[AI Infrastructure] Understanding Data Center Power Cables, the Invisible Blood Vessels of the AI Era

With the advent of generative AI, power density per data center rack has surged from the previous 4~5kW to as much as 100kW, accelerating the 'power securing war.' Accordingly, the role of power cables, which deliver energy from the power plant to the server's PSU (Power Supply Unit) without loss, has emerged as a key factor determining energy efficiency (PUE) and stability.

High-voltage cables have a 5-layer structure that concentrates advanced materials engineering.

• Conductor: The path through which current flows, made of copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al).
• Insulation: The core layer that withstands voltage, with XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) as the primary standard.
• Shield and Sheath: Block electromagnetic interference and protect the cable from external impact and moisture.

In the field, various cables are used depending on the application. Representative examples include CNCV-W with water-tight performance, TR-CNCV-W, a water-tree retardant type that extends lifespan, and TFR-CV, a flame-retardant type that prevents fire spread.

When designing cables, compliance with KEC (Korea Electro-technical Code) and IEC standards is required. Rather than simply using thicker cables, an engineering approach is essential—applying a Derating Factor to the allowable current and calculating Voltage Drop according to cable length to select the optimal thickness.