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TF7 - Field test of different Microgrid topologies at steady and transient state - Power Quality Analysis (CESI)

CESI will perform several different experimentations at its test facility: (a) during transient state: behaviour during short-duration voltage variation for single/three phase AC faults, or dynamic response to sudden load changes and to conditions of phase imbalance or loss of phase, islanding condition following interruption of the supply etc.; (b) at steady state: intentional islanding condition (a portion of the LV system is normally not connected to MV grid); Power Quality impact in terms of: harmonics, flicker, voltage fluctuations, unbalances; (c) specific test for generator characterization.
The test facility allows different grid topologies (not only radial grids but also meshed configurations) to be realized.
A high-speed Data Acquisition System (DAS) has been set up to collect and analyze the experimental data derived from the field test with the aim to monitor power quality, harmonic distortion, and electrical transients. Moreover a sophisticated automation system (developed in a national project) that controls generators and loads in islanding operation will be integrated and proved in the test facility during 2005.
A Power Line Carrier (PLC) technology will be implemented as an outdoor communication infrastructure in the test facility: the controller will be interconnected to distributed subsystems using low voltage distribution network as communication media. Within the proposed project the CESI Test facility will be used to experiment, demonstrate and validate the operation of an actual Microgrid.
IT-Power will incorporate and test the RTI system within the CESI test facility. The system will be used to represent a weak utility generator, with programmable output characteristics, and exercise the remainder of the Microgrid.