Engineering testing services at our MIST Facility

Our Microgrid and Isolated Systems Test (MIST) Facility supports faster adoption of new energy technologies and is available to businesses for engineering testing services. With advanced infrastructure and testing capabilities, it enables real-world evaluations to drive clean, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions.

Leasing opportunities

The facility is now available for lease to businesses seeking to test electrical products and systems. Our team of highly skilled engineering and electrical services professionals is ready to assist with a range of testing activities, from basic power tests to advanced methods involving digital twins and hardware-in-the-loop simulations. This makes MIST a safe proving ground for technology development and product improvement.

Key benefits of services offered

Flexibility: You can develop your own test plans or collaborate with our MIST team to create tailored testing strategies. This flexibility supports fast, accurate testing and troubleshooting to ensure products are fit-for-purpose before installation
Integration: The facility offers a wide range of equipment for hire, including inverters, battery systems, generators, monitoring devices, and power quality analysers. Refer to the equipment hire list for the full details of all available equipment
Unique test conditions: MIST’s adaptable low-voltage supply options allow simulation of diverse network conditions, exposing products to precise events that are otherwise difficult to replicate. This helps build confidence in product performance under varied scenarios
Connections and disconnections: Designated test bays and on-site electricians and mechanical fitters ensure safe handling of electrical connections and disconnections during testing
Logistics and security: Test bays are covered and located within a secured depot, with on-site loading and unloading support available for equipment delivered to Cairns.

Available services

Some of the testing services available to businesses at our MIST Facility are as follows. You can enquire via the form below.

1. Live power testing of devices

Electrical testing of multiple low-voltage electrical devices up to 1MVA each, including multiple devices connected to observe interactions (i.e. testing solar, batteries and diesel together). Devices can be stress-tested and their functionality proven in a safe, controlled environment before being deployed in the field.

2. Creation of digital twins

A digital twin is a virtual representation of a complex system, for example a large power system, inverter, battery or diesel generator. Digital twins are considered a vital part of grid modernisation and the energy transition as they improve testing capability and efficiency, and allow rapid prototyping of new technology.

3. Training room

Dedicated training room designed for classroom-style teaching, combined with hands-on learning, and exposure to a wide range of modern energy technologies.

4. Control Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) testing

Advanced testing capability that allows stress-testing of controllers under real-world scenarios. CHIL allows a controller to be tested without requiring the physical devices, which is achieved by creating a digital twin. Not only is this more economical, but it also allows the behaviour of the controller to be tested in response to complex system conditions that may be difficult to replicate on physical devices. For example, the control algorithms of a microgrid controller may be rigorously tested without requiring physical batteries, solar inverters, and diesel generators, which may present cost, safety, and practicality limitations.

5. Feasibility studies, concept design and rapid prototyping

The Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS), is a powerful computing tool which enables complex modelling and simulations in a safe environment. This can be used to efficiently take a project from feasibility and concept design through to rapid prototyping, by coupling this service with digital twins and Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing.

6. Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) testing

A 30kVA linear power amplifier interfaces with the RTDS via fibre optic connection. The power amplifier utilises four quadrant voltage and current amplification to convert the voltage and current reference signals from the RTDS simulated model into power signals for the device under test. This process facilitates the closed-loop feedback of the system and effectively brings the physical device under test into the simulation.

7. Standards development test support

Complex testing and accurate data capture can be used to support the development of standards. The facility can be used to examine the challenges arising from new compliance testing or procedures being drafted into standards while they are in the development phase to better inform standards committees. We have already contributed to AS/NZS 4777 and AS/NZS 5139.

8. Type testing

The energy transition is driving innovation in equipment and products. This presents a risk to the energy supply as products are rapidly changing in both hardware and software. In the MIST Facility, we can provide type testing services to ensure a consistent standard can be applied to new products.

This image illustrates example hardware-in-the-loop test setup at the MIST Facility.

If you're interested in using our MIST Facility, please email us and we'll aim to get back to you within 48 hours. Please provide details about your product or system, testing objectives, and equipment needs. This information is reviewed to determine how the facility can best support your requirements.

Additional resources and case studies

MIST Facility LV switchboard – 230/400V, 3000A continuous rating.