Data Centers

In Front-of-the-Meter:

This refers to the electricity usage a data center consumes directly from the utility grid, before passing through the energy meter. Data centers purchase power at standard commercial rates and rely on the grid for consistent power, with limited control over energy sourcing and pricing.

Behind-the-Meter:

This involves data center energy management and power generation systems located within the facility, independent of the grid. Data centers may use renewable energy, batteries, or backup power systems for greater control over energy usage, leading to cost savings and improved resilience during outages.

Key Distinctions:

• Energy Source: "In front-of-the-meter" uses grid power "behind-the-meter" uses internal energy systems.
• Control: Data centers have more autonomy with "behind-the-meter" energy management, while "in front-of-the-meter" relies on external sources.
• Cost Efficiency: "Behind-the-meter" systems can optimize power consumption, bypass utility fees, and improve sustainability through renewable energy and backup power solutions.

Combining both strategies can improve energy management and reliability, depending on the data center’s location and access to power infrastructure, such as a data center substation.

Learn more about GE Vernova’s solutions for both front-of-the-meter and behind-the-meter

Data centers can power their operations more sustainably by optimizing electricity usage through advanced energy management systems, such as integrating renewable energy sources like solar or wind. Implementing data center electrical infrastructure with backup power options, like batteries, improves reliability while reducing reliance on the grid. Combining on-site generation with grid power from a data center substation balances sustainability and reliability for continuous operations.

Islanded microgrid solutions allow data centers to operate independently from the grid, using on-site generation to manage data center power autonomously, further enhancing sustainability. GE Vernova's microgrid solutions can help lower you blended levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and generate added revenue.

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Grid congestion can negatively impact data centers by limiting the availability and stability of data center power. This can lead to an increased risk of downtime, higher energy costs and could limit the expansion of a data center.

Increased Risk of Downtime: Grid congestion can lead to power interruptions or reduced availability, directly impacting data center reliability and uptime. Even short disruptions can be costly and affect service quality.

Higher Energy Costs: Congestion often leads to increased electricity prices due to limited transmission capacity and higher demand, driving up operational expenses for data centers.

Delayed Expansion: Data centers relying on congested grid areas may face delays in expanding operations or connecting new facilities due to limited power availability and regulatory constraints. Grid congestion can also limit the ability of data centers to incorporate renewable energy sources, as excess generation might not be effectively transmitted or used.

STATCOM systems mitigate these challenges by providing real-time reactive power compensation, stabilizing voltage levels, and improving overall power quality. GE Vernova’s FACTSFLEX GFMe grid-forming STATCOM solution can be used to smooth the high variable load of data center. This improves the network quality and mitigates impact of congestion to the data centers. It also enhances the grid's ability to handle higher power loads and supports the integration of renewables, helping data centers maintain reliable, efficient operations even in congested areas.

Learn more about GE Vernova’s STATCOM solutions

Power quality issues, such as voltage sags, surges, and harmonic distortions, can significantly impact data centers by causing equipment malfunctions, system failures, and unplanned downtime. Poor power quality increases wear on equipment, reduces efficiency in energy management, and may trigger the use of the data center’s backup power.

Grid energy storage solutions can help address these issues by providing rapid-response power conditioning and backup energy support. They stabilize voltage levels, mitigate fluctuations, and ensure consistent power delivery, enhancing the reliability and resilience of data center operations.

Maintaining stable voltage levels is crucial for consistent performance. Medium voltage STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) solutions help by providing real-time reactive power support and voltage regulation. This ensures stable power quality, optimizes the integration of on-site generation, and maintains reliable operation even during load changes or grid disturbances.

A microgrid benefits data center operations by providing localized control over data center electricity usage, improving data center energy management and reducing dependency on the main grid. It ensures reliable power by incorporating renewable energy sources and offering efficient data center backup power during outages. Additionally, integrating with a data center substation, a microgrid enhances power reliability and sustainability, lowering operational costs and increasing resilience.

A critical element of microgrid management load balancing between the energy produced and the energy consumed.

Learn more about GE Vernova’s Energy Management System