Multi-Layer Network Optimization of Data Centers Siting and Capacity Development

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence applications and digital ecosystems, especially in industry, has highlighted the need for proposing new data centers. Data center siting requires consideration of many different factors including power grid capacity, fiber network resources, and environmental and regional considerations. This research proposes a multi-layer network optimization in which the master plan optimizes data center siting and their capacity decisions while the other lower-level layers analyze the feasibility and optimality of these decisions in terms of grid congestion and transmission network expansion, fiber routing and latency, and cooling resources. The efficiency of the proposed plan and its reliability will be evaluated by simulating different scenarios including unexpected power grid outages because of natural disasters. The results of the model highlight the importance of integrated decision making for siting data centers while considering zoning restrictions and required capacities and operation costs of water, fiber/optic, and power networks.