Smart Grid Laboratory

 

Description of the laboratory course

The integration of an increasing number of distributed generation and storage units as part of the energy transition has significant effects on the grid operation of electrical distribution grids. Interconnecting these plants using information and communication technology is essential to ensure secure and stable grid operation as well as for the use of flexibilities. This creates so-called smart grids. In addition, the distributed generation units can also be used within the framework of new types of operating concepts (e.g. temporary island grid operation).

The aim of the course is the presentation of current challenges and technological developments as well as the acquisition and practical application of competences from the subject area of operation of electrical distribution grids and smart grids.

For this purpose, laboratory tests are carried out in the distribution grid laboratory of the Institute for High Voltage Equipment and Grids, Digitalization and Energy Economics (IAEW) using real systems on the following topics:

• Protection design in active power distribution grids
• Measurement of power quality under the influence of distributed generation units
• Verification of the requirements for distributed generation units and storage facilities for static and dynamic grid support
• Islanded grid operation using distributed generation units as grid-forming units
• Use of SCADA systems for measurement data acquisition and plant control

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the laboratory, students will be able to:

• Independently perform measurements of electrical parameters (e.g. current, voltage) in low-voltage grids
• Analyze measurement time series using available software
• Critically discuss the recorded test results and interpret deviations from the expected behavior

• Explain current challenges in the protection design of low-voltage grids and verify them using laboratory tests
• Verify compliance with selected requirements of grid codes for distributed generation units
• Explain relevant aspects of power quality in low-voltage grids and determine and evaluate them using measurements
• Verify and compare differences between grid parallel operation and islanded operation using laboratory tests
• Explain the basic functionality of SCADA systems using the example of plant control in electric power systems and carry it out in the laboratory

Further information as well as the registration period can be found on RWTHonline.