Kaiser Chair Talk Series Sponsored by IEEE PELS: Data Center Challenges: Powering “the AI Factories”
Join Dr. Don Tan, Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, IEEE Fellow, and Founder/CTO of E2+ Systems, for a talk on the rapidly growing energy demands of AI data centers and the technologies needed to power the next generation of computing infrastructure.
Recent studies predict that power demand per rack in data centers could increase from approximately 100 kW to 1 MW, while the overall electricity demand associated with “AI factories” could reach 1,000 TWh annually by 2030. These trends are creating an emerging “Power Wall” that cannot be addressed through conventional approaches alone.
In this talk, Dr. Don Tan will explore the technical challenges and emerging solutions associated with powering AI infrastructure. Topics will include power conversion and distribution, thermal management, networking, energy-efficient computing architectures, microgrids, UPS systems, and next-generation power processing technologies. The discussion will also introduce Flexible electronic Large Power Transformers (FeLPTs) and examine their potential role in interfacing large data centers with the electrical grid.
The session will provide students, researchers, engineers, and industry professionals with an overview of how advances across power electronics and energy systems may help address the rapidly increasing power requirements of AI computing.
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- 2332 Main Mall
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Canada V6T 1Z4
- Building: Kaiser
- Room Number: KAIS 2020
- Starts 22 September 2026 04:00 PM UTC
- Ends 03 October 2026 01:00 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Dr. Don Tan of E2+ Systems
Biography:
Dr. Don Tan is Founder/CTO, E2+ Systems. He was Distinguished Engineer/Fellow/Center Director at a Fortune 500 corporation. Don is Member of US National Academy of Engineering, IEEE Fellow. He earned his Ph.D. from Caltech.
A visionary technical leader in ultra-efficient power conversion and electronic energy systems, Don has pioneered breakthrough innovations with high impact industry firsts and record performances, receiving recognitions from the highest level of Government. His hardware on JWST is functioning flawlessly millions of miles away from the earth.
Dr. Tan’s professional leadership and services include IEEE VP & TAB Chair, Division II Director, IEEE Fellow Committee Chair, President of PELS, Founding President of TEC, Founding Editor-in-Chief of JESTPE, General Conference Chair of APEC (IEEE 4th largest), IEEE/Google Little Box Challenge Chair, IEEE/DoD P1515/1573 Standards Working Group Chairs, and PELS LAC Chapter Chair. He is Distinguished Lecturer for IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) and IEEE Transportation Electrification Council (TEC).
Don received IEEE PELS Middlebrook Achievement Award, McMurry Industry Achievement Award, Distinguished Achievement Award for Aerospace, Owen, Jr. Distinguished Service Award, JESTPE Prize Paper Award, JANNAF In-Space Propulsion Award, AIAA System Development Award, AAEOY Engineer of the Year Award, NGST Distinguished Patent Award, and NGST President Award for Innovation.
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