S²G Lab - University of Stuttgart

DESCRIPTION

The S²G Lab at the University of Stuttgart provides a research and testing environment for innovative smart-grid technologies and cyber-physical energy systems. We offer laboratory infrastructure and scientific expertise for the validation of new products, control concepts and operational methods that contribute to a sustainable, efficient, resilient and secure energy supply.

The laboratory combines real-time simulation with physical power-system components to reproduce realistic grid conditions and operating scenarios. This enables experimental investigations ranging from normal operation to disturbances, communication failures and restoration processes. Typical applications include power-quality assessments, protection and control concepts for microgrids, stability analyses of converter-dominated power systems, investigations of power-line communication (PLC), and testing of energy-storage and electric-vehicle charging systems.

A particular focus of the S²G Lab is the co-simulation of coupled electrical energy and communication networks. This allows the analysis of cyber-physical interdependencies, communication-dependent automation and protection functions, and the resilience of smart-grid systems under fault, cyber and contingency scenarios.

AREAS OF SPECIAL COMPETENCE

• Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) simulation of cross-sectoral and converter-dominated energy systems

• Real-time simulation of electrical networks, distributed energy resources and grid-connected power-electronic converters

• Co-simulation of coupled energy and communication networks for cyber-physical energy-system studies

• Investigation of system resilience, communication dependencies, protection coordination and restoration strategies

• Power-quality analysis, including harmonics, voltage distortion, grid impedance and converter interactions

• Testing and validation of protection, control and automation concepts for microgrids and distribution networks

• Analysis of power-line communication (PLC) performance under realistic electrical network conditions

• Stability studies of multi-inverter systems and grid-forming or grid-following converter controls

AVAILABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

• Real-time simulation and PHIL platforms based on OPAL-RT systems

• Generation emulators for distributed generation, wind-energy and photovoltaic systems

• Grid emulator with a 30 kVA linear power amplifier, covering DC to 150 kHz

• AC and DC converter systems with different topologies and control capabilities

• Rotating electrical machines and dynamic loads

• Battery energy-storage system

• Electric-vehicle charging infrastructure

• Protection, measurement and communication equipment for laboratory-scale smart-grid experiments

• Infrastructure for PLC and communication-network investigations

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH US

Contact the S²G Lab team by email or phone to discuss your testing, validation or research requirements. Together, we can define a suitable experimental setup, simulation scenario and validation approach for your application.

More information is available at www.ieh.uni-stuttgart.de.