The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has announced the construction of the High Power Grid Lab (HPGL), a research facility designed to test new grid technologies under realistic conditions. Funded with EUR 32.8 million from the Helmholtz Association, the lab will analyse low- and medium-voltage grids for regional power distribution, enabling comprehensive testing of innovative components such as power converters for medium-voltage DC grids.
Set to begin operation in 2030 as part of KIT’s Energy Lab; the HPGL will combine real-time grid simulations with medium-voltage emulators capable of replicating grid behaviour and operational modes, including fault conditions. The facility aims to bridge research findings with practical applications, supporting Germany’s energy transition by developing high-performance technologies for increasingly important medium-voltage distribution grids. Collaborative efforts involving multiple KIT institutes, German and international industrial companies, grid operators, and research institutions will further enhance the lab’s role in advancing sustainable energy infrastructure.
Introduction to the High Power Grid Lab (HPGL)
The High Power Grid Lab (HPGL) is a cutting-edge research facility designed to evaluate innovative grid components under realistic conditions. Funded with €32.8 million from the Helmholtz Association, the lab will begin operations in 2030 as part of KIT’s Energy Lab. Its primary focus is on low- and medium-voltage grids, which are critical for integrating distributed renewable energy sources into the power system.
The HPGL employs advanced medium-voltage emulators capable of replicating AC grids up to 20 kV and DC grids up to 35 kV. These tools enable precise analysis of how new technologies interact with existing infrastructure under various operating conditions, including voltage fluctuations and fault scenarios. This capability supports the development of adaptive control strategies and advanced protection systems essential for maintaining grid stability.
The lab’s interdisciplinary approach involves collaboration among multiple KIT institutes, German industrial companies, international firms, grid operators, and research institutions. This network facilitates knowledge exchange and resource sharing, enhancing the development of robust grid infrastructure necessary for achieving sustainable energy transitions.
Grid Emulators and Real-Time Simulations
The HPGL utilizes state-of-the-art medium-voltage emulators to simulate real-world grid behaviour. These emulators can replicate AC grids up to 20 kV and DC grids up to 35 kV, enabling researchers to assess the performance of new technologies such as power converters for medium-voltage DC grids under various operating conditions.
The lab’s real-time simulation platform allows researchers to validate innovative solutions in a controlled environment before deployment. This capability bridges the gap between theoretical models and practical applications, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of grid research.
National and International Cooperation
The HPGL is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, including KIT institutes, German industrial companies, international firms, grid operators, and research institutions. This interdisciplinary network fosters knowledge exchange and resource sharing, accelerating the development of advanced grid infrastructure essential for achieving long-term sustainability goals.
KIT’s Role in the Energy Transition
The High Power Grid Lab (HPGL) at KIT plays a pivotal role in advancing the energy transition by evaluating innovative power distribution technologies under realistic conditions. The lab focuses on low- and medium-voltage grids, which are critical for integrating distributed renewable energy sources into the power system.
By simulating real-world grid behavior, researchers can assess the performance of new technologies such as power converters for medium-voltage DC grids. The HPGL’s advanced medium-voltage emulators enable precise analysis of how these technologies interact with existing infrastructure under various operating conditions, including voltage fluctuations and fault scenarios.
The lab’s interdisciplinary approach involves collaboration among multiple KIT institutes, German industrial companies, international firms, grid operators, and research institutions. This network facilitates knowledge exchange and resource sharing, enhancing the development of robust grid infrastructure necessary for achieving sustainable energy transitions.
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