Validating smart grid components and power conversion technologies with cutting-edge Hardware-in-the-Loop solutions.

Electrical power systems have evolved significantly, especially with the adoption of power electronics and advances in communications and digitalization. This has facilitated the transition to Smart Grid configurations and integration of renewable energy sources. KEMA Labs offers several types of advanced testing including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) approaches adopting IEEE P2004 standard. This medium-voltage laboratory is powered from a 10 kV, 13 MVA transformer and provides a flexible, repeatable, and realistic environment for testing various components such as PV inverters, battery energy storage systems, UPS systems, and EV chargers under simulated grid conditions until 24 kV, using step up transformers. 

Core Infrastructure: 

  • Bidirectional Grid Emulator (1 MVA): Frequency control from DC up to 75 Hz, output voltage up to 3.3 kV, harmonic injection up to the 25th order, programmable amplitude, frequency and phase ramps. 
  • Programmable Bidirectional DC Power Source: 2 kV DC, 1.3 MW, supports bidirectional power flow, battery and solar simulator equipped. 
  • Passive Load Banks: Active and reactive power.
  • Real-Time Simulation Platform: Control Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) and Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) testing, powered by Impedyme, Opal-RT, and other advanced real-time simulation systems.
  • Impedyme Combined HIL and PHIL platform.
  • Egston Four-Quadrant Power Amplifier (CSU200): Integrates with real-time simulation for PHIL tests, four amplifier groups for maximum flexibility. 
  • Imperix Platform : Rapid prototyping of power converters. 
  • COMEMSO EV Charging Analyzer: Compatible with AC, DC-CCS, CHAdeMO, and GB/T DC. 

Main use cases:

  • Medium-voltage transformer testing.
  • Megawatt Charging System (MCS) testing.
  • Protection relay HIL testing.
  • Motor drive testing through PHIL motor emulation.

Advantages for customers include flexibility in configuring massive test scenarios, safety and reliability through advanced equipment and expert support, comprehensive validation of power converters and electrical systems, and scalability for different voltage and power at industrial levels.  

With cutting edge facilities and services, the Flex Power Grid Laboratory supports the development, validation, and optimization of new power conversion technologies, ensuring reliable, efficient, and market ready solutions. These capabilities make it a cornerstone of power cybernetics at these voltage and power levels. 

KEMA Labs, a CESI Group Business Unit, is a global leader in third-party conformity assessment services, testing, inspection, and certification of electromechanical components. Our certificates and reports are internationally recognized by both manufacturers and purchasers.

KEMA Labs is a well-recognized conformity assessment body, accredited according to ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17025, and ISO/IEC 17065 standards. Additionally, KEMA Labs, through CESI S.p.a., is a notified body for the IECEx Certification Scheme and ATEX.