Agenda

Date

November 4, 2026

Venue

Room: 232, Wisenbaker Engineering Building, TAMU, 188 Bizzell St, College Station, TX, 77801 

Tentative Schedule (Subject to change)

9:00 - 9:30 AM Check in

9:30 - 10:00 AM  Opening Remarks | CALL Introduction

Narasimha Annapareddy (TAMU), Venkat Tirupati (ERCOT) | Xin Chen, Prasad Enjeti (TAMU) 

10:00 - 10:35 AM  Reliability Risks Associated with Data Center Ride-Through Performance

• Speakers: Patrick Gravois (ERCOT)

• Abstract: Rapid growth in data center demand presents new reliability challenges for the ERCOT grid, particularly when voltage disturbances trigger the simultaneous loss of large amounts of load. This talk reviews ERCOT’s large load growth, observed ride-through events, and the associated system stability risks. It also discusses data center ride-through requirements, load loss system stability limits, and mitigation measures to support reliable grid operation.

10:35 - 11:10 AM  Tutorial 1: EMT Dynamic Modeling of Large Data Center Loads: Architecture 1 and Live Demo

• Speakers: Xiaoyang Wang, Xin Chen, Prasad Enjeti, Fang Chen Lin (TAMU), Ali Yazdanpanah (ERCOT)

• Abstract: This talk presents the open-source PSCAD models of large data centers developed through the Texas A&M–ERCOT collaboration, focusing on the architecture with conventional double-conversion UPS systems. We connect converter controls, UPS systems, computing and cooling loads, and protection logic to the data center’s response at the grid interface. A live demonstration brings voltage ride-through, operating-mode transitions, and post-fault reconnection, showing how engineers can adapt the models to investigate large-load behavior and assess grid impacts. 

11:10 - 11:25 AM  Coffee Break

11:25 - 12:00 AM  Tutorial 2: EMT Dynamic Modeling of Large Data Center Loads: Emerging Architectures 2, 3, and 4

• Speakers: Xiaoyang Wang, Xin Chen, Prasad Enjeti, Fang Chen Lin (TAMU), Ali Yazdanpanah (ERCOT)

• Abstract: Building on the Texas A&M–ERCOT open-source modeling framework, this talk introduces EMT models in PSCAD for Emerging Data Center Architectures 2, 3, and 4 under distributed battery systems, high-voltage DC distribution, and solid-state transformer (SST)-based designs. Attendees will gain insight into modeling these emerging architectures and evaluating their dynamic behaviors and trade-offs for reliable, flexible, and grid-friendly data centers. 

12:00 - 1:20 PM  Lunch, Lab Tour, Group Photo

1:20 - 1:45 PM  Evaluation of Large Data Center Load Behavior and System Interactions

• Speakers: Shilpa Marti (Verrus)

• Abstract: As AI data centers expand to hundreds of megawatts, their grid-interface behavior depends on interactions among UPS systems, computing loads, cooling, and on-site storage. At the same time, large-load requirements are evolving rapidly across NERC, FERC, and ISOs/RTOs such as ERCOT, PJM, and MISO, increasing the need for validated, plant-level EMT models that can demonstrate compliance. This talk presents a developer’s perspective on building such a model in PSCAD, combining the Texas A&M–ERCOT open-source models with OEM equipment models and custom facility controls. We analyze facility responses to grid disturbances, focusing on post-fault load recovery, control strategies to prevent secondary grid disturbances, and lessons learned from integrating these models.

1:45 - 2:10 PM  Low-Voltage Ride-Through Solutions for Data Centers

• Speakers: Prasad Enjeti, Fang Chen Lin, Xiaoyang Wang, Haowen Xu, Xin Chen (TAMU)

• Abstract: This talk presents low-voltage ride-through solutions that coordinate battery and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) control with computing load curtailment to help data centers remain connected during grid voltage disturbances. By jointly managing battery support and computing power demand, the proposed strategies maintain DC-link voltage stability and support continued operation through voltage sags. Test results demonstrate that the proposed solutions can effectively satisfy ERCOT’s ride-through requirements under the evaluated disturbance scenarios, supporting the grid-friendly integration of large-scale data centers.

2:10 - 2:25 PM  Coffee Break

2:25 - 2:50 PM  Introduction to Oracle Data Centers in Texas

• Speaker: Rajesh Gopinath (Oracle)

• Abstract: This presentation introduces Oracle’s data center activities in Texas and key power-system considerations for large-scale data centers, including electrical infrastructure, reliability, grid interconnection, onsite generation, and grid-friendly operation. Drawing on more than two decades of industry experience, the speaker will share practical perspectives on developing scalable and resilient energy solutions for mission-critical facilities.

2:50 - 3:15 PM  Coordinated Control of Batteries and Supercapacitors for AI Data Center Power Smoothing

• Speakers: Xin Chen, Zhaomin Lyu, Heetarth Joshi, Prasad Enjeti (TAMU)

• Abstract: AI data center power fluctuations can excite vulnerable grid oscillations, even when overall load variability is reduced. We will demonstrate that power smoothing of AI computing load enhances power electronics energy efficiency and mitigates aging effects. In addition, this talk introduces a grid-mode-aware model predictive control (G-MPC) framework that coordinates batteries and supercapacitors to smooth power demand while explicitly suppressing fluctuations at critical grid frequencies. The approach balances grid power limits, ramp-rate requirements, and storage degradation, with an efficient algorithm supporting real-time implementation. Simulation results highlight how targeted grid-mode-aware control can enable more grid-friendly AI data center operation.

3:15 - 3:45 PM  Panel Discission on Grid-Friendly Integration of Large Data Center Loads

Panelists: Bob Wittmeyer (Chair, ERCOT Large Load Working Group), Robert Davidoff (Founder/CEO, Bentaus), Rajesh Gopinath (Oracle), and others

3:45 - 4:00 PM  Closing Remarks, Adjourn

4:00 - 4:30 PM  CALL Industry Advsiory Meeting (Member Only)