Phase Balancing in Power Distribution Network with Data Center

High degree of unbalance in electric distribution feeders can significantly affect power quality, damage electrical equipment, and result in tripping of protective devices. If not properly managed, integration of new data center and distributed energy resources into the power distribution network will exacerbate the problem. This paper proposes a new paradigm which coordinates the operation of data center and distributed energy resources to reduce phase unbalance and improve the reliability and efficiency of electric distribution networks. The coordination scheme is implemented within the framework of a distribution system operator managed electricity market. The proposed phase balancing algorithm with data center is validated using a modified IEEE distribution test feeder. The simulation results show the proposed data center and distributed energy resources coordination scheme not only significantly reduces the degree of unbalance of distribution feeders but also results in sizable reduction in data center electricity costs.