Evolution of Data Center Onsite Power Use

Overview

The paper places onsite assets on a chart of operating hours against carbon intensity. Today's diesel standby sits at low hours and high carbon. Low-carbon fuels such as HVO shift it right, and grid augmentation shifts it upward into an 'active standby' mode, meaning assets dispatched beyond emergency use but not as the primary supply.

The driver is market pressure. The paper cites sources estimating that data centres use 2-3% of world electricity, and notes that utilities in Northern Virginia and Dublin are restricting new data-centre connections because of capacity or distribution limits. In constrained areas grid interruptions can last up to several hours a day, and some utilities mandate demand-response participation.

The main barrier to active standby is criteria-emission (NOx) regulation. Listed enablers are in-cylinder improvements, aftertreatment, gas engines, BESS and later hydrogen and fuel cells. Prime-power operation is not expected where utility supply is sufficient.

Key points

1. Data centres are estimated to use 2-3% of world electricity (sources cited in the paper).
2. Utilities in Northern Virginia and Dublin are restricting new data-centre connections.
3. Onsite power is mapped on operating hours versus carbon intensity; HVO moves it right, grid augmentation moves it upward.
4. Grid interruptions in constrained areas can reach several hours a day; some utilities require demand response.
5. Active standby is dispatch beyond emergency use without being primary supply; NOx rules are the main barrier.
6. Prime-power operation is not expected where utility supply is adequate.

Using it in design

• Carry fuel compatibility (HVO/EN 15940), emissions tier/NOx and permitted annual run hours in the generator catalog.
• Add an operating-mode setting: emergency standby, active standby/demand response, prime.
• When active standby is chosen, require a rating with adequate run hours, aftertreatment and NOx compliance, and fuel logistics, and offer BESS as an alternative asset.

Who should read it

Decision makers and designers revisiting onsite generation strategy against grid constraints and carbon targets.

Related standards

• EN 15940
• IEEE 1547

Publication details

Authors

Rich Scroggins

Publisher

Cummins

Year

2024

Document number

Bulletin 6511837

Document language

English

Source type

Manufacturer

Access

Free to read

Licence

Copyright retained; citation only — the publisher’s terms apply to the original document

Citation