Theme 8: Lab Testing and Validation: Off line, Real Time and HIL

Table 1.1: Overview of Proposed Phases and Objectives (FROM UI-ASSIST PROPOSAL)Proposed Objective and Tasks

Phase I: Kickoff and Finalizing Overall Project Management Architecture Objective 1.1: Finalize project management planObjective 1.2: Finalize agreements for project management

Phase II: Research and Development Activities Objective 2.1: Developing Benchmark Test Systems

Objective 2.2: Modeling and Prototyping Energy Storage Objective 2.3: Managing and Optimizing Energy StorageObjective 2.4: Analyzing Microgrid and Active Distribution System Concepts for DER Objective 2.5: Cyber Infrastructure for Microgrid and Active Distribution Network Objective 2.6: Integrating Cyber-Security MeasuresObjective 2.7: DSO Functions for Optimal Operation and Management of DER Objective 2.8: DSO Functions Considering Regulation and Market Design

Objective 2.9: Integrating DMS and DER Control

Phase III: Lab testing and ValidationObjective 3.1: Validation using analysis toolsObjective 3.2: Validation using Real Time Simulators and HIL Testbed Objective 3.3: Testing and Validation using Lab Scale Distribution System

Phase IV: Pilot Level Field ImplementationObjective 4.1: Field Implementation for Rural Feeders Objective 4.2: Field Implementation for Semi-Urban Feeders Objective 4.3: Field Implementation for Urban Feeders

Phase V: Impact Analysis and Policy Recommendation Objective 5.1: Policy Challenges and RecommendationsObjective 5.2: Social Issues and Recommendation

Phase VI: Capacity Building and Workforce Development Objective 6.1: Advancing Existing Power Professionals Objective 6.2: Creating Next Generation of Power Professionals

Taken from page 26-31 of UI-ASSIST Proposal

3.3.1. Objective 3.1: Validation using analysis tools

Validation of developed technologies in Phase II will be done using analysis tool like MATLAB, Synergi, DEW, ETAP, DIGSILENT, DER-CAM, CyDER and other available tools. The goal will be to validate developed models and algorithms.

3.3.2. Objective 3.2: Validation using Real Time Simulators and HIL Testbed

Validation will be done utilizing nine UI-ASSIST testbed including the biggest hardware in the loop testbed among research institutions in the US.

IIT Kanpur will focus on renewable integration into a weak distribution grid and testing primary/secondary controllers and protection. As a part of this subtask two deliverables are intended:

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(a) A software based simulation platform for weak distribution system (b) Experimental validation of the software predictions using an experimental test-bed, as shown in fig. 3.3 [Hasanzadeh 2014, Dinavahi 2004, Shahbazi 2013]. A 25 kW test bed will have multiple converter topologies with solar and battery interfaces. It will also have Typhoon based real-time simulation platform for system studies [Steurer 2010, Zhu 2005].

IIT Delhi will focus on designing and developing a power electronic converter interface and primary controllers for hybrid Solar PV/Diesel/Battery integrated microgrid systems [Xu 2013]. The scope and methodology of the tasks are: a) Modeling of Solar PV/Diesel/Battery integrated microgrid system is to be carried out using MATLAB/Simulink based platform [Pathak 2016], b) Prototype of the system with hybrid sources and novel converter technologies are to be developed as a part of the test-bed [Mishra 2013], c) The converter topologies and their impact are to be investigated and the issues related to operation of the system under abnormal conditions.

Fig. 3.3. (a) A distribution system simulation test bed. (b) Implementation of building blocks.

IIT Roorkee will investigate operation of microgrids embedded distribution system under grid unbalance, irregular switching of diverse microgrids and extreme grid conditions [Katiraei 2008, Jeon 2010, Huerta 2016]. A test bed with RTDS simulator of AC-DC microgrids distribution system will be developed as shown in fig. 3.4. Power amplifiers will be used to simulate sink and source of power by the microgrids [Nejabatkhah 2015, Palmintier 2015].

The test bed encloses major kinds of DERs including 5 kW solar simulator, 3 kW wind, 3 kW battery, 3kVA diesel generator, and an existing DC microgrid of 9 kW. The following applications will be performed: a) Evaluating the coordination and management techniques between different microgrids in terms of voltage and frequency deviations at both microgrids and at distribution system level to avoid the overloading and under loading scenarios of microgrids, b) Impact analysis for rapid connection and disconnection of microgrids in Indian distribution system context. Implementation of energy management schemes in microrgids embedded distributions system to reduce peak demand and power deficit of conventional power system.

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Fig. 3.4. A distribution system simulation test bed with power amplifiers to interface microgrids through PHIL application.

