ERDA marks 51st foundation day, inaugurates cutting-edge solar inverter test facility

This new facility at its premises strengthens ERDA’s commitment to advancing solar technology and grid integration, offering critical testing services to solar inverter and controller manufacturers, R&D institutes, small-scale industries, and distribution utilities.

Marking its 51st Foundation Day, Electrical Research and Development Association (ERDA) inaugurated a cutting-edge Solar Inverter Test Facility (Grid tied / Off Grid) at its premises. The facility was inaugurated at the hands of A.B. Chaudhari, Chief Electrical Inspector, Gujarat state.

This advanced laboratory is designed to meet the rising demand for mandatory inverter testing, ensuring compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act and the Quality Control Order issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. New state-of-the art solar inverter facility can undertake research and evaluation of up to 250KVA class solar inverters.

This new facility strengthens ERDA’s commitment to advancing solar technology and grid integration, offering critical testing services to solar inverter and controller manufacturers, R&D institutes, small-scale industries, and distribution utilities.

Facility Capabilities

The facility is equipped to conduct various critical tests to ensure compliance with relevant standards. It can perform the islanding prevention (anti-islanding protection) test in accordance with IEC 62116 and IS 16169. Additionally, it is capable of measuring Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) performance, both dynamic and static, as well as conversion efficiency, following IEC 62891, IS 17980, and EN 50530 standards. Safety tests are also conducted as per IEC 62109 and IS 16221 (Part 1 & 2) to ensure operational security. Furthermore, the facility can evaluate grid connectivity and utility interface aspects such as Low Voltage Ride-Through (LVRT), High Voltage Ride-Through (HVRT), Fault Ride-Through (FRT), and power quality, adhering to IEC 61727, along with guidelines from CEA and MNRE. Lastly, conversion efficiency is assessed in accordance with IS/IEC 61683, ensuring optimal performance and regulatory compliance.

Advanced Instrumentation

The facility is powered by state-of-the-art testing equipment, including a Solar Array Simulator which supports up to 12 MPPT inputs, Grid Simulator, RLC Load Bank, Measurement Equipment (Power Analyser and Digital Oscilloscope), Control and Software Systems for precise monitoring and analysis. This facility is equipped to test grid-tied (string and central inverters) and off-grid inverters up to 250 KVA.

This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to ensuring high-quality solar power generation and grid integration, supporting the country’s renewable energy goals