Here are concrete examples and models of how data centers are being integrated into microgrids and distributed generation (DG)-based distribution networks.

1. The "Behind-the-Meter" Microgrid for Resiliency

This is the most common model, where a data center builds its own microgrid to ensure 99.999% (five-nines) uptime, going beyond what the traditional grid and even diesel generators can provide.

• Example: Microsoft's Diesel-Free Data Center Pilot Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA. System: Microsoft partnered with a local utility (Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power) and a fuel cell company (Bloom Energy) to create a data center powered primarily by biogas-fueled solid oxide fuel cells. Integration: The fuel cells are located behind-the-meter, meaning they provide power directly to the data center, bypassing the main grid most of the time. The system is designed to use 100% renewable energy. In this case, the data center itself is the microgrid, with fuel cells as the primary DG source, backed by the traditional grid for balance and additional backup. This significantly reduces reliance on diesel generators.
• Example: Apple's Maiden Data Center Location: North Carolina, USA. System: This facility features two massive solar farms (totaling 160 MW) and biogas-fed fuel cells (10 MW). Integration: The solar and fuel cell installations form a dedicated microgrid that supplies the vast majority of the data center's base load power. The local utility grid acts as a backup, and the facility has achieved a goal of 100% renewable energy operation. This is a prime example of a DG-based network built specifically for a single, massive consumer.

2. The "Prosumer" Data Center: Participating in Grid Services

In this model, the data center doesn't just consume power; it can also sell power or grid services (like frequency regulation) back to the utility, becoming a "prosumer" (producer + consumer). This is often facilitated through a microgrid controller.

• Example: NTT Anode Energy's Virtual Power Plant (VPP) in Japan Concept: NTT, a major telecom and data center operator, is aggregating the backup generator capacity (mostly natural gas generators) from its numerous data centers across Japan. Integration: Using a cloud-based energy management system, they can remotely dispatch these generators as a single, virtual power plant. During times of peak grid demand or emergency (e.g., after a natural disaster), this VPP can inject power into the distribution grid, providing critical capacity and stability. The data centers transition from passive loads to active, grid-supporting assets.
• Concept: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) as a Grid Battery How it works: Modern data centers have massive, banked UPS systems with lithium-ion or advanced lead-acid batteries designed to provide power for a few minutes during a grid outage until generators start. Grid Service Potential: These vast battery banks can be aggregated and controlled to provide fast frequency response to the grid. In milliseconds, they can absorb or inject power to correct tiny fluctuations in grid frequency, a highly valuable service for grid operators. While still emerging, companies like Eaton, Vertiv, and major cloud providers (Google, Microsoft) are actively piloting this technology.

3. The Integrated Community Microgrid

Here, the data center is a key anchor tenant within a larger microgrid that powers a campus, business park, or municipality.

• Example: Aligned Data Center in Plano, Texas System: This facility is connected to a broader microgrid run by the local utility, Oncor. Integration: The microgrid includes solar generation, natural gas generators, and grid-scale battery storage. The data center is a primary critical load within this system. In the event of a wider grid outage, the microgrid can "island" itself and continue to power the data center and other essential services in the area. The data center's load is a key factor in designing the microgrid's capacity.
• Example: Quinnipiac University Microgrid (Conceptual Model for Campus-Style Integration) While not exclusively a data center, the Quinnipiac microgrid in Connecticut is a classic example of a campus system. It combines a 1.4 MW solar farm, a 4.6 MW combined heat and power (CHP) plant, and backup generators to power most of the university, including its vital data centers and research facilities. This model is directly applicable to corporate or tech campuses where the data center is the most critical load among other buildings (offices, R&D labs).

Mehedi Rahman Khan Thank you for your answer!

I had already come across and read about some of these facilities, including the Bloom Energy projects. I also heard that Verrus is currently working on a large-scale project for Meta. However, what I meant were concrete examples with detailed information about such networks. Specifically, single-line diagrams (preferably PSLD), data on generators, transformers, loads, cables, operating modes, scenarios, etc. This would make it possible to reproduce the system through modeling in ETAP or DIgSILENT PowerFactory and analyze various operating conditions and scenarios in different modules.

we can reconstruct a technically detailed, hypothetical but highly realistic model based on public information, standard industry practices, and known vendor capabilities. This model can serve as a perfect foundation for building a study in ETAP or DIgSILENT.