IIT Bhubaneswar will focus on the development of a set of energy storage prototype models and their validation under integrated test environment with microgrid system having hybrid DERs for various dynamical conditions [Ortega 2016, Song 2013, Ortega1 2016, Asensio 2016]. The scope and methodology of the studies using testbed in fig. 3.5 are as follows: a) Propose, develop, and simulate energy storage models for various dynamical conditions: mathematical prototypes of the energy storage system using various modelling techniques, e.g. Markov-Chain- Based Energy Storage Model, b) Integrate and test with the microgrid prototypes models, c) Develop hardware prototype of the energy storage system and integrate it with the lab scale microgrid system for real-time (RTDS) test and validation, d) Performance analysis of the system for various demand response, microgrid integration, and the tariff conditions [Pei 2016].

Fig. 3.5. (a) A test bed to study impact of storage and its optimization (b) An integratedmicrogrid system with various renewable energy sources and storage units.

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IIT Madras will develop a test bed for Dynamic Energy Management System for Grid Interactive Microgrid with Hybrid Energy Storage. In this scheme an energy management system will be proposed that will take care of appropriate power flow among renewable energy sources, storage, grid and loads. Specific tasks include validation of: a) Fast regulation of the dc link voltage against renewable power and load side disturbances, b) Effective power flow management along with additional power quality features, c) Reduction of current stresses on the battery units and therefore, extends its life span.

WSU Smart City Testbed will be used to test and validate many of the proposed techniques, specifically the Volt/VAR control techniques utilizing smart meters and other device. The testbed currently includes a number of real-world platforms that can be used to explore communications between devices and evaluate cyber-physical interactions with power system simulations [Bose, 12]. Specific equipment includes an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and access to an on-campus DER deployment. The AMI platform is Itron OpenWay, which includes approximately 50 smart meters both within the lab and on the WSU campus. The DER platform is a 72kW PV array on the WSU campus, which is connected to the lab through communication with smart inverters through VOLTTRON devices. Furthermore, information from both the PV and AMI data is integrated into a GE eterradistribution DMS, which can be used to model and analyze communications between smart inverters, smart meters, and the DMS.

WSU Smart Grid Testbed will be utilized to test and validate many of the proposed techniques in this proposal. The testbed is shown in Fig. 3.6 and consist of real time digital simulators (RTDS) and OPAL-RT simulators with sensors, digital controllers, and PI server [Srivastava, 15b; Liu,15b; Srivastava,15c]. Testbed will be used to develop real time model and federated testbed with INL [Liu, 17] and HNEI to validate the distributed Volt/VAR control techniques [Srivastava, 16c] and other control algorithms.

Fig. 3.6: Smart Grid Testbed

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Burns and McDonnell Smart Grid Lab will be used for demonstrating the interoperability of software, two-way communications equipment, and other automation equipment in preparation for deployments of Smart Grid projects. This lab will be used in simulating two complete substations and varying power conditions. Additionally, alternative communication technology will be tested and validated using this lab.

Texas A&M Smart Grid Lab has the EXPOSE testbed facility using various commercial solutions acquired through partnership agreements with major vendors in this area, such as GE Grid Solutions d.b.a. ALSTOM Grid LLC, OsiSoft, and Esri. The system shown in Fig. 3.7 is instrumented with software and hardware to allow for testing and evaluation of various advanced model developments in this project.

The Power and Eenrgy Real Time Laboratory (PERL) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is equipped with Real Time Simulators that are geographically distributed with time stamping of data using Global Positioning System (GPS) clocks. INL has also integrated its Real Time Simulator with the wireless vehicle charging test bed at INL. Real Time Simulators interact with the wireless vehicle charging test bed via a ‘Grid Emulator’ that acts as an amplifier creating the necessary grid events. INL has HIL capabilities up to 100 kVA using up to 17 racks of RTDS equipment, two sets of AE Techron linear voltage and linear current amplifiers, and Doble 6150 test set. This allows the simulation of 100s of EVs as HIL and its impact can be captured within distribution networks.

Fig. 3.7. Overall architecture of TAMU EXPOSE testbed

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3.3.3. Objective 3.3: Testing and Validation using Lab Scale Distribution System

INL's Energy Systems Laboratory (ESL) houses lab scale microgrid including multiple hardware DERs such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with two smart inverters, grid emulator, and flow batteries to form a microgrid testbed. Microgrid currently includes 23kW of real PV, 90kWh of energy storage, two four-quadrant power inverters and multiple other inverter systems, 160 kW of controllable loads, etc. The microgrid test bed also includes recently commissioned 250kW power converters, 128kW, 320kWh zinc-iron alkaline flow batteries. In the near future the microgrid will include 50kW wind turbine, and up to 17.5kW of solar CSP. 2MW power distribution system and multiple switchgear sets served by City transformer at 750kW but could be upgraded if needed.

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