We launched a new course on Power Hardware in the Loop for testing grid-connected converters.

We launched a new course on Power Hardware in the Loop for testing grid-connected converters.

If you want to fully understand how Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (Power HIL) platforms work and learn the key aspects of their effective implementation and use, sign up for the course we'll be teaching on May 29th and 30th at Mondragón.

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Power HIL platforms are a promising solution for testing and validating new grid-connected controls and converters in a more realistic environment, where both software and hardware can be subjected to extreme conditions in a safe and controlled setting. Furthermore, this is achieved without the cost, effort, and risk of testing and validating a new converter system on an existing grid. Therefore, these platforms significantly contribute to safer operation of power grids and contribute to decarbonization.

This two-day course will cover all the necessary aspects to understand in detail how Power HIL platforms work in the power grid environment. The sessions will begin by covering the most basic theoretical and conceptual aspects and conclude with experimental testing and validation of converters and their controllers.

The objective of the training is to understand the different parts of a Power HIL platform and how each element works. In turn, understanding the most important limiting factors when developing a Power-HIL platform or conducting a test in a critical network scenario.

 

Program and contents

May 29 (8:30-16:30)

1-Introduction and context: Power-HIL platform principles (2h)

2-Principles of operation of electrical networks, and principles of control of grid-connected converters. (2h)

3-Simulation methods for modern electrical systems. What aspects should we consider when choosing the right real-time simulation method for our Power-HIL platform? (2h)

May 30 (8:30-16:30)

4-Power-HIL (grid-emulator) platform output characteristic. Power amplifier characterization and sensing. (2h)

5-Experimental tests with Grid-emulator without DUT (2h)

6-Experimental testing of Grid-emulator and DUT (full Power-HIL platform) (2h)

 

The experimental platform that will be used during the course consists of two main elements:

• The grid emulator (or grid-emulator, GE) consists of a Semikron SKS SL 20 converter controlled by a Speedgoat real-time simulation and control platform.
• The system to be tested (or device under test, DUT) consists of another Semikron converter of the same range.

 

Other data of interest:

• Name of the training program: Course on Operating Principles of Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (Power HIL) Platforms for Testing Grid-Connected Converters
• Duration: 12 hours
• Place: Electrical Energy Laboratory of the Polytechnic School of Mondragon University (Arrasate-Mondragon)
• Teachers: Ion Andoni Barrena, Julen Paniagua y Eneko Unamuno.
• Price: 1.075€