In disclosed techniques, simulations are performed to determine data center performance under certain conditions. The simulations are dynamic and allow for changes in power demand due to temporal data center activities. In order to accommodate predicted and unpredicted fluctuations in power demand of a data center, one or more power caches are configured to supply additional power during periods of peak demand. Power caches provide supplemental power during periods of peak demand. The simulations are used for a variety of purposes, including determining the effects of power caches going offline under various conditions. Disclosed techniques can simulate the cycling of a power cache and can determine if additional configuration changes to the data center are warranted to maintain optimal health of the power caches. Thus, power scenario simulation of a data center can provide information vital to efficient operation of the data center.