Line impedance emulation

• Adjustable line impedances for various LV network topologies: meshed, radial or ring network configuration

Grid simulation

• 3 independent laboratory grids with variable network impedances for up to 1000 kVA, flexible star point configuration and grounding systems

• 2 independent high bandwidth grid simulators: 0 to 480 V 3-phase AC, 800 kVA (available from 2014)

• 3-phase balanced or unbalanced operation

• Facilities for LVRT (low voltage ride-through) and FRT (fault ride-through) tests (available from 2014)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

IMP

RIN

T Pu

blis

her:

Aus

tria

n In

stitu

te o

f Tec

hnol

ogy,

Ener

gy D

epar

tmen

t, G

iefin

ggas

se 2

, 121

0 W

ien,

Aus

tria

Pho

tos:

Har

ry K

risch

anz

Layo

ut: B

ernh

ard

Roth

kapp

el P

ublic

atio

n D

ate:

Apr

il 20

13

DC sources

• 5 independent dynamic PV array simulators: 1500 V, 1500 A, 960 kVA

Real time P-HIL simulation

• Multicore Opal-RT real-time simulator

• P-HIL and C-HIL experiments at full power in a closed control loop

Environmental simulation

• Test chamber for performance and accelerated lifetime testing• Full power operation of equipment under test inside chamber• Max. footprint of equipment under test: 3.60 x 2.60 x 2.80 m LxWxH• Temperature range -40°C to +120°C• Humidity range: 10% to 98 % r.H.

DAQ and measurement

• Multiple high precision power analysers with high acquisition rate

• Simultaneous sampling of asynchronous multi-domain data input

Adjustable loads for active and reactive power

• Freely adjustable RLC loads up to 1 MW, 1 MVAr (cap. and ind.)

• Individual control of RLC components for testing the performance of islanding detection systems

• Anti-islanding tests up to 1 MW with Qf = 1

General specification

• Floor space: 400 m²• Indoor and outdoor test

areas suitable for ISO containers

AIT AUSTRIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GMBH

AIT SmartEST Laboratory for Smart Grids

Energy DepartmentGiefinggasse 2 | 1210 Wien, Austria Wolfgang Hribernik, Head of Business Unit Electric Energy Systems+43(0)50550-6641 wolfgang.hribernik@ait.ac.at

ENERGY DEPARTMENTENERGY DEPARTMENT

AIT SMARTEST LABORATORY FOR SMART GRIDS

The laboratory infrastructure includes freely configurable low-voltage networks, flexible high-bandwidth grid simulators, high-performance PV simulators and an environmental chamber for tests at full power under extreme temperature and hu-midity conditions. The AIT SmartEST Laboratory additionally offers the opportunity to simulate complex electrical grids in real time and connect them to the lab networks. This power hardware-in-the-loop (P-HIL) configuration allows real com-ponents to be integrated into a virtual grid envi-ronment and tested under realistic conditions in interaction with the grid. The combination of state-of-the-art testing infrastructure and simulations provides cutting-edge testing capabilities for com-ponent manufacturers and network operators.

Large-scale integration of renewable energies like solar, wind and biomass leads to an increasing level of distributed power generation, pushing the Euro-pean distribution networks to their limits. One pro-mising way to make our energy systems fit for the future is the use of smart grids, which enable intel-ligent energy management through bi-directional communication and coordination between genera-tors, consumers and storage units. These intelligent power grids are expected to ensure a high quality of supply despite the integration of a large propor-tion of distributed generators with fluctuating supply patterns.

This new generation of power networks gives rise to a range of complex questions concerning quality of supply, capacity planning and safety strategies, which cannot be investigated during regular grid operation. The new SmartEST (Smart Electricity Systems and Technologies) Laboratory established by the Austrian Institute of Technology provides a unique research and simulation infrastructure to analyse the interactions between components and the grid under realistic conditions. Potential candi-dates for testing range from inverters, storage units, grid controllers and CHP units through to charging stations for electric vehicles.

INNOVATIVE TESTING METHODSAND SIMULATIONS

SERVICES

The AIT SmartEST Laboratory houses state-of-the-art inf-rastructure and qualified experts support customers and project partners in developing and optimising components and control strategies and thus shortening the time to mar-ket for new products.

• Testing of components and systems with simulated grids and primary energy sources

• Electrical, functional and performance tests according to grid codes

• Simultaneous testing of power and communication in-terfaces of components

• Performance and lifetime testing under controlled en-vironmental conditions

• Simulation and testing of single components as well as complete generation systems and plants

• Power hardware-in-the-loop (P-HIL) experiments by means of real time simulation and multi-domain co-simulation (rapid modelling and prototyping of systems and components)

• Simulation of smart grid scenarios

Grid operators

• Increase in expertise in active distribution networks, e.g. power quality, stability, safety aspects, etc.

• Development, implementation and testing of innovative control and systems concepts and deployment of novel devices for active network operation

• Evaluation of concepts for virtual power plants and microgrids: coordinated feed-in of distributed genera-tors

• Emulation of future network structures for assessing the impact of additional distributed power generators or loads in different grid sections

Component manufacturers

• Optimisation of components and grid connection through development support and validation of new concepts and prototypes

• Testing of component prototypes under realistic con-ditions – behaviour in the event of grid failures, high connection densities, dynamic loading and variable environmental conditions (temperature and humidity)

• Testing of compliance with national and international grid codes and standards based on the extensive ac-creditations held by AIT

Public institutions and regulation authorities

• Impact assessment of technical framework conditions for increasing the proportion of distributed energy re-sources in the grid

• Technical support in the development of standards and grid codes

• Decision-making support in the development of funding instruments

THE BENEFITS FOR …