Controllable Grid Interface

Engineers have developed a cross-cutting approach to testing grid integration using the Controllable Grid Interface (CGI) that provides grid operators with the performance information they need for a fraction of the time and cost it would take to test a turbine in the field.

NREL's 7-megavolt amperes CGI test system can reduce certification testing time and costs while providing system engineers with a better understanding of how wind turbines, photovoltaic inverters, and energy storage systems react to disturbances on the electric power system.

• The first test facility in the United States that has fault simulation capabilities
• Allows manufacturers and system operators to conduct certification tests in a controlled environment
• Fully integrated with two dynamometers, turbines in the field, and to a matrix of electronic and mechanical storage devices
• Tests wind turbines offline from the grid
• Verifies compliance with standards
• Previously recorded data from various power systems or from data generated by models allows for accurately-produced inertial and primary frequency response controls testing and validation

Learn more about the CGI.

Testing Capabilities

Engineers at the NWTC have the ability to connect the CGI to a number of test facilities, including the 5- and 2.5-MW dynamometers, grid integration research test pads, individual or multiple MW field-research wind turbines, and the Energy Systems Integration Facility. These connections allow for the following capabilities:

• Balanced and unbalanced over- and undervoltage fault ride-through tests
• Frequency response tests
• Continuous operation under unbalanced voltage conditions
• Grid condition simulation (strong and weak)
• Reactive power, power factor, and voltage control testing
• Protection system testing (over- and undervoltage and frequency limits)
• Islanding operation
• Subsynchronous resonance conditions
• 50-Hz tests.