ERDA aims to develop cost-effective grid-level energy storage solutions

The world is actively developing the most cost-effective grid-level energy storage solutions starting from pump storage hydel power plants, Green Hydrogen, Battery Cells, and many more, says Dr. Satish Chetwani, Director of ERDA.
What’s going to be your focus at ELECRAMA 2023?
The Electrical Research and Development Association (ERDA) will focus on its “Innovative Research” areas for the electrical sector at ELECRAMA 2023. ERDA will showcase research and expert services in power systems analytics, power quality, failure analysis, energy management and diagnostics (NDT &RLA) through the state-of-the-art Engineering Analysis Centre and innovative technology development through the Power Electronics Laboratory & Advance Material Laboratory.
ERDA will also display its capability in an innovative research program on Advanced Cell Chemistry for Energy storage. ERDA will also display its recently developed laboratory facilities for evaluating Solar PV Module, HTLS Conductor, DC Switchgear, UCA accredited IEC 61850 protocol verification etc. ERDA will also highlight its unique Field Services propositions e.g., Mobile Oil Testing Laboratory, NABL-accredited Power Transformer testing facility up to 500 MVA with ERDA equipment at manufacturer’s works, ISO 17020 accredited Third-Party Inspection services.
Which innovations are happening at ERDA?
ERDA is presently researching the sunrise sector of Renewables and EV Charging infrastructure. ERDA is developing energy-efficient technologies for controllers for renewable energy and other power electronics-based products, IoT-based sensors for various applications in the distribution sector and DC fast charges for eV applications. ERDA is researching different technologies of eV Motors and drives for electric mobility ERDA is also exploring various Advance Cell Chemistries technologies for energy storage solutions. ERDA is doing extensive research on Advance Material development, e.g., Dielectric Nanocomposites for electrical Insulation, anti-dust coatings, and failure modes of Polymeric insulators.

Can you shed some light on your in-house laboratory facilities?
ERDA is one of the premieres of NABL-accredited ISO 17025 Electrical Laboratory in India and is recognised globally. ERDA is accredited with 154 Indian Standards by BIS. ERDA operates various laboratories in the areas of Liquid & Solid Dielectric, Magnetic Materials, Mechanical including HTLS conductor, EMI-EMC, Centre of Excellence for Rotating Machines, 120kA Online Short Circuit laboratory, 1600kVp Impulse Generation Station, 900kV Partial Discharge laboratory for upto 400kV equipment, Distribution Transformer, Switchgear, Relays including IEC-61850 protocol verification, ingress protection, cables up to 220kV, capacitor, photometry, solar PV module, energy meter including smart meter, appliances etc. ERDA has recently upgraded its PD Laboratory to 900kV, enabling it for all transmission equipment up to 400kV. ERDA has a new set up unique HTLS Conductor laboratory, complete Solar PV Module laboratory as per IS/IEC, complete cable laboratory up to 220 kV, DC Switchgear testing, Flameproof equipment laboratory, etc. ERDA has also developed a high accuracy Energy Meter Calibration facility of up to 50ppm and medical equipment calibration facility.
Can you elaborate on their application areas?
ERDA’s in-house laboratories completely cover all Distribution System equipment and are immensely popular with all Distribution utilities in India. ERDA is also catering to the Transmission Sector up to 400 kV. Many Transmission Utilities use NABL-accredited Power Transformer facilities up to 500 MVA with ERDA equipment at the manufacturer’s works to ensure the quality of Power Transformers they procured independently. ERDA has a long history of serving Thermal and Hydroelectric Power Generation units with its Energy Audit, Performance evaluation of various components, and Electrical Diagnostics of generators, motors, transformers, cables, Switchgear etc. NDT and RLA of Turbine and Boiler. Recently ERDA has started contributing to the Renewable Power Generation sector through Solar PV modules, Battery and Solar Cable labs and Due diligence of existing Solar Power Plants. ERDA also extensively monitors the Power Quality of Wind Power Generation Plants. ERDA provides regular expert services on Power System Studies, Protection Audits, Power System Protection coordination etc., to GENCOS, TRANSCO and DISCOMs. ERDA has also contributed immensely to the success of various Quality Control orders promulgated by BIS from time to time by providing laboratory facilities for Distribution transformers, Motors, Capacitors, CRGO Steel, Energy Meters etc., for various manufacturers across India.

What is the time frame required to complete the testing of a product?
The time required for testing any product depends on the standards to be followed and products to be tested that are not uniform. But on average, acceptance tests are completed within a fortnight, and completing the test takes around one month. Reports are issued normally within 7days of completion of the test. Some long-duration tests go on for six months to one year; however, in those cases, short-duration test results are given early without waiting for the long-duration test to be completed. Waiting time for any laboratory typically varies between immediately to one or two weeks, and ERDA keeps on informing its customers about the ongoing waiting period through email every fortnight.
What are your views on having energy storage systems and grid integration?
Large-scale renewable power generation has thrown a challenge in the grid integration of renewable power. Thus, the necessity of a cost-effective grid-level energy storage solution is a burning requirement. The world is actively developing the most cost-effective grid-level energy storage solutions starting from pump storage hydel power plants, green hydrogen, battery cells, flow batteries, heat absorbing materials, etc. ERDA is contributing its bit by researching flow batteries and various advanced cell chemistry technologies. ERDA is having state-of-the-art research facility on storage cell development and Battery evaluation. ERDA is also exploring various issues on renewable energy grid Integration by simulating different grid conditions through a grid simulator.