EMEC enlists micro-grid provider

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has hired Applied Renewables Research to supply it with a micro-grid that will be used for the testing of marine energy converters.

The simulated grid will assist off-grid testing of small-scale marine energy converters that are benefiting from the EU-funded FORESEA program.

The micro-grid will allow a device to behave as if it was grid connected by providing a stable voltage and frequency reference, and simulating the impedance of a typical grid connection, according to EMEC.

It will also absorb energy from the device under test, and provide power to the marine energy converter’s auxiliary systems as required.

Established in 2003, EMEC provides developers of both wave and tidal energy converters with accredited open-sea testing facilities.

It offers two full-scale grid connected test sites for wave and tidal energy devices testing, and also operates two scale test sites.

Applied Renewables Research is a specialist service provider to the marine energy industry based in Northern Ireland.