Vantage’s 800 VDC deal starts at the grid connection
Vantage has reserved more than 1GW of manufacturing capacity for Heron Link solid-state transformers. The planned data centre deployments would convert AC at medium voltage directly to 800 VDC, with energy storage integrated into the system.
The conversion begins ahead of the rack power stages. Heron’s published reference design describes a 4.2 MW unit connected to 34.5 kV, supplying 40 individually protected DC outputs. It combines functions normally specified across the transformer at the medium voltage supply, distribution at low voltage, UPS and power distribution equipment. The companies are targeting conversion efficiency above 98.5% between the grid connection and 800 VDC.
A battery connects to the DC bus to absorb rapid changes in computing demand. In the reference arrangement, the buffer for rapid power changes connects directly to the bus, avoiding a further DC/DC stage between the battery and converter. Heron describes an externally coupled option for storage over longer periods. A short burst of power can require a high discharge rate without requiring the energy stored for a long outage. Heron’s architecture gives that buffer access to the bus where the computing load changes, so the upstream grid connection can see a smoother demand.
Inside the proposed 12 MW block
Heron’s blueprint uses four conversion units, with three sufficient to support the block. Each compute rack receives power through four independent shelves, one from each converter. A failed converter therefore removes one feed from each rack while leaving three available.
Load allocation in Heron’s reference block
- Compute racks: 10.8 MW
- Networking: 0.8 MW
- Coolant distribution units: 0.4 MW
- Total: 12 MW
Those auxiliary loads also use the 800 VDC system. Including them in the block defines more of the installation than the rating of the compute racks alone: the distribution arrangement has to reach the cooling and networking equipment as well.
Protection is specified at the individual rack output. The blueprint pairs a solid-state breaker with a mechanical contactor, using the contactor for galvanic isolation after the fault has been cleared. Protection at medium voltage and a disconnect switch are integrated upstream. Heron’s converter modules can be replaced during service using connections that mate as the module is inserted.
