Renewables
Fast Modelling with Real-Time Simulation
September 16, 2018

While off-line simulation is still widely used in the industry, there is a growing recognition that very long simulation run times tend to make good engineering analysis very difficult.

In contrast, real-time simulation (RTS) allows for the timely investigation of the stability and transient responses of the power system and allows system operators to more reliably plan and mitigate the risks presented by the mass integration of new inverter connected energy sources.

There are two major platforms used widely around the world for performing Real Time Simulation:

  1. Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) developed by RTDS Technologies Inc.
  2. The suite of RTS platforms known as ePHASORSIM, HYPERSIM, eMEGASIM and eFPGASIM, developed by Opal-RT Technologies Inc.

Some of the major applications for RTS are:

  1. Relay Testing
  2. Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing
  3. Software in the loop (SIL) testing
  4. Microgrid and DER testing

Only real-time simulation allows you to test and analyze the impact of the real control systems that will be installed. As the power system continues to evolve, the speed and flexibility of simulation tools will become increasingly important. Power system operators should consider the value of real-time simulation to help them evaluate the impact of inverters on their rapidly developing networks.

PSC supports clients with RTS on both major platforms. RTS customers can turn to PSC to develop the power system models in OPAL-RT or RTDS, and perform HIL testing on these platforms. For customers seeking expertise developing models and testing controls in RTS, PSC supports both RTDS and OPAL-RT products.

Other areas you can benefit from RTS support include:

  • Developing specifications for factory acceptance and commissioning tests of controls for Inverters, SVCs, and STATCOMs
  • Modelling in RSCAD/Hypersim (including network modelling)
  • Testing in RTDS/Hupersim
  • Reviewing and validating factory acceptance and commissioning results
  • Model validation between PSS/E (or PSLF or Powerfactory), PSCAD (or EMTP-RV), and RTDS/Hypersim