Nordex has invested in a new test bench for comprehensive grid compliance testing of wind turbine power electric drivetrains.
Denmark’s R&D Test Systems is supplying the power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) test bench, which includes a grid emulator, allowing Nordex to simulate a wide range of grid conditions, including voltage and frequency variations, power fluctuations, weak grid conditions and grid faults, without needing field testing.
It will be equipped with advanced measurement and control systems that allow for real-time monitoring.
The increasing complexity of grid integration is behind Nordex’s investment in the power HIL test bench.
As renewable energy penetration increases, grid codes with different requirements are established worldwide, and the requirements are becoming stricter.
Additionally, weakened grids and possible future off-grid scenarios for hydrogen production add to the complexity of grid integration.
The platform will also allow Nordex to test a wide range of electrical drivetrain variants of wind turbines or even other grid loads such as batteries or electrolysers, ensuring that they can be integrated with the turbines and power grid as well.
“Traditionally, grid compliance tests are carried out in the field with a wind turbine prototype, which can be time-consuming and challenging. The new test bench with grid emulator gives Nordex full control of the testing scenarios and timeline, allowing for more controlled and repeatable testing,” said Gregor Krause, Project Director at R&D Test Systems.
The power HIL test bench complies with the new Technical Specification IEC 61400-21-4 for test bench-based compliance testing.
R&D Test Systems will deliver the power HIL test bench to Nordex in 2024, providing Nordex with full control of the testing scenarios and allowing for more efficient testing.