Power Grids Laboratory

Electrical energy is the key to efficient energy supply. We create knowledge to better understand the influences of devices on the power grid and how they interact. This allows us to support our partners in optimizing their power grids.

Our Laboratory

With our considerable measuring equipment we obtain a broad picture of the load profiles, the power quality and the oscillations in the distribution grids of our partners. With our validated models of the grid infrastructure and customer installations, we carry out reliable scenario analyses from which we can derive recommendations for the safe operation of electricity grids, for better utilization and for saving grid costs.

Services

The main competences of our laboratory are:

  • Analysis of the effects of decentralised power generation and storage on the distribution grids
  • Static and dynamic modelling of transmission and distribution grids
  • Measurement, analysis and modelling of power quality phenomena in distribution grids
  • Dynamic modelling of hydropower plants as well as of decentralised generation and storage systems in grid connection and islanding mode

Expertise

Our laboratory collaborates closely with the grid operators. The aim is to develop measures to prevent a decrease of the grid quality and which help to stabilise oscillating grids.

We are one of the key laboratories for the research at the Energy Storage Research Centre.

Facilities

For the development of simulation models and for the monitoring of transmission and distribution grids, own and commercial simulation tools as well as extensive measuring equipment is available:

  • Simulation tools for power grids: DIgSILENT PowerFactory, NEPLAN, MATLAB/Simulink, Excel tool «ZNP light» (free BFH in-house development)
  • Power quality measuring devices (a-eberle PQ-Box 100/150/200, Fluke, DEWETRON, HAAG, CAMILLE BAUER METRAWATT)
  • Measuring device for the analysis of the frequency-dependent grid impedance in the range from 50 Hz to 2.5 kHz
  • Grid emulators and electronic loads in different power ranges for measurements according to the standards and for power quality analyses
  • Real line models (replicas of low voltage cables) for laboratory measurements
  • Prosumer lab test bench: Modern household built in the laboratory for testing components (PV inverters, storage etc.) and intelligent algorithms (optimization of own consumption, grid-optimized operation etc.)

Power Grids Lab and Hydrogen Systems Lab
 

Contact

Contact us or meet our technical experts at various events in a direct conversation. Collaboration results in a win-win situation for everyone involved: your company, society and the university of applied sciences.