Design and Construction of Grid Attached Storage Simulator

Using a Variable Frequency Drive, 15kWh battery pack, and Active Front End control, Colorado State University has designed and built a real-world functional test stand to study the effects of attaching a battery power pack to the grid for grid stabilization. This paper describes the design, analysis, and construction of the Grid Attached Storage simulation laboratory. An in-depth discussion of the design, selection and specifications of components including the LCL filter, transformer, grid attachment, line synchronization card, software control, and safety measurements is discussed. The dynamics and control of grid-attached storage can be investigated using this lab. Battery temperatures, charging/discharging cycles, and battery degradation can also be better understood with the use of this system. Second life batteries can be used as well to investigate their characteristics, economical benefits, and quality of use. Using grid interaction, the batteries can work in a variety of ways including: frequency regulation, V2G simulation of opportunity charging, and renewable energy smoothing.