Enphase Energy has announced the development of its IQ solid-state transformer (IQ SST), a new power platform designed for AI data centres as they shift towards higher-density DC systems.
The IQ SST aims to replace traditional centralised power conversion with a distributed structure. Each 1.25 MW unit will include hundreds of semiconductor-based modules working together. The system is expected to reach 98.5 % efficiency and maintain high availability through built-in redundancy, allowing continued operation even if some modules are inactive.
The platform is designed without internal batteries, which could reduce the need for separate battery systems and conventional uninterruptible power supplies. This may help data centre operators free up space for computing hardware, an important factor as demand for processing capacity grows.
AI workloads are increasing power requirements, with rack densities moving towards megawatt levels and rapidly changing energy use. Existing power systems were not built for such demands. The IQ SST is designed to convert medium-voltage AC power directly into regulated DC in a single step, supporting emerging 800 VDC and ±400 VDC standards.
The system builds on technology developed for microinverters, using a custom control chip and gallium nitride components to enable faster and more efficient power conversion. Enphase plans to manufacture the system using its existing production processes and supply chain.
Initial demonstrations are expected later this year, with pilot projects planned for 2027 and wider deployment targeted for 2028. The company estimates that demand for such systems in US AI data centres could exceed 11 GW by 2031.
Source: Enphase
