Data centers for grid support and energy storage optimization

Abstract

This thesis investigates the potential of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to support grid operations and enhance the sustainability of data centers. Given the increasing energy consumption of data centers, which is projected to reach nearly 15% of Denmark’s electricity consumption by 2030, there is a pressing need to explore sustainable and reliable power solutions. This study focuses on integrating renewable energy sources (RES) and BESS into data center operations to reduce emissions and enhance grid flexibility. A detailed model of a fictional data center is developed, encompassing various elements such as IT load, PV generation, and grid interactions. The methodology involves defining the data center’s IT load based on realistic usage patterns, incorporating PV systems for renewable energy generation, and simulating different outage scenarios to evaluate the reliability and performance of the BESS. The study explores multiple energy management strategies, including different configurations of the UPS system and the impact of varying BESS capacities. The results demonstrate that BESS can effectively reduce grid dependency and enhance the integration of renewable energy sources, thereby contributing to overall grid stability and sustainability. However, the initial costs of BESS and the need for strategic system configurations are critical considerations. The findings suggest that data centers can play a proactive role in stabilizing the grid and advancing sustainability efforts, with BESS offering a viable solution for peak shaving and backup power.

Outgoing