Development of a grid simulator

A grid simulator is required to have control over the key grid characteristics that may expose system compatibility problems related to the integration of distributed generation (DG) to the ac grid. This paper presents the development of a grid simulator that provides controllability of the impedance, voltage, harmonics and frequency at the ac interconnection of several DG units. In the implementation of the grid simulator using a back-to-back VSC topology, resolving problems of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are essential to yield a reliable and safe grid simulator operation. Various experimental measurements are presented to verify the grid simulator control system and its electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter design.