In the rapidly evolving energy sector, ensuring that distributed energy resources (DERs) play nice with the grid is no small feat. Traditional methods of certifying these inverter-based systems are often costly, time-consuming, and complex, especially for high-power equipment. But what if there was a way to streamline this process, making it more efficient and cost-effective? That’s precisely what a team of researchers, led by Luiz Fernando Rissotto Menegazzo from the Power Electronics and Control Group at the Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil, has been exploring.
Menegazzo and his team have been delving into the world of Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) testing, a method that could revolutionize the way we certify inverter-based DERs. “The idea is to validate the inverter firmware from early product development through final certification using CHIL testing,” Menegazzo explains. “This approach can help identify issues early on, reducing debugging time and costs.”
The challenge, however, lies in the fact that CHIL tests are often performed in environments distinct from full-power laboratory testing. This discrepancy can lead to differences in results, making it difficult to ensure that CHIL testing is a reliable alternative for compliance testing. To address this, Menegazzo and his team have developed a comprehensive methodology to validate CHIL models, ensuring that the results obtained from CHIL testing are consistent with those from power laboratory testing.
The methodology involves standardized quantitative test procedures applied to both CHIL and power laboratory testing environments. By clearly identifying, measuring, and reducing differences between the two, the team aims to make CHIL testing a viable option for grid code compliance testing and certification.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector. As the use of DERs continues to grow, so does the need for efficient and reliable certification methods. CHIL testing, if proven to be a reliable alternative, could greatly reduce the time and cost associated with compliance testing, making it easier for companies to bring their products to market.
Moreover, this research could pave the way for future developments in the field. As Menegazzo puts it, “The proposed methodology is extensively validated through experimental results carried out on a commercial single-phase photovoltaic inverter. Results demonstrate the validity of CHIL testing methodology and propose an alternative method for grid code compliance testing and certification.” This could open up new avenues for research and development, leading to even more innovative solutions in the energy sector.
The team’s findings were recently published in IEEE Access, a journal that translates to “Access to Information and Communication” in English. As the energy sector continues to evolve, so too will the methods we use to ensure that our systems are safe, reliable, and efficient. And with researchers like Menegazzo and his team at the helm, the future of energy certification looks bright indeed.
