Project: High power Advanced switch-mode multi level grid simulator system on a modular base

Meeting the targets for integration of renewable energy into the electric energy system calls for a large share of distributed energy resources (DER) and distributed storage systems. Moreover new network components such as charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) have to be integrated into the electric distribution grids. _x000D_With increasing penetration of DER in the electric power system, the requirements for the individual DER, particularly for high power DER are becoming increasingly complex. New grid codes (e.g. the new German Guideline for connection of Distributed Resources to Medium Voltage Grids) and emerging interconnection standards include extensive validation and testing procedures, which aim at characterizing the DER equipment and demonstrating its compliance with the requirements._x000D_Testing of generating equipment installed in DER applications, particularly as part of a Smart Grids, such as e.g. grid connected inverters is emerging as a major application in research as well as in manufacturing laboratories. For practically all applications related to grid connected equipment, adequate AC power sources and grid emulation devices are required both in the product design phase as well as in the production process to confirm their ability to withstand variations in grid power and demonstrate conformance with applicable standards._x000D__x000D_It is the CO aim of this project to develop a completely novel AC grid simulation system based on switched-mode inverter topologies. This system will not only expand the available power range up to hundreds of kVA’s, but also the power losses will be at a few percents only, thanks to a highly sophisticated fully digital control and optimized high frequency switching. Moreover, full 4-quadrant operation will be available in order to simulate the energy feed into grids at full power levels. By this, the complete range of actual and even future planned inverter system tests can be performed without technical restrictions._x000D__x000D_Regatron feeds the world market since 1999 with upper-class DC power supplies which are highly demanded by both PV inverter industry and research and testing laboratories for the purpose of PV-curve simulation. Moreover, Regatron is highly specialized in development of high-performance custom power electronic solutions and has been involved in a number of national and international research projects. Thanks to the well established position on the inverter test system market, the demand for AC simulations system has been analyzed by Regatron. Well established product distribution channels are already established._x000D_The AIT Energy Department faces the upcoming challenges and system changes in the field of electricity infrastructure with applied research in the field of transition from passive network operation to active networks (Smart Grids), based on long-term experience in this topic. In addition to accredited testing according to national and international specifications, AIT also provides a wide range of measurement and consultancy services ensuring reliable assessment of the performance and grid compatibility of inverters. Thanks to this competence, AIT has also a strong experience in specification and development of test environments for inverter testing. Both, hardware and software issues can be covered by the AIT experts._x000D_In order to COtain scientific excellence and to bridge the gap towards fundamental research, AIT has the strategy to cooperate with an excellent academic P in a certain topic. In the field of power electronics the Power Electronic System Laboratory (PES) of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ) is the P of choice. The research focus at PES is on ultra-high switching frequency and highly compact PWM converter systems where the considerations are on a system-oriented basis and proposed concepts should allow a translation into future innovative industrial products. Converter topologies, modulation schemes, control, and EMI are seen as coupled issues rather than treated in a sequential manner. Circuit-oriented simulation and finite-element-based analysis of the electromagnetic and thermal behavior are integrated into the research and design process._x000D__x000D_In order to reach the project goals AIT will lead the process in setting up the technical specification and the system architecture for the system under development. In close cooperation with PES as a subcontractor, topology and control strategy will be developed by means of numerical simulation. Regatron will then closely interact with AIT and PES in order to bring the developed concept to an industrial product standard. The developed system will open a great market opportunity for Regatron and provide AIT with an outstanding technology for its laboratory infrastructure for cutting-edge research in grid integration of DER. _x000D__x000D__x000D_

Acronym	ASM-GridSim (Reference Number: 6579)
Duration	01/07/2011 - 30/10/2013
Project Topic	The CO aim of this project is to develop a completely novel AC grid simulation system for testing of grid coupled inverter systems for distributed energy resources. It will be able to operate with a high bandwidth while COtaining high efficiencies.
Project Results (after finalisation)	The project E! 6579 involved the design, development and industrialization of a novel full digital four quadrant 3-phase grid simulator and - as a second part - to realize technologies for parallel operation of multiple grid simulator modules._x000D_The CO result of the project is a zero-series of well working 50 kVA TC.ACS modules, which were field tested and optimized at different sites. The appropriate user software ACSControl and GRIDSim have been developed which allow to perform complex tests according to various standards. With respect to the paralleling of multiple system, the development is still ongoing.
Network	Eurostars
Call	Eurostars Cut-Off 6

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
2	Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH	Partner	Austria
2	REGATRON AG	Coordinator	Switzerland