Consultancy · study

Data centre & large-load grid connection studies

Large new loads — hyperscale data centres, hydrogen electrolysers and heavy industry — connect at sizes that move voltages, fault levels and power quality on the networks around them. We run the connection and compliance studies that show a large load can be accommodated, and on what terms.

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When it's needed

When this study is needed.

A single load or campus is large enough relative to the local network to affect voltage, thermal loading or fault level at the connection point.
The connection is power-electronic-heavy — UPS, rectifiers, variable-speed drives or on-site converters — raising harmonic, flicker and power-quality questions.
A network operator requires evidence for a demand connection: load flow, short-circuit, harmonic, voltage-step and protection coordination.
On-site generation, battery storage or back-up plant must be modelled alongside the load for islanding, ride-through and reactive support.

Method

How we approach it.

Agree the load profile, ramp and phasing, the point of connection, and the connection requirements that apply.
Build the network model — load flow and short-circuit — with the large load and any on-site generation or storage represented.
Assess steady-state impact: voltages, thermal loading, fault-level headroom and reactive-power / voltage control.
Assess power quality — harmonic distortion, voltage flicker and voltage steps against the relevant limits — and add EMT where converters or fast dynamics govern.
Document the connection terms, any reinforcement or mitigation, and the evidence in the form the operator expects.

Software

Tools we use.

PowerFactory and PSS®E for load flow, fault level and harmonics
PSCAD / EMTDC for EMT where converter behaviour or fast dynamics matter
Scripted automation for scenario sweeps and post-processing

Scenarios

Scenarios & operating points.

Minimum and maximum demand, with credible ramp and phasing of the load
Range of network strengths, outage conditions and dispatch
Harmonic and flicker assessment across operating modes
On-site generation / storage in and out of service, including back-up transfer

Deliverables

What you receive.

Validated network model files and a model-quality statement
Load-flow, fault-level, harmonic and power-quality results with interpretation
A connection assessment: terms, headroom, and any reinforcement or mitigation
A written report suitable for independent review by the network operator

Quality & validation

Evidence that stands up to review.

Every conclusion is traceable to a validated model and a documented scenario. We record tool versions, model sources and assumptions so the work can be reproduced and challenged — the standard a network operator's review expects.

Selected work

Comparable experience.

Case-study write-ups for this service are in preparation. To discuss directly relevant project experience, brief us — we can talk it through, under NDA where appropriate.

FAQ

Questions engineers ask.

What counts as a large load for these studies?

There is no single threshold — it is relative to 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 largely power-electronic — 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

Brief us on a connection.

Send a one-paragraph scope — the load, the connection point, and the question you need answered. We typically reply within two working days.

Brief us on a project→

Direct
Skip the form — email the team directly.

consulting@velonenergy.com