A unique testing facility dedicated to smart equipment and solutions

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Concept Grid is a real network extending from the source substation to the downstream meter. The MV network consists of 3km of underground and overhead lines, plus an additional 120km modeled by RLC elements. The neutral regime can be modified on demand.

Seven distribution substations supply a low-voltage distribution network with a total length of 7km. In addition to equipped model homes and photovoltaic installations, it is possible to modify the network configuration for controlled operation, with or without a generator.

The combination of a real-time simulator and a power amplifier allows for the generation of complex production and consumption scenarios.

Concept Grid is equipped with a fiber optic and Ethernet communication network, allowing the use of various communication protocols. It is also possible to test PLC communications or implement control commands according to the IEC 61850 standard.

MV and LV networks

Concept Grid was designed to be representative of a real distribution network, from the source substation to the customer. The integration of an innovative device or solution can thus be studied realistically.

The flexibility of the laboratory allows for testing many configurations and situations in a short period of time.

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Technical capabilities

Architecture

Elements Description Note
Networks 7km LV network 
4km HVA network 
MV network modeled by RLC equivalent to 120km		 Overhead and underground networks
Adjustable lengths
Station One source substation (available power of 20MVA) Seven MV/LV distribution substations (transformers from 50 to 1600kVA) Use of vacuum circuit breakers 
An amorphous core transformer
Residential area 5 dwellings, heat pumps, controllable loads, charging stations, PV, micro wind turbines Linky architecture throughout the entire neighborhood
Storage System (SS) Li-Ion Battery 33kW, 50kW, 160kW, 280kW, 700kW  
Ultra fast charging testing platform (EV) A platform with an area of 160m² capable of accommodating various ultra-fast EV charging stations  

 

Disturbances

MV Networks Faults Overhead or underground 
Single-phase to ground, bi-phase, three-phase
3 neutral regimes: resistive, compensated, active
LV Networks Power amplifier Voltage, current, and frequency disturbance Creation of harmonics up to 25 kHz
LV Networks Short-circuit Line to ground, line to line, three phase

 

Telecommunications

Mono-mode optcal fiber Control command (IEC 61850) Data transfer via IP-MLS Supervision, remote control Measurements, advanced network functions 
Equipment control on the network
Power Networks PLC communication Linky meter architecture

 

Real-time simulation

Function Description
Simulation OPAL-RT licence    
Real time    
Up to 8 cores    
P-HIL compatible
Amplification 400 kVA as source or load DC voltage up to 1500 V