Numerous renewable energy sources generate direct current (DC) power, which is utilised by various applications such as electric vehicles, batteries, and LED lighting, among others. This raises the question of whether the continued prevalence of conventional alternating current (AC) grids remains justified during the ongoing transition to cleaner energy sources.

To address this, the Bipolar DC Lab has established an advanced testing facility. Here, industry partners can undertake technology validation for emerging DC distribution systems. This encompasses grid configurations, grid components, converters, renewable energy sources, energy storage, electric vehicle charging solutions, protective measures, standardisation efforts, and more. Integrated within the Home Lab, the Low Voltage DC (LVDC) lab houses an adaptable and reconfigurable bipolar DC grid capable of reaching ±750V and 100 kW. Furthermore, this setup enables the examination of interactions between AC and DC systems through diverse grid connections.

The DC grid matrix allows custom setups with connection to different grid components and other labs: commercial PV roof, Battery Testing Lab, machine groups, Triphase converters and emulators, EV charging infrastructures or the Thermo Technical Lab.