Linear and Convex Approach For Managing Data Centres Within Smart Grids: Incentivized Demand Response Implementation Perspective

The normal operation of a smart grid substantially relays on various types of data generated at different levels of the grids so that huge volumes of data are generated every single second within the grid. Handling theses data in terms of analysing them and creating the consequential controlling and protective decisions is usually carried out by the data centers that could result in significant energy consumption by the centers. Hence, a provider of data centers may opt for different approaches to manage its data centers in terms of, for example, the total energy consumption or operation cost. However, a significant challenge associated with such approaches is their complexity so that they conventionally rely on non-convex and non-linear techniques. In this paper, a novel formulation for managing data center energy consumption is proposed that addresses both the original problem's non-linearity and non-convexity. Furthermore, the operation of data centers must be modified to today's smart grid operational criteria. One of these specifications is an incentivized demand response strategy that the Distribution Systems Operator may employ in order to manage the grid's loading level. The novel proposed energy management methodology considers the possibility of implementation in a incentivized power market and articulates a convex and linear approach for data centers to participate in a incentivized power market. Furthermore, one of the prospective operation specifications for center installations in a modern power grid is the implementation of edge computing for the centers. The proposed framework will also reflect on this perspective as well.