Component certification

What is component certification?

In order to ensure the reliability of the electricity grid even with the increasing decentralization of energy generation, requirements have been set in Germany for the electrical properties of generation units and systems. As certain components have a significant influence on these electrical properties, the certification obligation for these has been extended. VDE Guideline 4120:2015 (TAB High Voltage) states that: “Component certificates must be issued by a certification body for all components that significantly influence the required electrical properties.” Requirements for certain components can also be found in VDE-AR-N 4105 (generation systems on the low-voltage grid), VDE-AR-N 4110 (TAR medium-voltage), VDE-AR-N-4120 (TAR high-voltage) and VDE-AR-N 4130 (TAR extra-high voltage). Component certificates are intended to confirm compliance with the VDE application rules for electrical properties and the conformity of any required models.

Which components require a certificate?

According to VDE-AR-N 4110 (TAR Medium Voltage), the following additional components in generation systems in particular require certificates:

  • Voltage regulator (automatic voltage regulation [AVR] of the “generation unit type 1”)
  • EZA controller
  • Active static compensation devices (FACTs, SVCs, Statcom)

  • Auxiliary units (especially for “Type 1 generating unit”)

  • Protective devices (e.g. intermediate decoupling protection)

  • NA protection relay (mains and system protection in accordance with VDE-AR-N 4105)

  • Measuring relay for power flow monitoring (PAV,E monitoring in accordance with VDE-AR-N 4105)

Procedure for component certification

  • Submission of product descriptions

  • Carrying out functional tests

  • Validation of simulation models

  • Evaluation and assessment by the certification body

  • Issue of the certificate

Which points must be shown in a component certificate?

The following is a list of the points to be verified in accordance with VDE-AR-N 4110 (TAR Medium Voltage) using the example of an EZA controller:

  • System structure (technical data/description, list of specified generator types, operating and display elements, description of certification-relevant parameters and setting ranges)

  • Interfaces (setpoint specifications/return values/measured values)

  • Regulation/control of the generator (reactive power management, other functions of the voltage regulator)

  • Characteristic values and other properties (e.g. permissible dead time, behavior in the event of communication faults)

  • Documentation of the model of the voltage regulator

Advantage of the component certificate

  • Independent confirmation of the conformity of a component with the directive

  • Simplification of the necessary verification processes (e.g. system/unit certificate, individual verification procedure)

  • Component certificates can be used as a marketing tool and form sales arguments for the end customer

Our strengths

As an accredited certification body in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065, we are authorized to issue and monitor corresponding certificates. Benefit in particular from our recognized experience in the field of certification of electrical properties:

  • Proven experience in the field of component certification

  • Proven expertise in simulation and validation with DIgsilent Power Factory and Matlab / Simulink (incl. SimPowerSystems and PLECS)

  • Active collaboration on the FGW guidelines (TR3, TR4 and TR8)
  • Personal support from direct contacts

For further questions, information or a quotation on the subject of component certification, please contact us at any time.

Contact us

Further topics

Certification body
Certification
Certification procedure
Further services

Tobias Busboom – Managing Director

Please contact me if you have any questions on the following topics:

  • Unit certification

  • Component certification

  • Itemization procedure

As an accredited certification body according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065, M.O.E. is recommended by the BDEW list „Assessment and certification of new and existing systems“.

Please feel free to call me at
+49 (0) 4821 6453 – 261

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Awarded and certified

Accredited as a certification body according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065, inspection body according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17020 and as a testing laboratory according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS). Formerly recommended by the Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft e.V. (BDEW) and currently by FGW e.V. – Fördergesellschaft Windenergie und andere Erneuerbare Energien.