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This paper presents the power electronic platform used for the VSYNC project. In this project, inverters are controlled in such a way as to exhibit a virtual rotational inertia towards the grid, in order to limit grid frequency variations in grids containing a high share of inverter-connected DER. First the layout and operation of the platform are described in detail, showing its versatility for research purposes. Next the performance of the platform is illustrated using experimental results obtaining using a grid-connected inverter in a laboratory setup.Index Terms-Virtual synchronous generator, power electronic converter, rapid prototyping platform, grid-connected inverter, virtual rotational inertia.

This paper describes an approach to demonstrate the operation of virtual synchronous generators (VSG) in practical distribution systems. After an extensive simulation phase at laboratory scale, the field demonstration is planned at two sites located in the Netherlands and in Romania, for small VSGs of 10x5 kW and one large VSG of 100 kW respectively.

Distributed intelligence and secure interconnected communication networks constitute recognized key factors for the economic operation of electricity infrastructures in competitive power markets. Hence, electric power utilities need to extend risk management frameworks with adequate tools for assessing consequences of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) threats on their critical business. This requires realistic probability estimates to cyber threat occurrences and consequent failure modes. Due to data sensitivity and rapid discovery of new vulnerability exploits, historical data series of ICT failures affecting power control infrastructures are not sufficient for a timely risk treatment. Such lack of data can partially be overcome by setting up testbeds to run controlled experiments and collect otherwise unavailable data related to cyber misbehaviours in power system operation. Within the project CRUTIAL (CRitical UTility InfrastructurAL resilience) two testbed platforms have been set up for experimentally evaluating malicious threats on macro and micro grid control scenarios. Results from experimental campaigns are analyzed in the paper by means of an evaluation framework.