2025 NSF REU Site - Facilities and Resources

Pwr Eng REU- Infrastructure

1. Smart Grid Laboratory

The lab with a size of 800 ft2 is focusing on real-time simulation. As shown in Figure 1, this lab currently includes Opal-RT 5700 with 8 cores, which has 5 core-licenses (eMEGASIM) for transient simulations and 1 EHS64 solver for power electronics simulations. The system with eMEGASIM is currently being used to simulate microgrids, power distribution systems, solar farms, and wind farms. The lab is also equipped with SEL relays, GE controllers, and NS-3 simulator. One example project supported by this lab is to develop advanced models and control of the planned 9GW offshore wind farms for grid integration to decarbonize New York’s electricity system in collaboration with NYPA. We have recently acquired a Chroma Power Grid simulator, and are in the process to purchase a photovoltaic array simulator for research and validation of advanced control of solar inverters. We are also working to develop an HMI capability that will allow real-time operator interactions and data display.

Figure 1. Clarkson’s Smart Grid Lab.

2. The High Voltage Lab

The lab with a size of 7,000 ft2 is furnished with a variety of systems capable of working at distribution and transmission voltage levels. These capabilities include: an Impulse generator (Figure 4) with lightning and switching transient waveforms up to 1.4MV, fully programmable AC test set up to 200kV, programmable current source up to 3kA of continuous operation, NIST traceable measuring systems for voltages and currents, Partial discharge and tan-δ measuring systems, Environmental chambers for simulating various outdoor conditions, Rotating wheel test system for accelerated aging of materials. Work performed in this lab include: 1) evaluation of prototype materials and designs for outdoor insulation for utilities; 2) types of structures examined encompass, polymer dead end strain insulators, fuse cutouts, and polymer pin type insulators; 3) aging and detection of failure of transmission line insulators; 4) development of super hydrophobic surfaces for outdoor insulation funded by NYSERDA; 5) accuracy of optical sensors for revenue class metering systems; wireless sensors and determination of measurement accuracy funded by Qinetics Corp. Operation; and 6) new materials for wildlife guards for distribution components and designs for improvement of lightning resistance of distribution systems including effects of 5G installations funded by EPRI.

Figure 2. Clarkson’s high voltage lab.

3. New York Power Grid Testbed

This New York power grid testbed has two functionalities: 1) long-term generation capacity expansion and 2) the short-term market behavior. It is particularly designed to study the grid transition in New York state aligning with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA): including 6GW energy storage by 2030, 9GW offshore wind by 2035, and 100% carbon free electricity by 2040. The testbed can support the technology development and validation including market design, grid integration of renewable energy and energy storage, energy policies, etc.

Figure 3. New York power grid testbed: (a) New York power grid diagram; (b) Generation mix by 2030 (Long-term generation capacity expansion); and (c) Hourly generation dispatch (short-term market behavior).