How ETAP Digital Modeling Helps in Data Center Power System Studies

For this project, we conducted a study on short circuit and equipment evaluation, protective device coordination, and AC and DC Arc Flash. For the calculations of AC and DC Arc Flash, we used standards based on the IEEE 1584 2018 and NFPA 70e 2018 editions. The analysis also included the existing UPS distribution and its modules. We created the model based on the submittal customer data of the existing system model and the data provided by the client. In the model, we included the medium-voltage distribution and standby sources, with multiple configuration paths, to accommodate the various switching configurations available at the site. This is the model we created in ETAP.
By Chris Inshaw, Senior Power Systems Engineer at Shermco Industries

This case study discusses the replacement of an extensive Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system at an existing Data Center. The studies included short-circuit analysis, protective device coordination, and arc-flash hazard analysis for both AC and DC systems, consistent with the relevant Standards. The DC equipment, as installed, required mitigation efforts due to high incident energies. This presentation outlines the analysis, findings, and recommended mitigation strategies for individuals undertaking similar retrofit or expansion studies.

Shermco is North America’s largest and fastest-growing electrical testing organization, which the International Electrical Testing Association accredits. Trusted since 1974, Shermco has you covered when it comes to electrical testing, maintenance, and industry requirements. Shermco aims to be the preferred specialty electrical and technical service provider, consistently delivering service and quality that surpasses client expectations.

Location: Fresno, California State University, USA

Year: 2021

Ensuring accurate calculations and profound studies for an extensive large data center

Challenges

  • Calculate short circuits and electrical equipment evaluation for both AC and DC systems.
  • Calculate the coordination of protective devices in a medium-voltage electrical network with additional standby sources and multiple configuration paths.
  • Conduct Arc-Flash studies to ensure service is secured according to the applicable standards.
  • AC and DC systems must comply with the 2018 NFPA 70E and 2018 IEEE 1584 Standards.
  • Analysis of the existing UPS system and its distribution with different switching configurations.
  • Creating the Digital Model of the data center and power distribution facilities.
  • To use manufacturing datasheets and equipment specifications with electrical and mechanical data, and to consider environmental conditions like temperature.

Which solutions did they choose?

Selected applications

They chose the full ETAP game of software with Arc Flash, Load Flow, Short Circuit, and ETAP Digital-Twin Modeling as the first solution to analyze, calculate, and set critical recommendations.

ETAP ensures compliance with all electrical standards for electrical design and electrical calculations.

Why do they use ETAP?

Main Customer Benefits

  • Digital model creation with substations, generators, transformers, switchboards, switchgear, busbars, batteries, UPS, cables, and protective devices using large and open electrical engineering libraries dedicated to the electrical power distribution systems, especially for data centers.
  • Ensuring electrical AC+DC system reliability by calculating short circuits, overloads, relay coordination, etc.
  • Finding clear and sure recommendations to update and correct electrical systems, especially equipment, batteries, and UPS.
  • Conduct a deep Arc Flash Study on the model, handle safety by calculating temperature accidents, and give clear recommendations for upgrading safety assets.
  • A reliability study for data centers enables the collection of essential indicators, such as CAIDI (Customer Average Interruption Duration Index) and ASAI (Average System Availability Index).
  • Providing variations of switching and connections by creating different scenarios in the digital model. It was crucial to demonstrate to the customer what would happen if he did not improve the system's reliability.

 

What do they think about ETAP?

Opinions

Specifications for that equipment were being added. We included the medium-voltage distribution and standby sources with multiple configuration paths in the model to accommodate the various switching configurations available at the site. This is the model we created in ETAP.
By Chris Inshaw, Senior Power Systems Engineer at Shermco Industries

We also performed an AC Protective Device Coordination analysis, and the ETAP analysis indicated a lack of selectivity between utility relays and the site central relays for both phase and ground functions.
By Chris Inshaw, Senior Power Systems Engineer at Shermco Industries



Videos

Data Center Power System Expansion: DC Arc Flash Case Study

Case study of a a power system study, which involved the replacement of an extensive UPS system at a data center. The studies included short-circuit, protective device coordination, and arc-flash hazard analysis for both the AC and DC systems consistent with the NFPA 70E 2027 and IEEE 1584 2018 Standards. The DC equipment as installed required mitigation efforts due to high incident energies. This presentation details the analysis, findings, and recommended mitigation for anyone embarking on similar retrofit or expansion studies.


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