PEDES 2026 at IIT Guwahati - Madhav Manjrekar Tutorial

Tutorial Title: Modern Data Center Power Architectures: Evolution and Comparative Evaluation

Abstract: As the proliferation of high-density AI workloads, machine learning clusters, and accelerated computing forces a dramatic re-evaluation of facility power requirements, conventional electrical infrastructures are undergoing a fundamental transformation. High-performance computing demands are escalating rack power densities from the conventional less than 10kW to over 100kW per rack, rendering traditional 12Vdc and 48Vdc architectures insufficient. This tutorial provides a comprehensive, end-to-end examination of evolution, state-of-the-art developments, and comparative benchmarking of modern data center power architectures.

Beginning at the grid edge, we will trace the journey of power through medium-voltage substations, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), and facility-wide distribution. From there, attendees will explore the rapid transition from legacy AC to modern DC distribution, 48Vdc busbar implementation governed by the Open Compute Project (OCP) standards, and emerging 800Vdc rack-level power delivery designed to minimize distribution losses. Furthermore, we will systematically benchmark key architectural topologies against one another – evaluating traditional AC-based power delivery against 800Vdc, 400Vdc, and 48Vdc distributed architectures. The evaluation will compare conversion efficiency, spatial and thermal footprints, capital expenditures (CapEx), and operational expenditures (OpEx). Finally, the session will highlight critical semiconductor innovations, including the integration of Wide-Bandgap (WBG) devices like Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN), as well as the integration of intelligent Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) designed to buffer extreme load spikes and enhance microgrid resilience.

Bio: Dr. Madhav Manjrekar, Senior Member of IEEE, works as an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. He presently holds the title of Dean’s Fellow at the William States Lee College of Engineering. He also served as an Assistant Director and Chief Research Officer of the Energy Production & Infrastructure Center (EPIC). Currently he leads Consortium for Joules and Watts at the university. Named as e4 Carolinas Emerging Leader in Energy, Dr. Manjrekar has led technology and innovation in energy and power systems for more than 25 years. Prior to joining academia, he worked as the Vice President of Global Research and Innovation at Vestas and previously has held various leadership and management positions at Siemens, Eaton and ABB.

Dr. Manjrekar holds over 12 US and international patents, has published over 140 journal and conference papers and has received multiple IEEE prize paper awards. He has advised over 30 PhD and MS students and has received more than $10M in research funding. He has also served on various policy forums and task forces, including High Mega-Watt Leadership Team of National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Smart Grid Task Force of North American Electric Reliability Corporation, IEEE Standards P2800 and P2030, and review panels for ARPA-E, US Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Manjrekar received his B.E. degree from Government College of Engineering, Pune, India, his M.Tech. from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, M.S. from Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, and Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, in 1993, 1995, 1997, and 1999 respectively and completed the CTO Program at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2023.

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