The overall project aim is to improve stability and inertia of electricity grids with significant renewable generation by development of the metrological infrastructure for traceable testing and evaluation of grid-forming converters and their efficiency.
The specific objectives are as follows:
- To develop testbeds for traceable testing and performance evaluation of grid-forming power converters up to a power level of 30 kW, capable of emulating various grid conditions such as frequency, power quality and voltage stabilisation. The testbeds will include power sink and source capabilities for the testing of grid-forming converters and furthermore will have measurement capabilities to assess the power-voltage/frequency response of the converter as it operates to support the grid. (WP1)
- To develop laboratory methodologies exploiting the testbeds to assess the functional specifications of grid-forming converters as they operate to i) deliver frequency response (inertia) support; ii) deliver voltage support; and iii) support power quality. To apply the methodology to the evaluation of at least 2 commercial state-of-the-art grid-forming converters, with an accuracy and timing resolution of at least 5 times better than the capabilities of these converters. (WP2)
- To develop and characterise the measurement setup and procedures for efficiency measurements of grid-connected power converters under actual grid operating conditions. This measurement setup should have at least 5 kHz bandwidth to include energy at higher (harmonic) frequencies and to allow for dynamic efficiency evaluation under non-static operating conditions. To apply this measurement setup to determine the efficiency of at least 3 converters under different operating conditions with uncertainties better than 5 % in the loss power. (WP3)
- To develop traceable methods, measurement setups and suitable fast power algorithms for traceable on-site testing of grid-forming converters at fundamental line frequency and harmonic frequencies up to at least 5 kHz. These methods should realise fast real-time current, voltage, power, and frequency measurement with at least 0.1 % uncertainty under highly dynamic grid conditions. In addition, to develop and apply an on-site test methodology to assess the performance and response of at least 2 commercial state-of-the-art grid-forming converters, with an accuracy and timing resolution of at least 2 times better than the capabilities of these commercial converters. (WP4)
- To disseminate project results and facilitate uptake of the technology and measurement infrastructure developed in the project by manufacturers and utilities. To work with standardisation development organisations such as IEC TC8, TC22F, TC38 and CENELEC TC8X to support the normative requirements for grid-forming converter-based resources to ensure that the capabilities developed in this project are aligned and will support the emerging standardisation needs. (WP5)