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Interconnection Standard Grid-Support Function Evaluations Using an Automated Hardware-in-the-Loop Testbed

Journal Article · · IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics
 [1];  [2];  [2];  [3];  [1]
  1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  2. Austrian Inst. of Technology, Vienna (Austria)
  3. SunSpec Alliance, San Jose, CA (United States)
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Grid operators are increasingly turning to advanced grid-support functions in distributed energy resources (DER) to assist with distribution circuit voltage regulation, bulk system frequency control, and power system protection. The U.S. DER certification standard, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1741, was revised in September 2016 to add test procedures for multiple grid-support functions. Sandia National Laboratories, SunSpec Alliance, and growing community of collaborators have undertaken a multiyear effort to create an open-source system validation platform (SVP) that automates DER interconnection and interoperability test procedures by communicating with grid simulators, photovoltaic (PV) simulators, data acquisition systems, and interoperable equipment under test. However, the power hardware required for generating the test conditions may be untenable for many organizations. In this paper, we discuss development of the SVP testing capabilities for UL 1741 tests utilizing a controller hardware-in-the-loop testbed that precludes the need for power hardware using a 34.5 kW Austrian Institute of Technology smart grid controller. Finally, analysis of normal ramp rate, soft start ramp rate, specified power factor, volt-VAr, and frequency-watt advanced grid functions, and the effectiveness of the UL 1741 test protocols are included.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States); Austrian Inst. of Technology, Vienna (Austria)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); Austrian Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology; Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)
Grant/Contract Number:
NA0003525
OSTI ID:
1472265
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1459078
OSTI ID: 1459081
Report Number(s):
SAND--2018-9714J; 667607
Journal Information:
IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, Journal Name: IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 8; ISSN 2156-3381
Publisher:
IEEECopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
advanced inverter functions
certification testing
laboratories
photovoltaic systems
protocols
reactive power
smart grids
standards