Data Centres Modelling and Grid Integration Studies - PDE1009

Data Centres Modelling and Grid Integration Studies is a three-day professional development course designed for engineers and industry professionals involved in power-system studies and large-load connections.

The course explores how large, AI-enabled data centres are electrically configured, connected to the grid, and represented in power-system studies. You'll gain an understanding of data-centre electrical architectures, UPS and backup systems, grid-connection requirements, and disturbance behaviour. The course also introduces RMS and EMT modelling approaches for assessing voltage and frequency disturbances, ride-through performance, and load recovery.

Using a case study, the course connects facility design and operating arrangements with their impact on the wider power system. Through RMS and EMT simulation demonstrations, you'll learn how to interpret simulation results, understand model validation requirements, and assess potential mitigation strategies.

The course also explores emerging grid-interactive technologies, including UPS and battery energy storage systems (BESS). A final-day industry panel is planned to provide insights from data-centre developers, power-system operators, and grid-connection consultants, subject to guest confirmation.

By the end of the program, you'll have a stronger understanding of the technical modelling and challenges associated with integrating large data centres into the power grid.

At a glance

Fees

  • In-person: A$2,970
  • Online: A$2,673

Early-bird discount (15%):

  • Available until 27 January 2027.

Online course discount (10%):

  • Available to participants attending the course online.

Monash students/alumni discount (30%):

  • Available to eligible Monash students and alumni.

Who should attend

This course is designed for:

  • Power system engineers and consultants involved in grid-connection studies, large-load integration, and power-system modelling.
  • Data-centre developers and electrical engineers seeking to understand data-centre electrical architectures, power demand, and grid-integration challenges.
  • Utility, AEMO, and network service provider staff involved in assessing large-load connections, system performance, and disturbance behaviour.
  • Consultants and service providers involved in RMS/EMT modelling, disturbance studies, and model validation for grid connections.
  • Early-career professionals, graduate engineers, and postgraduate students seeking to develop their knowledge of data-centre electrical systems and grid integration.

What you will learn

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

  • Understand data-centre electrical architectures and interpret single-line diagrams, including UPS, battery storage, backup generation, cooling systems, and redundancy arrangements. - Distinguish between IT load, facility load, connected capacity, and coincident demand at the Point of Connection (PoC).
  • Understand the available grid-connection requirements and technical considerations for integrating large data centres into the power system.
  • Assess data-centre responses to voltage and frequency disturbances, including ride-through capability, load disconnection, and recovery behaviour.
  • Understand different load-modelling approaches, from simplified ZIP and composite models to RMS and EMT models, and their applications in power-system studies. - Interpret RMS and EMT simulation results to understand data-centre dynamic behaviour and interactions with the power grid.
  • Evaluate model validation evidence, modelling uncertainties, and potential mitigation strategies for large-load grid integration.
  • Explore emerging grid-interactive technologies, including UPS/BESS applications and grid-forming capabilities, and gain insights into current industry challenges and practices.

Program structure

Day 1: Data Centre Electrical Architecture and Power Demand

  • Overview of large, AI-enabled data centres and their electrical infrastructure.
  • Data-centre electrical architectures and single-line diagrams.
  • UPS, battery storage, backup generators, bypass systems, and redundancy arrangements.
  • IT loads, cooling systems, facility demand, and power requirements at the Point of Connection (PoC).
  • Introduction to a fictional 500 MW data-centre campus as a case study.

Day 2: Grid Connection and Disturbance Performance

  • Grid-connection requirements and considerations for large data centres
  • Voltage and frequency disturbances and their impact on data-centre operation.
  • Ride-through capability, load disconnection, and post-disturbance recovery.
  • Load-modelling approaches, including ZIP, composite, and RMS models.
  • RMS simulation demonstrations and interpretation of disturbance responses.

Day 3: EMT Modelling, Model Validation and Industry Perspectives

  • EMT modelling of data-centre electrical systems and converter-based equipment.
  • EMT simulation demonstrations and comparison with RMS results.
  • Model validation, uncertainty assessment, and mitigation strategies for large-load integration.
  • Emerging grid-interactive technologies, including UPS/BESS and grid-forming applications.
  • Industry panel discussing data-centre development, power-system operation, grid-connection challenges, and future directions

Dr Behrooz Bahrani

Dr Behrooz Bahrani
Professor, School of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University Director, Grid Innovation Hub

Dr Behrooz Bahrani received his Ph.D. degree from the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland, in electrical engineering in 2012. Currently, he is a Professor at Monash University, where he is also the director of the Grid Innovation Hub.

He was recently a visiting academic at the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Prior to joining Monash University, he was a postdoctoral fellow at several international universities including EPFL, Georgia Tech, Purdue University, and the Technical University of Munich. His research interests include control of power electronics systems, applications of power electronics in power systems, and grid integration of renewable energy resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What payment methods are available?

Payment can be made by credit card through the registration link on the website. If you are unable to pay by card, payment by invoice and bank transfer can also be arranged.

Invoice generation typically takes up to 5 business days. To request an invoice, please contact power-courses@monash.edu and provide your name, email address, billing address, and attendance type (online or in-person).

The terms and conditions can be found here: https://www.monash.edu/learning-teaching/enterprise-education/terms-and-conditions

2) Who can I contact for further enquiries?

For any enquiries about the course, including registration, fees, discounts, and other course-related information, please contact our team at power-courses@monash.edu.

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