Grid Interactions Research Facility
The Grid Interactions Research Facility (GIRF) is a facility that is part of the CTRC, and includes laboratories operated by TAMU electrical and computer engineering faculty. The GIRF is home to numerous different research tools related to the electric grid.
The GIRF was made possible through a Governor’s University Research Initiative (GURI) grant received by Dr. Thomas Overbye.
The Advanced Power Distribution System (APDS) is a custom built power distribution that is the power center of the CTRC. The system is expandable and flexible to allow for multiple power sources to be controlled from a single location.
- Ratings:
- 480/277V, 225A
- 208/120V, 112.5kVA dedicated transformer
- Interconnections
- PV Array
- Power Hardware in the Loop (PHIL)
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- AC and DC Power Meters
- Measure up to 61st harmonic of line, neutral, and phase current and voltage
- 15″ touchscreen for data visualization
- Data archived for future analysis
Two identical power hardware in the loop (PHIL) racks are located in GIRF.
- Typhoon 606:
- 200 nS resolution in real time
- Digital twin of power electronics, power system, EV, etc.
- Power electronics switching or average model
- High or low-fidelity models
- High-Speed link to interconnect additional HIL to scale-up capability
- Regatron 30 kVA 4-quadrant Power Amplifiers
- Integrated water-cooling for continuous operation
- Can be operated individually or in parallel
- Emulate a distribution system bus/node
- Battery Testing
- EV Testing
The GIRF is currently in the process of installing a walk-in chamber for component testing. The chamber is schedule to be delivered in February 2024.
The chamber will be approximately 8′ W x 13′ D by 8′ H. The chamber will be capable of temperature ranges from -90°F to 302°F.
The GIRF will be connected to a solar field located at the CTRC. The solar field will include 4 DC arrays and 1 AC array. The array will be connected, via conduit, to the GIRF lab allowing the power and instrumentation to be located inside. The array will include extra spaces for testing of solar equipment, including panels, power optimizers, custom inverters, etc.
