Asynchronous Integration of Real-Time Simulators for HIL-based Validation of Smart Grids

As the landscape of devices that interact with the electrical grid expands, also the complexity of the scenarios that arise from these interactions increases. Validation methods and tools are typically domain specific and are designed to approach mainly component level testing. For this kind of applications, software and hardware-in-the-loop based simulations as well as lab experiments are all tools that allow testing with different degrees of accuracy at various stages in the development life-cycle. However, things are vastly different when analysing the tools and the methodology available for performing system-level validation. Until now there are no available well-defined approaches for testing complex use cases involving components from different domains. Smart grid applications would typically include a relatively large number of physical devices, software components, as well as communication technology, all working hand in hand. This paper explores the possibilities that are opened in terms of testing by the integration of a real-time simulator into co-simulation environments. Three practical implementations of such systems together with performance metrics are discussed. Two control-related examples are selected in order to show the capabilities of the proposed approach.Comment: IECON 2019 - 45th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Societ

Advanced laboratory testing methods using real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop techniques : a survey of smart grid international research facility network activities

The integration of smart grid technologies in interconnected power system networks presents multiple challenges for the power industry and the scientific community. To address these challenges, researchers are creating new methods for the validation of: control, interoperability, reliability of Internet of Things systems, distributed energy resources, modern power equipment for applications covering power system stability, operation, control, and cybersecurity. Novel methods for laboratory testing of electrical power systems incorporate novel simulation techniques spanning real-time simulation, Power Hardware-in-the-Loop, Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop, Power System-in-the-Loop, and co-simulation technologies. These methods directly support the acceleration of electrical systems and power electronics component research by validating technological solutions in high-fidelity environments. In this paper, members of the Survey of Smart Grid International Research Facility Network task on Advanced Laboratory Testing Methods present a review of methods, test procedures, studies, and experiences employing advanced laboratory techniques for validation of range of research and development prototypes and novel power system solutions

Overview of Real-Time Simulation as a Supporting Effort to Smart-Grid Attainment

abstract: The smart-grid approach undergoes many difficulties regarding the strategy that will enable its actual implementation. In this paper, an overview of real-time simulation technologies and their applicability to the smart-grid approach are presented as enabling steps toward the smart-grid’s actual implementation. The objective of this work is to contribute with an introductory text for interested readers of real-time systems in the context of modern electric needs and trends. In addition, a comprehensive review of current applications of real-time simulation in electric systems is provided, together with the basis to understand real-time simulation and the topologies and hardware used to implement it. Furthermore, an overview of the evolution of real-time simulators in the industrial and academic background and its current challenges are introduced.The final version of this article, as published in Energies, can be viewed online at: http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/10/6/81

A Flexible Distributed Infrastructure for Real-Time Co-Simulations in Smart Grids

Due to the increasing penetration of distributed generation, storage, electric vehicles and new ICT technologies, distribution networks are evolving towards the Smart Grid paradigm. For this reason, new control strategies, algorithms and technologies need to be tested and validated before their actual field implementation. In this paper we present a novel modular distributed infrastructure, based on real-time simulation, for multi-purpose Smart Grid studies. The different components of the infrastructure are described and the system is applied to a case study based on a real urban district located in northern Italy. The presented infrastructure is shown to be flexible and useful for different and multi-disciplinary Smart Grid studies

Hardware-in-the-Loop Co-Simulation Based Validation of Power System Control Applications

Renewables are key enablers for the realization of a sustainable energy supply but grid operators and energy utilities have to mange their intermittent behavior and limited storage capabilities by ensuring the security of supply and power quality. Advanced control approaches, automation concepts, and communication technologies have the potential to address these challenges by providing new intelligent solutions and products. However, the validation of certain aspects of such smart grid systems, especially advanced control and automation concepts is still a challenge. The main aim of this work therefore is to introduce a hardware-in-the-loop co-simulation-based validation framework which allows the simulation of large-scale power networks and control solutions together with real-world components. The application of this concept to a selected voltage control example shows its applicability.Comment: 2018 IEEE 27th International Symposium on Industrial Electronics (ISIE

ERIGrid Holistic Test Description for Validating Cyber-Physical Energy Systems

Smart energy solutions aim to modify and optimise the operation of existing energy infrastructure. Such cyber-physical technology must be mature before deployment to the actual infrastructure, and competitive solutions will have to be compliant to standards still under development. Achieving this technology readiness and harmonisation requires reproducible experiments and appropriately realistic testing environments. Such testbeds for multi-domain cyber-physical experiments are complex in and of themselves. This work addresses a method for the scoping and design of experiments where both testbed and solution each require detailed expertise. This empirical work first revisited present test description approaches, developed a newdescription method for cyber-physical energy systems testing, and matured it by means of user involvement. The new Holistic Test Description (HTD) method facilitates the conception, deconstruction and reproduction of complex experimental designs in the domains of cyber-physical energy systems. This work develops the background and motivation, offers a guideline and examples to the proposed approach, and summarises experience from three years of its application.This work received funding in the European Community’s Horizon 2020 Program (H2020/2014–2020) under project “ERIGrid” (Grant Agreement No. 654113)

Advancements in Real-Time Simulation of Power and Energy Systems

Modern power and energy systems are characterized by the wide integration of distributed generation, storage and electric vehicles, adoption of ICT solutions, and interconnection of different energy carriers and consumer engagement, posing new challenges and creating new opportunities. Advanced testing and validation methods are needed to efficiently validate power equipment and controls in the contemporary complex environment and support the transition to a cleaner and sustainable energy system. Real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation has proven to be an effective method for validating and de-risking power system equipment in highly realistic, flexible, and repeatable conditions. Controller hardware-in-the-loop (CHIL) and power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) are the two main HIL simulation methods used in industry and academia that contribute to system-level testing enhancement by exploiting the flexibility of digital simulations in testing actual controllers and power equipment. This book addresses recent advances in real-time HIL simulation in several domains (also in new and promising areas), including technique improvements to promote its wider use. It is composed of 14 papers dealing with advances in HIL testing of power electronic converters, power system protection, modeling for real-time digital simulation, co-simulation, geographically distributed HIL, and multiphysics HIL, among other topics

Towards a Versatile Cyber Physical Power System Testbed: Design and Operation Experience

The present trends in the area of smartgrids indicate that future transmission and distribution systems will heavily rely on digital and on communication technologies to operate. Indeed, the power systems are evolving progressively towards what is denoted as a cyber-physical system. This transition challenges the classical approaches for experimental testing and requires the development of testing platforms for cyber-physical systems able to capture the interactions between physical components, control and monitoring software and the communication infrastructure. This paper presents general considerations and requirements for a cyber-physical testing platform for power systems. The paper provides also examples of a testing platform specifying the characteristics of the major components and a summary of the experience matured in its setup and configuration. Finally, an example of an experiment on a notional smartgrid and the related results are reported.acceptedVersio