Solid-State Transformers Emerge as Game-Changer for AI Data Center Power Infrastructure
Multiple companies are developing solid-state transformer (SST) technology specifically for AI data center applications, offering higher efficiency and density than traditional transformers .
DG Matrix investors include ABB, signaling incumbent transformer players are engaging with SST innovation. Heron Power—founded by former Tesla SVP Baglino—converts medium-voltage AC (including 34.5 kV distribution) directly to 800 VDC in a single conversion step, native to NVIDIA's 800 VDC rack architecture. Each unit handles up to 4.2 MW with integrated battery storage .
Enphase Energy announced development of the IQ Solid-State Transformer in April 2026, deploying a "supercluster" of 342 intelligent power modules using GaN switching. The system converts medium-voltage AC directly to 800 VDC with 98.5% targeted efficiency and 99.999% availability through distributed redundancy .
Eaton acquired Resilient Power Systems (August 2025), bringing institutional manufacturing scale to medium-voltage SST technology for data center applications .
Amperesand, spun out of Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, delivered first commercial units to the Port of Singapore in 2026 and has multiple pilots with hyperscale AI data center operators .
