The Power Distribution Sub-Project of the OCP Data Center Facility Project aims to increase power density and enable next-generation compute by moving data center infrastructure to Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC, ≤1500VDC) distribution. The work focuses on reducing conversion losses, improving reliability, and supporting future scalability, integrating direct current from medium-voltage conversion through LVDC distribution while meeting safety and operational standards. Its scope includes LVDC evolution and best practices, alignment with industry alliances, transition timelines, energy storage systems, DC rack power architecture, and protection interfaces. MVDC architectures and in-rack components are out of scope.
The aim of this Sub-Project is to increase power density and enable next generation compute. By enhancing energy efficiency and streamlining power distribution, we will transition our data center infrastructure to Low Voltage Direct Current — LVDC (≤1500VDC) distribution architecture. This subproject will focus on reducing conversion losses, improving reliability, and supporting future scalability. The workstream will focus on integrating direct current from Medium Voltage — MV conversion to LVDC distribution, enabling interoperability and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. Success of this sub-project will be measured by defining: power densities significant enough to meet compute demands, reduced downtime, highest levels of operational safety, and alignment with OCP’s sustainability goals.
System Architecture
Grid Topologies
Redundancy Levels
Voltage Levels and Power Quality
Nominal Voltages and Voltage Bands
Ripple, Tolerance, and Stability
Polarities & System Earthing
Polarities / Earthing systems
Galvanic Isolation
Corrosion Prevention
Protection and Safety
Short-Circuit, Overload, Electric Shock
Arc-Fault Protection
Selectivity and Fault Isolation
Main Components (high level requirements)
Supply (Rectifiers, AICs, SSTs)
Distribution (Switchgears & switchboards)
Protection (Overcurrent protection devices)
Loads (server racks) *
Energy Storage Systems **
Codes and Standards
Status quo & Gap analysis
Proposed gap filling actions
Control & Operation
Sequence of Operation (SOO)
Control Requirements Surrounding SOO
EMC
EMC Applicability at product and system level
Emissions, Immunity, Ripple Voltage and Harmonics Criteria
Cable Shielding & Filtering
Joint Workstream DCF PD + R&P
Initial Work Products
White paper with narrative for direct current adoption, pros and cons of different options, high-level architectures and requirements for system components (Target Release: 2026 Q1)
Detailed specs of system components will need to be addressed in separate workstreams
Recommended Reference LVDC System Architecture
Scope
In scope:
LVDC Distribution Evolution : evolution to LVDC distribution inside the data center, including backward compatibility and future scalability
Best Practices : collection of best practices for design, build, and operation of LVDC systems
Industry Alignment : connection with industry alliances and standards bodies regarding direct current efforts
Transition Timeline : estimate timeline for transition to LVDC
Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
DC Rack Power Architecture
Protection Interface : hot-swap, startup sequence
Energy Storage Strategy : and hold-up requirements
Out of Scope
MVDC Architectures : >1500VDC
In-Rack Components : system interface will be coordinated with OCP Rack & Power Project
Resources
Welcome to the OCP DCF – Power Distribution Sub-Project.
This Sub-Project is open to the public and we welcome all those who would like to be involved.
Disclaimer: Please do not submit any confidential information to the Project Community. All presentation materials, proposals, meeting minutes and/or supporting documents are published by OCP and are open to the public in accordance to OCP’s Bylaws and IP Policy. This can be found on the OCP Policies page. If you have any questions please contact OCP.
Codes and Standards is a workstream under the Power Distribution Sub-Project of the OCP Data Center Facility Project. The Power Distribution Sub-Project aims to increase power density and enable next-generation compute by transitioning data center infrastructure to a Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC, ≤1500VDC) distribution architecture that reduces conversion losses, improves reliability, and supports future scalability. Details about the workstream's mission, leadership, and ways to get involved will be added in the near future.
Main Components is a workstream under the Power Distribution Sub-Project of the OCP Data Center Facility Project. The Power Distribution Sub-Project aims to increase power density and enable next-generation compute by transitioning data center infrastructure to a Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC, ≤1500VDC) distribution architecture that reduces conversion losses, improves reliability, and supports future scalability. Details about the workstream’s mission, leadership, and ways to get involved will be added in the near future.
Polarities & System Earthing is a workstream under the Power Distribution Sub-Project of the OCP Data Center Facility Project. The Power Distribution Sub-Project aims to increase power density and enable next-generation compute by transitioning data center infrastructure to a Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC, ≤1500VDC) distribution architecture that reduces conversion losses, improves reliability, and supports future scalability. Details about the workstream's mission, leadership, and ways to get involved will be added in the near future.
Protection and Safety is a workstream under the Power Distribution Sub-Project of the OCP Data Center Facility Project. The Power Distribution Sub-Project aims to increase power density and enable next-generation compute by transitioning data center infrastructure to a Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC, ≤1500VDC) distribution architecture that reduces conversion losses, improves reliability, and supports future scalability. Details about the workstream's mission, leadership, and ways to get involved will be added in the near future.
Rack & Power is a workstream under the Power Distribution Sub-Project of the OCP Data Center Facility Project. The Power Distribution Sub-Project aims to increase power density and enable next-generation compute by transitioning data center infrastructure to a Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC, ≤1500VDC) distribution architecture that reduces conversion losses, improves reliability, and supports future scalability. Details about the workstream's mission, leadership, and ways to get involved will be added in the near future.
Solid State Transformer is a workstream under the Power Distribution Sub-Project of the OCP Data Center Facility Project. The Power Distribution Sub-Project aims to increase power density and enable next-generation compute by transitioning data center infrastructure to a Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC, ≤1500VDC) distribution architecture that reduces conversion losses, improves reliability, and supports future scalability. Details about the workstream's mission, leadership, and ways to get involved will be added in the near future.
System Architecture is a workstream under the Power Distribution Sub-Project of the OCP Data Center Facility Project. The Power Distribution Sub-Project aims to increase power density and enable next-generation compute by transitioning data center infrastructure to a Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC, ≤1500VDC) distribution architecture that reduces conversion losses, improves reliability, and supports future scalability. Details about the workstream's mission, leadership, and ways to get involved will be added in the near future.
Voltage Levels and Power Quality is a workstream under the Power Distribution Sub-Project of the OCP Data Center Facility Project. The Power Distribution Sub-Project aims to increase power density and enable next-generation compute by transitioning data center infrastructure to a Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC, ≤1500VDC) distribution architecture that reduces conversion losses, improves reliability, and supports future scalability. Details about the workstream's mission, leadership, and ways to get involved will be added in the near future.
