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Data centre & large-load grid connection studies

Data centres, electrolysers and heavy industry now connect at sizes that move voltages, fault levels and power quality on the grid around them. We run the studies that show the load can connect, and on what terms.

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Harmonic voltage · limitsIllustrative
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Predicted harmonic voltage at the connection point against limits, with and without a filter.
When it's needed

When you need it.

  1. One load or campus is big enough to shift voltage, loading or fault level at the connection point.
  2. The load is mostly power electronics: UPS, rectifiers and drives bring harmonics and flicker.
  3. The operator wants evidence for a demand connection: load flow, fault level, harmonics, voltage step, protection.
  4. On-site generation, batteries or back-up plant must be modelled with the load.
Method

How we run it.

  1. 01

    Agree

    Load profile, ramp, phasing, connection point and the rules that apply.

  2. 02

    Model

    Load flow and short-circuit model with the load and any on-site plant.

  3. 03

    Steady state

    Voltages, thermal loading, fault level headroom and reactive power.

  4. 04

    Power quality

    Harmonics, flicker and voltage steps against limits, plus EMT where needed.

  5. 05

    Terms

    Connection terms, any reinforcement, and the evidence for the operator.

Tools and scenarios

What we use and what we test.

Tools

  • PowerFactory · PSS®ELoad flow, fault level, harmonics
  • PSCAD / EMTDCFast dynamics
  • Python automationScenario sweeps

Scenarios we run

  • Minimum and maximum demand, with realistic ramps and phasing
  • A range of grid strengths, outages and dispatch
  • Harmonics and flicker across operating modes
  • On-site plant in and out of service, including transfer to back-up
Deliverables

What you get.

  • ModelValidated network model files and a model quality statement
  • ResultsLoad flow, fault level, harmonic and power quality results, explained
  • TermsConnection assessment: terms, headroom and any reinforcement
  • ReportA report ready for the operator's independent review

How we check it

Every conclusion traces back to a validated model and a documented scenario. We record tool versions, model sources and assumptions, so the work can be rerun and challenged.

Selected work

Related case studies.

Case 01 · Power-to-XPower-system modelling partner to ET FuelsPSCAD and PowerFactory work for an e-methanol and eSAF project in Texas.Case 04 · RMS to EMTNetwork reduction for large RMS modelsFive tools that get a wide-area RMS model ready for EMT.
FAQ

Questions engineers ask.

What counts as a large load for these studies?
There is no single threshold. It depends on the network the load connects to. A load is large when its demand, fault contribution or power-electronic content is enough to change voltages, thermal loading, fault level or power quality at the connection point. Data centre campuses, hydrogen electrolysers and heavy industry routinely cross that line.
Why do data centres need harmonic and power-quality studies?
Their load is mostly power electronics (UPS, rectifiers and variable-speed drives), which can inject harmonics and cause voltage distortion or flicker. Network operators set limits on these, so a connection usually needs harmonic and power-quality evidence, and sometimes filtering or other mitigation, before it is accepted.
Can you study the load together with on-site generation or storage?
Yes. Back-up generation, battery storage and any on-site converters are part of the same connection. We model them with the load, covering reactive support, ride-through and transfer between supplies, so the assessment reflects how the site will actually operate.
Next step

Have a study like this coming up?

Discuss a project contracts@velonenergy.com

Related: Consultancy hub · Grid-code compliance studies · PSCAD / EMT studies · QMerse