Low Voltage Lab
In the Low Voltage Lab, we research and test how small-scale direct current (DC) grids can be integrated into buildings and neighbourhoods.
The lab simulates how AC and DC systems can operate side by side, and how we can prepare homes for a future with more local energy generation, batteries and smart controls.
Take a tour of this lab
Take a look around our lab and discover how we conduct research into innovative energy solutions.
Who can use the Low Voltage Lab?
- Designers of energy management systems, home automation systems, control algorithms and other technology-driven energy systems.
- Researchers wishing to investigate the impact of innovative network configurations on system performance.
- Developers of hybrid systems incorporating both AC and DC components.
What is the purpose of the Low Voltage Lab?
- Testing communication systems on power lines in disrupted grids.
- Long-term automated cycling of Li-ion batteries and benchmark performance tests.
- Research into low-voltage distribution networks with a high proportion of renewable energy sources.
- Development and testing of Intelligator®: an agent-based control algorithm to balance supply and demand.
- Power quality: voltage dips, asymmetry, harmonic distortion.
- Voltage dip control: accounting for grid constraints by adjusting power output.
- Control algorithms for inverters in unbalanced grids.
- Data analysis:
- Various energy flows (V, I, cosφ, …) are fed into a specific SCADA system.
- Accurate, high-speed PQ measurements in accordance with EN 50160.
