Application of a Testing Chain Methodology for Improving Power Converter Controllers

The practice of testing power system equipment like converters usually involves simulation, laboratory and field testing in that sequence. Such an approach lacks smooth transition and wide coverage of new services which are being introduced by the smart grid concept. A systematic approach to sequentially test various functionalities may lead to reduced costs and speedup the process from concept to implementation. Testing chain is such an approach where specific capabilities of pure simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, laboratory and field testing are leveraged sequentially to cover wide aspects of the system under investigation. In this study, a test case is exemplary realized aiming to demonstrate the potential of a multi-site testing chain with varied testbeds for generating systematic improvements on the performance of power converter control functions.