DC Power Distribution Architecture and Method Applicable to Data Centers

Some embodiments provide a DC power distribution system that includes a plurality of DC sources coupled to a plurality of DC buses via respective protection devices that are configured to selectively cause an open-circuit between the DC source and the respective DC bus in the event of a fault or overload condition on the respective DC bus. The plurality of DC buses are coupled to a load combiner, and the system is configured to supply power in parallel from the DC sources via the plurality of DC buses to at least one DC/DC step-down converter via the load combiner, which combines the power supplied via the plurality of DC buses. The DC buses, load combiner, and the DC power sources are configured such that the total maximum load current is capable of being supplied via less than all of the plurality of DC buses in the event that any one of the DC buses is non-operational.