As data centres continue to expand, expectations around electrical performance are changing. Operators are dealing with larger loads, complex infrastructure, and tighter uptime requirements than ever before. Small disturbances within the electrical network can have a wider impact across critical systems, particularly during switching and energisation events.
Driving greater focus on power quality in data centres.
Within data centre environments, maintaining stable electrical conditions has become increasingly important during both normal operation and commissioning activities. Engineers are paying closer attention to transient behaviour across HV networks, especially where large transformers and sensitive protection systems operate within the same infrastructure.
Transformer energisation is one example.
When transformers are switched onto a network, high inrush currents can occur depending on the point on the AC waveform at which the breaker closes. In some cases, these transient currents are large enough to create unnecessary stress on electrical equipment or increase the likelihood of nuisance trips during energisation.
For critical facilities, those risks are receiving far more scrutiny than they once did.
Controlled switching technologies such as Point-on-Wave switching are becoming more widely used because they allow engineers to manage energisation events with greater precision. By controlling the exact point at which switching occurs, transient effects can be significantly reduced, and network behaviour becomes more predictable during transformer energisation.
Enspec Power supported a major London data centre project where SynchroTeq Point-on-Wave switching systems were commissioned across the site’s 11 kV infrastructure. The project focused on reducing transformer inrush current during energisation as part of a wider effort to improve network stability within the facility.
Measured results showed inrush current reducing from 567 A to 85.5 A following implementation of the controlled switching solution. The project also highlighted the role specialist engineering expertise plays during live commissioning activities, particularly when working within complex critical infrastructure environments.
As demand for resilient digital infrastructure continues to grow, power quality is becoming a far more visible part of data centre strategy. Energisation behaviour, transient performance, and network stability are now being considered far earlier in the design and commissioning process.
The full case study (here) explores the project in more detail, including the commissioning process, measured site results, and the role of SynchroTeq technology in mitigating transformer inrush current.
