With the rise of digital technology and artificial intelligence, the proliferation of data centers has become essential to meet the growing needs for data storage and processing. These infrastructures are highly energy-intensive and use increasingly powerful electrical distribution networks, often with consumption levels of several tens of MW and direct connections to the transmission grid. These electrical infrastructures require meticulous design, particularly in terms of sizing, considering degraded modes, and electrical protection. Conducting in-depth technical studies of electrical networks is crucial to ensure the reliability, performance, and safety of such installations. This includes defining electrical protections as well as the precise sizing of equipment such as cables, transformers, and other critical components.
A Model-Based Approach
To carry out these tasks, CAPSIM relies on detailed modeling of the data center’s internal electrical network. This approach allows to :
- Simulate the behavior of the electrical network under normal conditions and in the event of a failure (both static and dynamic studies).
- Identify critical points and optimise the sizing of equipment (such as the choice of main transformers) and the architecture (reliability studies).
- Check the selectivity and coordination of electrical protections.
Through these analyses, it is possible to ensure a reliable and redundant power supply, thus minimizing the risk of service interruptions, a major issue for data center operators.
Conclusion
The study and sizing of data centers require advanced electrical engineering expertise to ensure optimal and secure operation of power supplies. By relying on advanced modeling tools, CAPSIM supports its clients in designing high-performance electrical solutions tailored to the specific needs of these strategic infrastructures.
