The fundamental changes in the energy sector, due to the rise of renewable energy resources and the possibilities of the digitalisation process, result in the demand for new methodologies for testing Smart Grid concepts and control strategies. Using the Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) methodology is one of the key elements for such evaluations. PHIL and other in-the-loop concepts cannot be considered as plug’n’play and, for a wider adoption, the obstacles have to be reduced. This paper presents the comparison of two different setups for the evaluation of components and systems focused on undisturbed operational conditions. The first setup is a conventional PHIL setup and the second is a simplified setup based on a quasi-dynamic PHIL (QDPHIL) approach which involves fast and continuously steady state load flow calculations. A case study which analyses a simple superimposed voltage control algorithm gives an example for the actual usage of the quasi-dynamic setup. Furthermore, this article also provides a comparison and discussion of the achieved results with the two setups and it concludes with an outlook about further research.

Smart energy systems (SES) promote the transformation of the distribution grid towards more sustainable operation and planning strategies, but also impose a set of considerable technological and political challenges. In this, distribution system operators (DSOs) are faced with the necessity of adapting their information system landscapes to enable the efficient utilization of information within their internal structures. In this work, we propose a model-based approach to derive an open middleware platform supporting the integration of existing system landscapes of DSOs. For this, we shortly describe a domain analysis on the DSO domain, which we use to derive the requirements of our platform. The platform is then implemented utilizing the Common Information Model (CIM) and open standards. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of our approach within a small case study for a single use-case.

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As a result of the energy transition, an increasing number of Decentralized Energy Systems (DES) will be installed in the distribution grid in the future. Accordingly, new methods to systematically integrate the growing DES in distribution power systems must be developed utilizing the constantly evolving Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). This paper proposes the Automated Data Model Integration of DES (ADMID) approach for the integration of DES into the ICT environment of the Distribution System Operator (DSO). The proposed ADMID utilizes the data model structure defined by the standard-series IEC 61850 and has been implemented as a Python package. The presented two Use Cases focus on the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) on the DSO operational level following a four-stage test procedure, while this approach has enormous potential for advanced DSO applications. The test results obtained during simulation or real-time communication to field devices indicate that the utilization of IEC 61850-compliant data models is eligible for the proposed automation approach, and the implemented framework can be a considerable solution for the system integration in future distribution grids with a high share of DES. As a proof-of-concept study, the proposed ADMID approach requires additional development with a focus on the harmonization with the Common Information Model (CIM), which could significantly improve its functional interoperability and help it reach a higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL).

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