A Hypothetical but Realistic Model: A 50 MW Hyperscale Data Center Microgrid

This model synthesizes common elements from the Microsoft, Apple, and NTT examples into a single, study-ready system.

1. System One-Line Diagram (SLD) Concept

A simplified SLD for such a system would look like this:

text

[Point of Interconnection (POI) with Utility Grid] | | (69 kV or 115 kV) | |-- Utility Step-Down Transformer (69/13.8kV or 115/13.8kV) | |-- Main-Tie-Main Breaker Configuration (13.8kV Switchgear) | |------------------ [Critical Load Bus 1 (13.8kV)] | | | |-- Data Center Load: 20 MW (IT) | |-- Data Center Load: 5 MW (Cooling) | |-- Static Transfer Switches (STS) | | |------------------ [Critical Load Bus 2 (13.8kV)] | | | |-- Data Center Load: 20 MW (IT) | |-- Data Center Load: 5 MW (Cooling) | |-- Static Transfer Switches (STS) | |------------------ [Generation & Storage Bus (13.8kV)] | | | |-- Natural Gas Generator Set #1 (5 MW) | |-- Natural Gas Generator Set #2 (5 MW) | |-- Bloom Energy SOFC Plant (4 MW) | |-- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) (5 MW / 10 MWh) | |-- PV Farm Inverter (10 MW AC) | |------------------ [Microgrid Controller (MGC) - Central Brain]

2. Detailed Component Specifications for Modeling

Here is the data you would need to create the model in your software of choice.

ComponentKey Parameters for ModelingHypothetical Specs (Example)Utility SourceVoltage, Short-Circuit Duty, X/R Ratio, P/Q Capability CurveV_nom: 69 kV, SCC: 1500 MVA, X/R: 15, P_max: 80 MW

Main TransformerRating, Voltage Ratio, Impedance (Z%), Winding Connection (e.g., Delta-Wye)50 MVA, 69/13.8 kV, Z% = 8%, Dyn11

13.8kV SwitchgearBus Rating, Rated Short-Time Current, Breaker Ratings4000A Bus, 40 kA SCC Rating, 2000A & 4000A Breakers

Data Center LoadStatic Load: Constant Power (IT),

Motor Load: Constant Impedance (Cooling), Load Shedding PriorityIT Load: 40 MW (100% PFC), Cooling: 10 MW (0.85 lag), Priority: 1-4

Gas GenSetsRating, Subtransient Reactance (X''d), Fuel Type, Governor & AVR Models2 x 5 MVA, X''d: 15%, Natural Gas, IEEEG1 Governor, IEEEX1 AVR

Fuel Cell Plant (SOFC)Inverter-Based Resource Model, P & Q Capability, Fault Contribution4 MW AC, P +/-, Q +/- (4-quadrant), Fault Current: 1.2 x I_rated

BESSPower & Energy Rating, Inverter Model, P & Q Capability, State of Charge (SOC)5 MW / 10 MWh, P +/-(Charge/Discharge), Q +/-, SOC_min: 20%

PV FarmRating, Inverter Model, P & Q Capability, P(V) & Q(V) Droop Control10 MW AC (at POI), P limited by sun, Q max = 0.44 * P_rated

Cables & FeedersSize, Length, R, X, Charging Current13.8kV, 1000kcmil, 100m length, R=0.03Ω, X=0.04Ω

ProtectionRelay Types (OC, DOC, DFDT), CT Ratios, Settings51/51N: Phase/Ground OC, 67: DOC, 27/59: Under/Over Voltage

Mehedi Rahman Khan It would only be fair if I generate my reply with GPT as well 😅

Funny replies in English:

"Wow, looks like someone upgraded their inner ChatGPT to version 10.0 — that was impressively polished and systematic!"

"Thanks for such a detailed answer! Feels like I’m reading a technical appendix from the Microsoft–Apple–NTT Edition™ handbook."

"If this was written by a human, I tip my hat. If it was written by AI, then it definitely deserves IEEE Fellow status."

"Hmm, looks like this text went through ETAP, then DIgSILENT, and finally got formatted in WordArt."

"I usually expect replies like this from AI. Glad to see ResearchGate has upgraded to AI-Assistant as well."