Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Washington received a $300,000 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Engineering (CFDA 47.041), awarded October 1, 2026, with completion scheduled for September 30, 2029. This collaborative research initiative develops a unified modeling, analysis, and control framework for understanding interactions between large-scale data centers and electric power systems. The project addresses a critical infrastructure gap by creating reduced-order models that characterize how internal power-electronic converters, control loops, and energy-storage elements within data centers transform computing workloads into effective electrical loads and impedance seen by the grid. This research directly supports the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced computing infrastructure into the nation's electric grid while improving system reliability and stability.

The project's research comprises three interconnected thrusts focused on power-electronics modeling and grid interaction dynamics. Deliverables include advanced analytical frameworks, computational models, and control strategies that replace existing simplified or static data-center representations with dynamic models capturing rapid, workload-driven load variations. Beyond technical contributions, the award supports workforce development at the intersection of computing and energy systems through educational and research opportunities for students in this emerging area of national importance. The research is performed at the University of Washington's Seattle campus under the administration of the Office of Sponsored Programs.