The Networked Energy Systems Emulation Center at the German Aerospace Center DLR – bridging the gap between digital simulation and real operation of energy grids

Abstract This paper describes the Networked Energy Systems Emulation Center – DLR-NESTEC – a platform for research on power grids of the future. The DLR-NESTEC consists of a large number of networked power electronic components with which real hardware can be emulated using a real-time simulation system. The grid networking is realized via cable emulators. The laboratory works with real physical power flows and has a connected load of 800 kVA. In addition to the emulators, real network components can be integrated into the laboratory. The sector coupling is addressed by the coupling of charging infrastructure of electric cars as well as the integration of electricity-controlled heating systems. In addition, hydrogen technologies can be integrated. The laboratory is controlled by a SCADA system coupled to high-resolution measurement equipment. With the help of DLR-NESTEC, various future questions regarding robust and safe operation sector-coupled energy networks can be addressed – for instance the operation of a grid structure with a high share of controllable loads without a superordinate control.