This paper presents a bi-level optimal planning framework for Internet data centers (IDCs) and the distribution network considering demand response (DR).  Firstly, according to the characteristics of IDC, the energy consumption characteristic model of IDC is established, and the DR model is established from the perspective of three types of data loads: time-transferable load, reducible load and rigid load.  On this basis, the information transmission and interactive response relationship between IDC and distribution network are analyzed, and a bi-level optimization planning model is established, in which the distribution network operator (DNO) is the upper leader to determine the node price to maximize its interests, and data center operator (DCO) is the lower follower to determine the location and capacity configuration to minimize its costs.  The results of numerical examples prove the rationality and validity of the model.

Internet data center; data load transfer; demand response; distribution network planning; bi-level optimization