Megawatt-scale power hardware-in-the-loop simulation testing of a power conversion module for naval applications

In June through October of 2014, power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) simulation testing of a 1.2 MW, 4.16 kV AC / 1 kV DC power conversion module for naval applications was conducted. In these tests, the device-under-test (DUT) was interfaced to a virtual surrounding system that was generally representative of the power system of a future surface combatant. Tests were focused on demonstration of operation and performance of the DUT through dynamic conditions in a realistic environment, collection of data for characterization and validation of models of the DUT, and collection of data for assessment of the accuracy and suitability of the approach for testing future power conversion modules. These tests were the culmination of numerous coordinated efforts over preceding months to identify, implement, and verify the necessary surrounding systems and supporting models, define meaningful test procedures, and develop, implement, and test appropriate controls and protection systems. The tests successfully concluded with a large amount of data of the behavior of the DUT under a wide range of expected system conditions. Moreover, this project identified the need to further develop PHIL interface algorithms such as the damped impedance method to improve accuracy and stability of future PHIL experiments at the megawatt scale.