Advances in real-time simulation for power distribution systems

Abstract

Power distribution systems are evolving rapidly, especially with the advent of smart-grids and micro-grids. Developing and deploying such systems pose many challenges in terms of functionality, fault and reliability testing, as failures can have extreme consequences. Real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation provides a cost-effective, safe and reliable means of testing at both the component and system levels. However, real-time simulation of these complex systems requires the implementation of high performance hardware, software and numerical algorithms for accurate results. This paper surveys recent advances in HIL technology for complex distribution systems.

Real-Time Simulators Applied to Brazilian Power Systems: A Review

“…The mentioned increased complexity for the power networks operation leads to the need to control more dynamically a power system for ensuring a more reliable and safe condition. In this context, real-time simulation platforms play a key role (Venug et al 2011), given that in such computational environments, it is possible to verify the behavior of a system, as well as of the equipment that operate it, in real time. Among the real-time equipment available in the world market, the most used in power system simulators are: RTDS (Real-Time Digital Simulator), developed by RTDS Technologies Inc. (http://www.rtds.com); Typhoom HIL, developed by Typhoon HIL Inc. (www.Typhoon-hil.…”

High-speed Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) for Voltage and Frequency Support in Low Voltage Distribution Networks

“…Real-time simulation also grants the possibility of Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) testing, as a cost-effective, safe and efficient means to test new power system equipment and innovative technologies under various operational scenarios. In fact, researchers have argued that PHIL will likely become the de facto tool for such purposes, in particular regarding grid integration of DER [2].…”

Platform for Real-Time Simulation of Dynamic Systems and Hardware-in-the-Loop for Control Algorithms

“…The benefits of using RTS in the teaching of engineering in graduate and postgraduate courses are described in detail in the works of [ 10 , 11 ], where various commercial RTS tools are presented. Reviews of the advances achieved using real-time simulation schemes with HIL are presented in [ 12 – 14 ], where [ 13 ] focuses on applications in energy systems, and [ 14 ] focuses on aspects associated with the automotive field. In [ 15 ], a real-time simulation system is implemented for testing complex onboard systems with HIL, with the proposed RTS utilizing high-performance hardware with various data acquisition platforms.…”