GridLab District is a full-scale experimental platform for training and research purposes in the field of renewable energy and distributed storage integration into the electrical distribution network.

Inverters are used to transfer energy from renewable sources or from distributed storage systems to electricity distribution networks. In the case of heavily decentralised productions or under certain conditions, inverters can influence the quality of the tension in the grid. With the help of “intelligent” innovations and appropriate communication tools, it is possible to achieve better management of the production and storage of energy from renewable sources as well as a positive impact on the power quality. GridLab District is the perfect environment to develop and test smart grid technologies in their application.

The heart of the GridLab LV is a 400VAC three-phase power line, to which loads and energy sources are connected. Renewable energy production sites, storages systems and loads are emulated with programmable static converters. An Ethernet-based communication system enables the exchange of data between the converters and a central control unit.

With this setup, it is possible to create scenarios where the converters are being used to maintain the tension within the tolerance rage in every point of the distribution grid or to manage the energy flow between sources, storage units and consumers within a building or a district.  The lab currently has a dozen static converters with a total power of 150 kVA. They are linked with emulated line or cable sections of approx. 500 m each.

The infrastructure of GridLab District is completed with real electric loads, electrochemical storage units and solar panels on the roof.

Setup and specifications of GridLab District