Abstract: Data centers are highly sensitive electrical infrastructures that require reliable power supply, voltage stability, and high-power quality due to the presence of critical IT loads, HVAC systems, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). The increasing penetration of non-linear loads introduces harmonic distortions, while large motor starting operations can cause significant voltage dips and affect system stability. This paper presents the modeling and analysis of a 13.8 kV/0.4 kV data center electrical network using ETAP software. The system includes medium-voltage ring main units (RMUs), distribution transformers, low-voltage networks, and critical/non-critical loads. Motor acceleration studies were performed to evaluate starting current, acceleration time, voltage drop, and motor terminal performance for major induction motors under starting conditions. In addition, harmonic analysis was carried out to assess voltage and current distortion levels caused by VFD-driven HVAC motors and UPS systems, with compliance verification based on IEEE 519 standards. The study results demonstrate the impact of motor starting on bus voltage profiles and identify harmonic levels across different buses in the system. The analysis confirms system operational reliability under normal conditions and provides recommendations for improving power quality and ensuring stable operation of data center electrical infrastructure.

Keywords: Load Flow Analysis, Harmonics Analysis, Motor Acceleration, ETAP, Industrial Power Systems, IEC 60909, IEEE 519.

Downloads: | DOI: 10.17148/IJIREEICE.2026.14526