Invention Reference Number
The integration of renewable energy sources and distributed energy resources (DERs) has driven the modernization of power systems. These systems increasingly rely on intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) like microgrid controllers, protective relays, and smart meters. Conventional real-time simulation (RTS) systems for testing IEDs involve expensive voltage and current amplifiers, which simulate the power system’s conditions for IED validation. However, these systems face limitations in performance, cost, and scalability, particularly in handling high-frequency signals from modern inverter-based DERs.
Description
This invention introduces a system for device validation that eliminates the need for costly amplifiers by identifying low-voltage interfaces in IEDs. It uses an interface module with connectors corresponding to IED pinouts, capable of providing sinusoidal or pulse signals for simulation. A controller works in conjunction with SCADA and a real-time simulator to obtain signals and determine pinout functionalities, including voltage and current scaling factors. This system can validate the performance of IEDs in power systems, including protection, communication, and control systems, without requiring high-voltage simulation.
Benefits
- Cost-effective testing: Eliminates the need for expensive amplifiers in testing IEDs.
- Enhanced simulation: Handles higher frequencies, ideal for testing modern power systems with DERs.
- Vendor independence: Supports multi-vendor IEDs, improving flexibility for utility providers.
- Scalable: Capable of testing a wide range of IED types in microgrids or traditional power systems.
- Accurate validation: Identifies unknown pinouts and accurately measures voltage/current scaling factors.
Applications and Industries
- Microgrid systems: Validating controllers and protective devices in renewable energy-powered microgrids.
- Utility companies: Testing IEDs for grid reliability and protection in large-scale power systems.
- Equipment manufacturers: Developing and testing new IED designs in a cost-effective manner.
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
