Powering Performance: How Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Revolutionizes Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

The energy transition is happening fast and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are at the heart of it—balancing supply and demand, ensuring grid stability, and enabling cleaner energy. But getting it right is complex. How do you test and optimize a BESS before it’s deployed in the real world? How do you avoid costly mistakes and ensure seamless integration with renewable energy and grid infrastructure?

That’s where Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation comes in—a game-changing approach that allows developers, IPPs, and utilities to de-risk, optimize, and accelerate BESS deployments. 

What is Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Why Does It Matter? 

HIL simulation is like a virtual proving ground for your BESS. Instead of waiting until a system is live to see how it performs, HIL lets engineers test real hardware components—like Battery Management Systems (BMS), inverters, and controllers—under lifelike conditions in a lab environment. 

This means: 

• Faster commissioning with fewer on-site surprises 

• Smarter control strategies that adapt to real-world grid dynamics 

• Lower integration risks by testing vendor components ahead of time 

• Stronger safety measures by identifying potential failures before they happen 

Doosan GridTech + Typhoon HIL: A Smarter Approach to BESS Development 

At Doosan GridTech, we don’t just design energy storage solutions—we ensure they work flawlessly. That’s why we’ve partnered with Typhoon HIL, the leader in real-time simulation technology. This collaboration brings unmatched precision to BESS development, delivering proven, optimized, and scalable solutions for our customers. 

Here’s how it benefits your projects: 

Smarter, Faster Control Optimization 

The Doosan GridTech Intelligent Controller (DG-IC®) plays a critical role in BESS operations, and with HIL testing, we fine-tune it with real-world data before deployment. From handling demand fluctuations to responding to unexpected grid events, our engineers ensure that DG-IC® delivers best-in-class performance from day one. 

Shorter Development Timelines, Lower Costs 

Traditional on-site testing is slow, expensive, and unpredictable. HIL simulation reduces commissioning time by up to 50% by allowing us to validate communication interfaces, control logic, and vendor hardware in the lab before installation.

This means: 

• Fewer costly delays 

• Smoother system integration 

• Predictable project timelines 

Enhanced Safety & Risk Reduction 

Safety is non-negotiable in energy storage. With high-fidelity HIL simulation, we identify potential failures, optimize alarm responses, and refine safety mechanisms before ever installing a battery. This reduces risks for developers and utilities by ensuring systems are grid-ready and compliant with safety regulations. 

Proactive Regulatory Compliance 

As industry regulations evolve, staying ahead of compliance requirements is a competitive advantage. With HIL, Doosan GridTech ensures that your BESS meets industry standards and regulatory expectations before deployment—helping you avoid costly rework or approval delays. 

Seamless Integration with Renewables & Grid Networks 

Energy storage doesn’t operate in isolation—it must work within a broader energy ecosystem. HIL testing allows us to simulate real-world grid conditions, ensuring that BESS integrates seamlessly with renewables, virtual power plants, and utility networks. 

Why It Matters for Developers, IPPs, and Utilities

 If you're building or managing large-scale energy storage, the risks are high—delays, cost overruns, underperformance, and compliance issues can quickly erode project viability. By leveraging HIL testing in Doosan GridTech’s Voice of the Customer Lab, you gain:

• Confidence in system performance before deployment 

• Faster project delivery & lower risk 

• Optimized, high-performing storage solutions 

See It in Action 

Want to experience the power of HIL simulation for yourself? Visit our Voice of the Customer Lab in Bellevue, WA to see how we test, refine, and optimize BESS projects with real-world accuracy.