SMA has received prototype confirmation for the grid-forming capabilities of its Sunny Central Storage UP-S 4600 inverter with “Full Boost” current boost, following testing, simulations and model validation conducted under VDE FNN Guideline 2.1.
The confirmation was issued by M.O.E.’s certification body and follows a practical verification process involving SMA’s development work, testing at the M.O.E. Test Laboratory and independent assessment by the M.O.E. Certification Body. According to the company, the prototype confirmation is the first of its kind in the industry.
A key part of the project involved validating different simulation models against the inverter’s measured operating behaviour. The verification covered electromagnetic transient (EMT) and root mean square (RMS) models, while accounting for measurement uncertainties, dynamic effects, simulation methods and specified allowable deviations.
The project was undertaken following the introduction of new technical requirements for verifying grid-forming capabilities. M.O.E. said the process required the test laboratory and certification body to evaluate not only measurement results but also the relationship between test procedures, simulation models and real operating conditions.
Tobias Busboom, Managing Director and Head of the EZE Certification Body and Test Laboratory at M.O.E., said the project involved the manufacturer, test laboratory and certification body working together to establish a new verification method for a technically demanding requirement.
Battery Storage Takes on Grid Stability Role
The increasing share of renewable energy and the reduced use of conventional synchronous generation are changing the technical requirements of power systems. Battery energy storage systems are increasingly being used not only to shift electricity supply but also to provide grid-support functions.
Grid-forming inverters can support grid stability by establishing or maintaining voltage and frequency characteristics and, under defined conditions, providing functions such as synthetic inertia.
M.O.E. Deputy Director of the Test Laboratory Michel Sievers said practical application of new requirements is important for understanding how measurements, test procedures and real operating conditions interact, particularly when validating simulation models.
The certification process involved comparing the actual inverter behaviour with simulation results using multiple modelling approaches. The assessment considered the required tolerances alongside measurement uncertainties and dynamic system behaviour.
M.O.E. said the project builds on technical work carried out by VDE FNN, FGW, grid operators, manufacturers, test laboratories and certification bodies to establish requirements, measurement methods, modelling approaches and certification procedures for grid-forming technologies.
The experience from the project is expected to support further development of technical guidelines and certification procedures.
SMA said the prototype confirmation provides a basis for applying grid-forming capabilities in battery storage systems as renewable energy penetration increases. The company cited projects including Blackhillock and Föhren as examples of battery storage systems equipped with grid-forming inverters being used for grid stability applications.
Daniel Duckwitz, Specialist Grid Stability at SMA, said the confirmation represents a step toward the use of grid-forming battery storage capabilities in applications such as the German inertia market.
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