SENSE Lab – Smart Grid Laboratory¶
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Welcome to the SENSE Lab – Smart Grid Laboratory! On the following pages you get the latest and most important information about the laboratory.
- Table of contents
- SENSE Lab – Smart Grid Laboratory
The transition towards increasingly renewable energy systems calls for novel techniques of operation and control in response to the changing power transmission and distribution networks. Electric networks will become more intelligent, bringing the worlds of information and communication technologies (ICT), and energy systems closer together than ever before. At the Berlin University of Technology a Smart Grid Laboratory has been built up, with the objectives of: (i) research in new and innovative technologies with the interaction between them and the education and knowledge creation in this area.
The laboratory is composed of a three-phase AC and a DC network, a power supply, distributed generation, loads, storage devices as well as measurement and control units. Neighboring distribution and transmission networks are modeled by a real-time digital simulator connected to a controlled inverter that connects the lab and the main grids. Hardware simulators for photovoltaic and wind power represent the generation of fluctuating renewable energy sources. The loads are modeled as a small industrial unit, an electric vehicle, a single family and an apartment house. Storage is available in forms of a battery testing station and a super capacitor bank.
Lab Structure¶
- Abb. 1: Scheme of lab structure
- Abb. 2: ICT scheme
Grid Connection¶
The Feed converter connects the AC and DC lab networks to the superordinated TU Berlin network.
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The neighboring distribution networks and the transmission grid are modeled by a real-time digital simulator.
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An important unit of the SENSE Lab are the standardized switch cabinets for fast, safe and flexible connection of the lab components to the network, the so called Plug-and-supply interfaces. Furthermore they provide the possibility of open the lab network ring on predefined points enabling different network topologies. Read more ...
Distributed Generation¶
Currently there are 2 generation units connected to the lab network. With both of them the conversion of energy from renewable sources is simulated within a lab modeling environment. The advantage of that approach: the impact of renewable energies on the grid can be evaluated without the dependance on real weather conditions.
With the DC plant simulator different types of generation units with DC output can be modeld in real-time.
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The AC plant simulator consists of a motor-generator-unit enabling it to serve as various types of AC generation units depending on the applied model.
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In addition 2 real conversion units will connect to the lab network in the near future: A solar photovoltaic system is going to be installed on the roof of the 8-storey EN building. Beside that plant a fuel cell system will deliver combined heat and power, both integrated in the respective lab networks.
Storage Devices¶
Two storage devices are currently integrated into the lab. Due to safety reasons both of them are placed in an external fire protection container.
The vehicle-to-grid station (V2G) consists of a temperature chamber for battery testing.
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The super capacitor is the fast-reacting storage device providing high power quality.
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Loads¶
Due to the important role the demand side will play in the future energy system it is in the focus of attention in the lab. Three different sectors are targeted: residential loads, industrial units and mobility.
For reproducing the residential sector two respective homes are modeled: A single family house and an apartment building with three separate dwellings.
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With a model of a small-sized industrial unit different service providers can be simulated, from a small joinery to a self-service-laundry.
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The upcoming sector of electromobility is addressed by the integration of an EV charging station in addition to the already mentioned V2G station.
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