First International Workshop on Grid Simulator Testing of Wind Turbine Drivetrains

NREL and Clemson University hosted the First International Workshop on Grid Simulator Testing of Wind Turbine Drivetrains June 13–14, 2013, at the National Wind Technology Center near Boulder, Colorado.

The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the research and testing needs and state-of-the-art apparatuses involved in grid compliance testing of utility-scale wind turbine generators. This includes both dynamometer testing of wind turbine drive trains ("ground testing") and field testing of grid-connected wind turbines.

NREL and Clemson University are in the final stages of construction of advanced, multi-megawatt power electronic grid simulator systems capable of many types of grid compliance testing (including voltage fault ridethrough, frequency response, and voltage support) for wind turbines. Both facilities are expected to be valuable testing assets for the wind industry to further improvements in wind turbine reliability and the development and testing of advanced grid-friendly controls. The participation of testing laboratories from the United States, Europe, and Asia in this workshop is a step toward establishing broader international collaboration (and possibly standardization) in grid simulation testing of renewable energy technologies.

Knowledge from the workshop will help guide the research and testing conducted at NREL, Clemson University, and other organizations. The workshop brought together experts in wind turbine testing, wind turbine manufacturers, wind power plant operators, and representatives from utilities to exchange knowledge, discuss experiences, and identify needs in wind power grid compliance testing that can be served by these test facilities. The workshop will provide valuable guidance in the development of advanced testing methods and procedures that will benefit the entire renewable energy industry. Learn more about NREL's controllable grid interface and other relevant testing capabilities that will be discussed at the workshop.

The goal of the workshop was to encourage interactive discussions among panelists, moderators, and workshop participants. Download the list of workshop attendees and the workshop report.

For technical questions about the workshop, contact Vahan Gevorgian.

Proceedings

Day 1: June 13, 2013

Introduction

• Welcome to NREL
• Introduction and Purpose of Workshop — NREL and Clemson University
• Overview of Grid Integration Aspects of Utility-Scale Wind Turbine Generators — Vahan Gevorgian, NREL, USA
• Overview of Grid Integration Testing Requirements for Wind Power — J. Curtiss Fox, Clemson, USA

Introduction to the Existing Capabilities and Testing Experience in Grid Simulator Area — Moderator: J. Curtiss Fox, Clemson

• FSU CAPS Experience — Michael Steurer, FSU, USA
• CENER Dynamometer/Grid Simulator Experience — Carlos Garcia de Cortazar, CENER, Spain
• Inductive Fault Simulator Field Testing Experience — Carlos Alvarez, E2Q, Spain
• NREL Controllable Grid Interface — Vahan Gevorgian, NREL, USA
• Discussion (summary of the existing capabilities, field vs. lab testing, existing limitations, etc.)

New Upcoming Test Facilities — Moderator: Andrei Mander, Clemson CU, USA

• Clemson University Dynamometer and Grid Simulator Facilities — Andrei Mander and Curtiss Fox, Clemson, USA
• NAREC Drive Train Test Grid Emulator — Alex Neumann, NAREC, UK
• Fraunhofer IWES DyNaLab Grid Simulator — Jersch Torben, IWES Fraunhofer, Germany
• Wind Power Certification in China — Cheavin Huang, CGC, China
• Wind Turbine Certification — Brian Gregory, Intertek, USA
• ABB Grid Simulator Product Line — Pieder Joerg, Ester Guidi, ABB MV Drives, Switzerland
• Discussion

Wind Turbine Manufacturers Perspective: What Are the Values for Wind Industry? — Moderator: Hal Link, NREL

• Advanced Wind Plant Controls — Nick Miller, GE
• Grid-Friendly Controls of Full-Converter Wind Turbines — Robert Nelson, Siemens
• Discussion (any testing needs missed in the proposed facilities, any additional requirements to increase the value of proposed facilities for the wind industry, etc.)

Day 2: June 14, 2013

Wind Power Plant Operator/Developer Perspective — Moderator: Vahan Gevorgian, NREL

• Grid Interconnection Aspects for Offshore Wind Power — Bo Hesselbaek, DONG Energy
• An Overview of Grid Requirements in Denmark and the DTU Advanced Grid Test Facility in Osterid — Tom Cronin, Technical University of Denmark
• FRT and Other Compliance Tests — Michael Frydensjberg, Siemens Wind Power A/S, Denmark
• UL Certification Requirements for Renewable Generation — Tim Zgonena, UL
• Discussion

Advanced Testing Concepts (Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing)

• HYPERSIM Real Time Simulation Platform — Richard Gagnon, IREQ, Canada
• RTDS for HIL Testing — Tom Baldwin, Idaho National Laboratory
• Super Lab HIL Testing Concept — NREL, Clemson, INL
• Discussion

Closing Panel, Going Forward — Moderator: Andrei Mander, Clemson CU