MW-Capable DC Supplies, their Adaptation to Application’s Needs and Resulting Consequences

Abstract:
In view of the transition to an emission-free society, applications such as high-performance battery charging, hydrogen electrolysis or data centers supporting artificial intelligence (AI) require above all powerful, stable, efficient, and reliable supply systems in the MW range. Well-established solutions start colliding with growingly restrictive grid-codes. Various alternatives can be considered, each providing individual pros and cons. The present work gives an overview, highlights benefits and drawbacks on system-level and compares different solutions regarding critical parameters such as efficiency, complexity, and effort necessary to comply to grid-codes. For infrastructure-style systems, efficiency is on top of the list as even fractions of 1% may lead to GWh of losses during the lifetime.