DNV GL launches world’s first control hardware in loop test bench for renewable energy systems

Since 2016, Germany has updated its medium- and high-voltage grid codes to require certification of all wind farm controllers before the wind farm can start supplying the grid. Similar guidelines are expected to follow elsewhere in the world, both nationally and internationally.

The test bench was developed in response to industry demand and draws on a wide range of expertise within DNV GL. Like all DNV GL’s Power Cybernetics initiatives, it combines the rigour of lab-based testing with the flexibility and speed of computer simulation.

In the case of the CHIL test bench, the physical controller is connected to a real-time simulator that emulates the wind farm, solar farm, biomass plant etc. as well as the grid connection. Furthermore, a communication layer is included for the master SCADA simulating the grid operator. This setup allows the controller’s behaviour in any situation it may face in service to be explored, and any unwanted interactions to be identified.

“Until now, testing controllers meant downtime for the generation farm and huge effort coordinating many different players. What’s more, a failure during testing could have far-reaching and expensive consequences. In line with our Power Cybernetics approach, the new CHIL test bench significantly reduces the cost, risk and effort required to comprehensively test control systems for renewable energy generation farms. Besides streamlining certification, the test bench can be used to validate new functionality during development and set-up controllers for individual generation sites,” said Andreas Schröter, Executive Vice President Central Europe and Mediterranean at DNV GL.

This new offering builds upon DNV GL’s longstanding involvement in Hardware in the Loop testing of individual wind turbine control systems. DNV GL’s time domain aeroelastic turbine design software Bladed is coupled with physical components from individual actuators through to full turbine nacelles during the prototyping of new turbine platforms.

The test bench allows complete testing according to the latest revisions of the German grid codes, with the possibility of ISO 17025 accredited measurements. DNV GL will make it available for customers including controller manufacturers, and renewable energy generation site developers and operators through testing and measurement services.