GU300: Next-Generation Data Center Designs for Increased Reliability, Security, and Faster Deployment

As hyperscale, colocation, and industrial data centers continue to expand in scale and power density, electrical infrastructure has become a critical determinant of availability, operational resilience, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Traditional power distribution architectures often rely on isolated protection, control, and monitoring systems that can limit visibility, increase maintenance costs, and slow fault response. This tutorial explains how the integration of redundant and digital architectures within data center environments can lead to mission-critical outcomes. Participants will learn how to optimize deployment of IEC 61850-based automation and communications technologies, to  improve power system reliability and operational efficiency while also supporting faster deployment.

The tutorial will examine data center power system design from the utility substation interface through medium-voltage distribution, backup generation, UPS systems, low-voltage distribution, and critical IT load delivery. Real-world design scenarios will be used to demonstrate how digital substations enhance system observability, reduce outage risks, support predictive maintenance, accelerate fault isolation, and improve compliance with emerging cybersecurity requirements such as NERC CIP and cybersecurity requirements.

Attendees will gain practical knowledge for designing and optimizing Tier III and Tier IV data center power systems, with an emphasis on high availability, operational technology (OT) cybersecurity, power quality management, faster deployment and sustainable energy integration.

Grid University Session Sponsored by Hitachi