AI data centers are changing the requirements for electrical infrastructure. Higher server power density, large-scale GPU deployments and rapid expansion of AI computing are increasing demand for reliable and high-capacity power systems.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global data center electricity consumption is expected to reach around 950 TWh by 2030, nearly doubling from 2025 levels. AI-focused data centers are growing even faster.
For data center developers, selecting the right AI data center transformer is essential for reliability, efficiency and long-term operating costs.
What Transformers Are Used in AI Data Centers?
A modern data center may use several types of transformers at different stages of the electrical distribution system.
К числу типичных областей применения относятся:
- Силовые трансформаторы – for high-voltage grid and substation connections
- Распределительные трансформаторы – for medium-voltage to low-voltage distribution
- Сухие трансформаторы – commonly used inside buildings and electrical rooms
- Трансформаторы для монтажа на панель – for outdoor medium-voltage distribution
- Unit Substation Transformers – for integrated power distribution systems
The exact configuration depends on the utility voltage, facility capacity, redundancy requirements and electrical distribution architecture.
What Power Capacity Does a Data Center Transformer Need?
Transformer capacity should be selected based on the total electrical load rather than IT load alone.
A data center’s electrical demand may include:
- AI servers and GPUs
- Networking equipment
- UPS systems
- Cooling systems
- Pumps and chillers
- Lighting
- Building services
- Battery charging and auxiliary systems
For large AI facilities, total power demand can reach hundreds of megawatts. The IEA notes that hyperscale AI data centers can exceed 100 MW, while power density at the server-rack level is also increasing rapidly.
Therefore, transformer capacity may need to be distributed across multiple units rather than relying on a single large transformer.
What Voltage Levels Are Used?
The voltage configuration depends on the local utility and data center design.
A typical power path may look like:
High-Voltage Grid → Substation Transformer → Medium-Voltage Distribution → Distribution Transformer → Low-Voltage Equipment
For example, utility power may enter the site at medium or high voltage and then be stepped down for facility distribution and IT loads.
Maintaining higher distribution voltage for longer distances can reduce current and electrical losses. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends considering distribution voltage carefully when designing energy-efficient data centers.
At the rack level, the industry is also moving toward higher-voltage DC architectures. Open Compute Project participants are working toward 800 VDC power architectures for next-generation AI infrastructure.
Dry Type or Oil-Immersed Transformer for a Data Center?
Both technologies can be suitable, depending on installation requirements.
Сухой трансформатор
Dry type transformers are often considered for indoor electrical rooms because they do not use insulating oil and can provide a practical solution where fire safety and indoor installation are important.
Typical applications include:
- Data halls
- Electrical rooms
- Коммерческие здания
- Промышленные объекты
Масляный трансформатор
Oil-immersed transformers are commonly used for higher-capacity outdoor applications and substations.
They can be suitable for:
- Коммунальные подстанции
- Outdoor data center substations
- High-capacity power distribution
- Large industrial facilities
The selection should consider capacity, installation location, fire protection, efficiency, maintenance and local standards.
Key Transformer Specifications for AI Data Centers
When specifying a transformer for a data center, buyers should consider more than rated kVA or MVA.
Important specifications include:
- Номинальная мощность
- Primary and secondary voltage
- Частота
- Векторная группа
- Импеданс
- No-load and load losses
- Метод охлаждения
- Temperature rise
- Insulation level
- Tap changer and tapping range
- Short-circuit withstand capability
- Enclosure and installation requirements
- Redundancy configuration
- Applicable standards
For AI facilities, transformer efficiency and load characteristics are particularly important because transformers operate continuously and may supply large numbers of power electronic loads.
Transformer Redundancy for Data Centers
Reliability is one of the most important requirements for data center power systems.
Depending on the facility design, transformers may be arranged using:
- N+1
- 2N
- Distributed redundant systems
- Multiple independent power paths
The appropriate configuration depends on the required uptime, critical load, maintenance strategy and project budget.
How to Select an AI Data Center Transformer
A practical selection process is:
1. Determine the total facility load
Include IT, cooling, UPS and auxiliary loads.
2. Define the utility voltage
Confirm the incoming voltage and available grid connection.
3. Determine the distribution architecture
Identify medium-voltage, low-voltage and potential DC distribution requirements.
4. Select transformer capacity
Consider present load, future expansion and redundancy.
5. Select transformer technology
Choose dry type or oil-immersed based on installation and project requirements.
6. Optimize efficiency
Compare no-load loss, load loss and total lifecycle cost.
7. Confirm standards and testing
Ensure the transformer meets the required IEC, IEEE or local standards.
Read More:Three Phase Transformer: Working Principle, Types, Applications and Selection Guide
EverNew Transformer Solutions for Data Centers
EverNew Transformer manufactures a wide range of power transformers, distribution transformers, dry type transformers, pad-mounted transformers and substation transformers for industrial and infrastructure applications.
Transformer solutions can be customized according to:
- Voltage
- Вместимость
- Векторная группа
- Импеданс
- Метод охлаждения
- Insulation level
- Устройство смены метчиков
- Условия установки
- Applicable standards
For a new AI data center project, provide the required capacity, voltage levels, installation conditions and project standards. EverNew can evaluate the application and recommend a suitable transformer configuration.
Need a transformer for your data center project? Contact EverNew Transformer for technical consultation and quotation.
