Advanced Testing Chain Supporting the Validation of Smart Grid Systems and Technologies
For smart grid researchers and engineers, it addresses the need for advanced validation methods, but the approach is incremental, combining existing techniques.
The paper proposes a holistic testing methodology integrating simulation and hardware-based infrastructure for smart grid systems, enabling risk-free field-like testing with grid dynamic feedback. It demonstrates successful implementation across European research institutes.
New testing and development procedures and methods are needed to address topics like power system stability, operation and control in the context of grid integration of rapidly developing smart grid technologies. In this context, individual testing of units and components has to be reconsidered and appropriate testing procedures and methods need to be described and implemented. This paper addresses these needs by proposing a holistic and enhanced testing methodology that integrates simulation/software- and hardware-based testing infrastructure. This approach presents the advantage of a testing environment, which is very close to f i eld testing, includes the grid dynamic behavior feedback and is risks-free for the power system, for the equipment under test and for the personnel executing the tests. Furthermore, this paper gives an overview of successful implementation of the proposed testing approach within different testing infrastructure available at the premises of different research institutes in Europe.