Frequency services for the electrical grid from HPC data centers

Purpose and goal:

The purpose of the project is to show and describe how HPC data centers can act on the ancillary marked and quickly contribute to shifted electricity use. One effect is that the power companies do not have to procure fossil-based power production, and the electricity grid can maintain stable operation with a smaller amount of predictable power sources.

The goal of the effort is to calculate the total possible effect that can be achieved, develop solutions for HPC facilities and describe these in a recommendation. Expected results and effects:

HPC data centers can act on the frequency market in Sweden, providing that the meet the requirements set for the services. Three methods has been investigated; Software method; frequency reduction (downclocking) and using the UPS as a temporary power source. All methods need proper preparation and calculation before being used. Some good to know tips and tricks kan be found in the guideline.

Approach and implementation:

Three different methods of HPC data centers to reduce their power comsumptions were investigated. Calculations were made to see if the data center can meet the requirements of the FFR and FCR-N frequency services. The methods investigated were using software to pause calculations; frequency reduction (downclocking) and using the UPS as a temporary power source. Each of the methods was examined for activation time and duration.