Description
The NFCRC has established unique testing capabilities regarding the many issues associated with connecting fuel cell and other distributed generation technologies to the grid system. The Grid Connectivity Testing Platforms (GCTP) recognizes the substantial need for development and deployment of utility grid-connected distributed generation and the considerable research, development and, policy issues that need to be addressed.
Exploration of the issues of grid connectivity, has led to the establishment of three levels of testing at the NFCRC, analogous to those of the Distributed Technologies Testing Platform (DTTP).
Level I GCTP provides plug-and-play access to the grid, a "virtual grid," dissipaters, power generators for different inverter technologies, and different grid scenarios. The uniquely designed virtual grid allows testing of the impact of grid upsets (programmed and controlled on the fly) impact on the emerging grid connectivity technologies.
Level II grid connectivity beta testing is accomplished using the UC Irvine campus grid.
Level III uses the flexible micro-grid associated with the University Research Park or Power Park