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Integrated energy systems of data centers and smart grids: State-of-the-art and future opportunities

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  • Guo, Caishan
  • Luo, Fengji
  • Cai, Zexiang
  • Dong, Zhao Yang

Abstract

Cloud computing platforms are critical cyber infrastructures in modern society. As the backbone of cloud systems, data centers act as large energy consumers in today’s power grids. The integration of on-site renewable energy sources and energy storage systems further transforms data centers to be energy prosumers (producers-and-consumers). As a result, optimizing data centers’ energy production and consumption, and exploiting their potential of actively engaging in the external grid’s planning, operation, and control has been drawing increasing attention in the last few years. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art research efforts on integrated energy systems of data centers and smart grids. A taxonomy of such integration scenarios is provided. Consequently, this paper identifies several future application scenarios of integrating data centers and smart grids, which serves as a roadmap towards future research. This article is expected to provide a useful reference for researchers and engineers in the areas of energy systems and cloud computing.

Suggested Citation

  • Guo, Caishan & Luo, Fengji & Cai, Zexiang & Dong, Zhao Yang, 2021. "Integrated energy systems of data centers and smart grids: State-of-the-art and future opportunities," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 301(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:301:y:2021:i:c:s0306261921008618
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117474
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chen, Min & Gao, Ciwei & Song, Meng & Chen, Songsong & Li, Dezhi & Liu, Qiang, 2020. "Internet data centers participating in demand response: A comprehensive review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    2. Wang, Wei & Abdolrashidi, Amirali & Yu, Nanpeng & Wong, Daniel, 2019. "Frequency regulation service provision in data center with computational flexibility," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 251(C), pages 1-1.
    3. Fu, Yangyang & Han, Xu & Baker, Kyri & Zuo, Wangda, 2020. "Assessments of data centers for provision of frequency regulation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).
    4. Guo, Caishan & Luo, Fengji & Cai, Zexiang & Dong, Zhao Yang & Zhang, Rui, 2021. "Integrated planning of internet data centers and battery energy storage systems in smart grids," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 281(C).
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