact MVDC distribution networks.
  • Modular multilevel converter (MMC)-based direct medium-voltage AC grid connection (current URL name incorrect; should not be “multi-energy-power-converters”).
  • Integration of renewable energies and energy storage systems, including dimensioning, energy management, and control strategies.

 

AC/DC grid control & stability

  • Nonlinear modeling and control of MS and NS hybrid grids, including transient stability.
  • Interoperability studies for seamless system integration.
  • Hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) tests for realistic validation.
  • Provision of grid services – from SST functionalities to smart transformer concepts.

 

Rack-level power supply & supercapacitors

Our technologies combine modern power electronics, high-frequency magnetics, intelligent control and integrated energy storage – the basis for the next generation of resilient and sustainable data centre infrastructures.

Core technological components:

  • Solid-state transformer technology for efficient AC/DC interfaces and MVDC networks.
  • MMC architectures for direct medium-voltage connection with high scalability.
  • Hybrid AC/DC grid control systems with advanced transient stability modelling.
  • GaN-based high-performance converters for rack-level power supply.
  • Planar magnetics for compact, thermally optimised transformers.
  • Embedded supercapacitors & monitoring for high reliability and ultra-fast power delivery.

 

GaN-based DC/DC converter

A highly efficient converter that utilizes gallium nitride technology.

More Information
 

Planar transformers

Optimization of space and performance in energy conversion.

More Information
 

Active reliability

  • Thermal management
  • Condition monitoring
  • Reliability-oriented control
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With our technologies, operators benefit from:

  • Significantly higher energy efficiency thanks to DC distribution, wide bandgap power electronics, and reduced copper/iron requirements.
  • Improved grid stability, even with extreme AI load fluctuations.
  • Future-proof scalability through modular SST and MMC architectures.
  • Reduced material costs, especially in times of global copper shortages.
  • Higher availability and reliability through integrated fault tolerance and intelligent monitoring.
  • Easy integration of renewable energies, enabling sustainable and CO₂-reduced data centers.

Fraunhofer offers a fully integrated, scientifically based ecosystem for AI-ready, sustainable, and resilient data center energies.