Mitigating Data Centers Load Risks and Enabling Grid Support Functions through Grid-Forming Control

Abstract

The rapid growth of hyperscale data centers driven by Large Language Models and Artificial Intelligence workloads has introduced new challenges for power systems. These facilities experience abrupt power variations during model training and check-point-saving events, causing voltage deviations and frequency disturbances. Moreover, they operate as passive loads that draw power without offering any grid support. This paper presents an integrated architecture that combines Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) within data centers using Grid-Forming inverters to provide active grid-support functions. Simulation results through MATLAB/Simulink demonstrate accurate power reference tracking under dynamic loading, with eight coordinated BESS units supplying instantaneous power during training and saving conditions. Under single-phase voltage depression near the data center bus, the BESS delivered reactive power support similar to a Static Synchronous Compensator. During grid disconnection, seamless islanded operation was achieved with stable voltage, frequency, and continuous power delivery at the data center bus.