The advancement of renewable energy sources such as wind power has led to a growing need for accurate and reliable testing of wind turbine systems. With the rise of offshore wind farms and larger turbines, ensuring the grid stability and compliance of these systems has become a significant challenge for manufacturers. In response to this challenge, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES have developed a revolutionary mobile test platform known as Mobil-Grid-CoP.
Connecting wind turbines to the public power grid involves more than just testing the functionality of the turbines. Manufacturers must comply with strict technical guidelines and limit values for electrical properties to ensure grid stability. They are also required to compensate for dynamic events such as short circuits and frequency fluctuations. Each wind turbine plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the power grid, making thorough testing and certification essential.
The Mobil-Grid-CoP project at Fraunhofer IWES aims to address the challenges of testing large offshore wind turbines by developing a mobile test platform capable of testing turbines up to 28 megavolt-amperes (MVA) at full load. This innovative test bench is designed to simulate real-world conditions, including frequency changes, voltage fluctuations, and grid faults such as short circuits, in real-time. By providing a realistic testing environment, manufacturers can obtain certification more quickly and efficiently.
The mobile test bench developed by Fraunhofer IWES functions as a grid emulator, allowing for seamless testing of wind turbines without compromising the public power grid. The system evaluates the turbine’s response to various events within milliseconds, ensuring that it meets all required specifications and performance features. By housing the test bench in large containers that can be transported to turbine prototypes, the researchers have created a flexible and accessible testing solution for offshore wind farms.
The Mobil-Grid-CoP project offers numerous benefits for the wind energy sector. Manufacturers can conduct robust and detailed tests on their prototypes to ensure they are certification-ready, reducing the risk of costly rework before operation. The test bench also facilitates upgrades and modernization measures on existing turbines, providing a comprehensive testing solution for the industry. Additionally, the flexibility of the test facility allows for easy integration with other test benches, supporting infrastructure expansion measures in the future.
Looking ahead, the researchers at Fraunhofer IWES are committed to developing a technology platform that enables flexible and scenario-based testing of wind turbines. With the rapid evolution of renewable energy sources, new connection rules may emerge in the coming years. Mobil-Grid-CoP is designed to adapt to these changes and ensure that wind turbine testing remains effective and efficient. Through their innovative work, Fraunhofer IWES is playing a critical role in accelerating the transition of energy grids to renewable sources.
The Mobil-Grid-CoP project represents a significant advancement in wind turbine testing technology. By providing a mobile test platform that enables realistic and comprehensive testing of large offshore turbines, researchers are paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable energy future. Through their dedication to innovation and industry collaboration, Fraunhofer IWES is shaping the future of wind energy and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources.