Multiphysics Test Bed for Renewable Energy Systems in Smart Homes

Abstract

This work introduces a multiphysics test bed which supports the testing of renewable energy systems in the context of home energy systems (HESs). The test bed, based on power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) technology, allows for testing renewable energy systems and HESs in a holistic way. Homes, as the melting pot of different forms of energy, are one of the key enablers for the smart grid technology. The interface of different energy domains is the main propeller for innovation and development of new technologies. The test bed presented in this work comprises thermal, hydraulic, communication, and electrical interfaces, enabling a variety of testing scenarios. The modular structure of the test bed allows for a very flexible setup for analyzing different kinds of HESs.