Grid Thumper

A breakthrough solution for testing the stability of microgrids, distribution grids, and back-up power systems.

The PSL Grid Thumper™ is a tool for testing, measuring and characterizing the stability of the electric grid. By drawing large precisely timed pulses of resistive and reactive power, Grid Thumper subtly perturbs local steady-state voltage and phase angles so as to reveal unique stability characteristics of the local grid.

When subjected to stand-alone certification testing, individual pieces of grid equipment (generators, inverters, UPS, transfer switches, etc.) almost always operate correctly. When they’re connected together as a system, exactly how their control loops will interact is unknown.

Grid Thumper rigorously tests complete, connected systems, including active distribution grids, detecting harmful instabilities that would otherwise be invisible. It uses patent-pending technology to briefly connect large, time-synchronized resistive and reactive loads – up to a megawatt, often for a tiny fraction of a second – then ultra-precise PSL PQube 3 and microPMU sensors record the grid’s system response.

Grid Thumper rigorously tests complete, connected systems, including active distribution grids, detecting harmful instabilities that would otherwise be invisible. It uses patent-pending technology to briefly connect large, time-synchronized resistive and reactive loads – up to a megawatt, often for a tiny fraction of a second – then ultra-precise PSL PQube 3 and microPMU sensors record the grid’s system response.