DECC is a unique laboratory that can test multiple DE systems in a real-world distribution system and demonstrate the ability of these technologies to provide dynamic reactive power locally. It provides the link between testing and simulation needed to ensure accuracy of experimental results and to simulate the integration of multiple technologies on the electric grid. Renewable energy technologies, many being inverter-based like photovoltaics (PV), can be accommodated along with traditional DE. At present, the laboratory consists of three systems: a 300-kVar synchronous condenser, 150-A (or 125-kVar) inverter supplied DC,
and a 30-kW microturbine generator. This year there are plans to add a second inverter-based system at a second feeder location, a PV-based inverter system and a charging station for testing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. A 100-kW microturbine which has some power factor correction capability is onsite and there are plans to connect it in the near future. We estimate that DECC has the capability to test up to 1-MVA at the same time.
DECC is unique in that ORNL owns and operates the campus distribution system and can configure the system to provide optimum testing opportunities. For example, DE systems at DECC on two different circuits can be reconfigured to be fed from one substation source. Also, capacitance at the substation can be relaxed to test a more severe voltage regulation case.
