Gesa Quistorf
Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (IWES) is collaborating with ABB to develop a big cellular grid simulator as a part of the Mobil-Grid-CoP mission, which is publicly funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. It might be used for testing the protection and reliability of renewable energy gear, similar to wind generators, solar power and hydroelectric mills, in real-world circumstances. The take a look at program will confirm {that a} renewable mission connecting to a public power community is absolutely compliant with stringent native grid codes and won’t compromise grid efficiency and stability.
The cellular grid simulator will use the ACS6080 Power Electronics Grid Simulator (PEGS) know-how developed by ABB to create a synthetic power grid on web site. Fraunhofer IWES, a Germany-based analysis and testing institute specializing in wind energy and energy system know-how, will use the system to simulate completely different grid working modes, together with fault circumstances, in addition to validating compliance with all requirements. The cellular functionality will even allow testing of the rising variety of offshore wind generators which can be pushing present take a look at amenities and procedures to their limits.
Its versatile and modular construction permits for nearly limitless configuration potential. In addition to its sensible testing software, the cellular simulator will play an essential function in analysis and growth, notably for varied “grid-of-the-future” situations.
“We need to ensure that power grids maintain total stability and performance while integrating ever increasing amounts of intermittent renewables like wind and solar,” says Gesa Quistorf, group supervisor of power electronics and grid integration at Fraunhofer IWES. “Our new mobile grid simulator will play a vital role in accelerating this program, as we will be able to provide compliance testing for the ever-increasing number of large offshore turbines that are pushing current test facilities to their limits. In addition, it is prepared for testing low-frequency high-voltage AC railway applications.”
“As part of our drive towards a low-carbon society, increasing the availability of renewable energy equipment for use within the power grid is key,” states Chris Poynter, division president of ABB System Drives. “We also need to establish how to operate this equipment as safely, reliably and of course, energy efficiently as possible – this is where the extensive testing capabilities of the mobile grid simulator will add huge value.”
When it commences operation in 2023, the cellular grid simulator would be the largest of its variety on the planet. It could have a power score of as much as 28 megavolt ampere (MVA) and a short while functionality of as much as 80 MVA. For extra flexibility, it should additionally have the ability to function as two unbiased models of 14 MVA. In addition to the PEGS know-how, the complete bundle answer delivered by ABB will embody transformers, filters, e-houses, cooling gear, and power and auxiliary distribution gear.
