Project Background
The energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by governments’ ambitious targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This introduces several challenges to grid operation, like system stability, that ENODA are aiming to help solve with their innovative technology. In this project PNDC tested a prototype silicon carbide-based power electronics stack, which is one of the key sub systems for their market ready Enoda PRIME® Exchanger.
The stack was developed in collaboration with Mersen, who also supplied their key components such as liquid cooled cold plate, low inductive laminated bus bars and DC link capacitors. A representative from Mersen also attended the qualification test programme at PNDC. This test configuration used PNDCs 600kW controllable power amplifier based in Wardpark, to derisk the ENODA product prior to the next stage of development.
Project Aims
The aim of this project is to accelerate the development of a novel, dynamic power flow technology and to ultimately help support the transition to Net Zero. The test configuration used in this project is shown in the diagram below, with the Unit Under Test (UUT) from ENODA shown in the middle of the diagram.
PNDC utilised its 600kW AC/DC controllable power amplifier (in this case operating in DC mode) to provide a steady DC voltage connection to the ENODA prototype system.
PNDC connected two AC delta configured loads to the two AC output terminals of the ENODA unit under test via the low voltage electrical network at Wardpark (representative of a UK LV network); associated overvoltage and overcurrent AC protection; and power quality monitors at both AC terminals.
During testing PNDC supplied DC power to the UUT at different voltage levels to allow ENODA to explore possible enhancement in various aspects of the UUT to maximise performance, efficiency and reliability at different setpoints in this unique application.
PNDC’s Role
PNDC played a crucial role in delivering this project by designing and configuring the test bed (including electrical monitoring) and running the tests to allow ENODA to thoroughly test their prototype system in a realistic utility environment at operational power levels. This utilised PNDCs 600kW AC/DC controllable power amplifier, LV distribution network, LV power quality monitors, an AC load backs to represent a typical deployed within a UK distribution network.
Key Outcomes
The results from the testing showed that the prototype ENODA system operated as expected at the higher power levels, and through the testing, ENODA were able to monitor the thermal characteristics of the prototype and assess the performance through a range of power demand setpoints.
Additionally, it also helped ENODA to get more insight into the break-down of losses and scope for fine-tuning switching parameters to optimise the dynamic switching characteristics. This will enhance reliability and overall performance at system level.
The successful validation of one of our critical subsystems was enabled by PNDC’s comprehensive expertise in test infrastructure design, advanced test and measurement methodologies and precise execution in accordance with ENODA’s defined specifications.
We were able to verify boundary conditions under different scenarios. The success of this project will enable us to have more analytics related to the design margins in the power electronics stack and enhance the overall performance level of the Enoda® PRIME Exchanger, without compromising reliability.
The core team members at ENODA included: Dr. Haleema Qamar, Dr. Lydia Sands, Mr. Maheshkumar Baria and Mr. Jonathan Collet. They all expressed how knowledgeable and cooperative the PNDC team were; not only during the test setup phase, but also during the test execution phase.
Hitesh Dhokiya
Principal, Power Electronics
This project marks another successful step in our ongoing collaboration with ENODA, supporting the development of innovative technologies that accelerate the journey to Net Zero. By leveraging PNDC’s advanced test infrastructure and representative environment, we were able to evaluate and validate the performance of ENODA’s silicon carbide-based power electronics stack. We look forward to continuing our partnership with ENODA as they continue to deliver high-performance solutions for the future energy system.
Allan Downie
Senior R&D Engineer
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PNDC’s project team for the collaboration with ENODA was led and delivered by senior R&D engineer, Allan Downie, with support from lead R&D engineer, Dr Kyle Jennett.
Established in 2013, PNDC is one of the University of Strathclyde’s industry-facing innovation centres and focuses on accelerating the development and deployment of novel energy and transport solutions through multiple collaboration models and open access facility provision.
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