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Doctoral Researcher

Eshan Dharmarathna

Grid Integration Challenges of Data Centers and STATCOM-Based Mitigation Strategies

The rapid growth of hyperscale and edge data centers imposes significant challenges on modern power grids due to their large, rapidly fluctuating, and often unbalanced loads. These facilities contribute to voltage instability, harmonic distortion, and reduced power factor, particularly under high renewable energy penetration. Traditional grid infrastructure struggles to maintain voltage regulation and dynamic reactive power support in the face of such nonlinear and transient demands.

This research investigates the application of Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) as an advanced solution for enhancing grid stability and power quality in data center integration. The outcome aims to provide a scalable framework for resilient, efficient, and grid-friendly data center operation in future smart grids.

GE Vernova Grid Solutions

The rapid growth of hyperscale and edge data centers imposes significant challenges on modern power grids due to their large, rapidly fluctuating, and often unbalanced loads. These facilities contribute to voltage instability, harmonic distortion, and reduced power factor, particularly under high renewable energy penetration. Traditional grid infrastructure struggles to maintain voltage regulation and dynamic reactive power support in the face of such nonlinear and transient demands.

This research investigates the application of Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) as an advanced solution for enhancing grid stability and power quality in data center integration. The outcome aims to provide a scalable framework for resilient, efficient, and grid-friendly data center operation in future smart grids.

Academic supervisor
Tomi Roinila
Industry partner
Anssi Mäkinen
Jyri Kivimäki
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