CEE Ph.D. Defense Announcement: Renewable Energy Integration Strategies for Data Centers: A Comparative Study of Standalone and Grid-Connected 100% Renewable Models

Abstract: The dissertation focuses on optimizing the design of renewable energy-powered data centers. It proposes four configurations combining wind, solar, hydrogen storage and batteries, considering both standalone and grid-connected modes. A two-step GRG optimization algorithm is used to minimize the LCOE. The findings indicate that a directly powered data center using wind, solar and hydrogen storage is the most cost-effective and reliable solution for a 50 MW data center consuming 440 GWh annually. This research provides valuable insights into the optimal design and operation of renewable-powered data centers and the advantages of using hydrogen as an energy storage solution.