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19 pages, 2731 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Design and Implementation of a Real-Time Hardware-in-the-Loop Platform for Prototyping and Testing Digital Twins of Distributed Energy Resources

by Jiaxuan Han, Qiteng Hong, Zhiwang Feng, Mazheruddin H. Syed, Graeme M. Burt and Campbell D. Booth

Energies 2022, 15(18), 6629; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15186629 - 10 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4469

Abstract

Power systems worldwide are experiencing rapid evolvements with a massive increase of renewable generation in order to meet the ambitious decarbonization targets. A significant amount of renewable generation is from Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), upon which the system operators often have limited visibility. [...] Read more.

Power systems worldwide are experiencing rapid evolvements with a massive increase of renewable generation in order to meet the ambitious decarbonization targets. A significant amount of renewable generation is from Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), upon which the system operators often have limited visibility. This can bring significant challenges as the increasing DERs’ can lead to network constraints being violated, presenting critical risks for network security. Enhancing the visibility of DERs can be achieved via the provision of communication links, but this can be costly, particularly for real time applications. Digital Twin (DT) is an emerging technology that is considered as a promising solution for enhancing the visibility of a physical system, where only a limited set of data is required to be transmitted with the rest data of interest can be estimated via the DT. The development and demonstration of DTs requires realistic testing and validation enviorment in order to accelerate its adoption in the industry. This paper presents a real time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing platform, specifically designed for prototyping, demonstrating and testing DTs of DERs. Within the proposed platform, a software-based communication emulator is developed, which allows the investigation of the impact of communication latency and jitter on the performance of DTs of the DERs. Case studies are presented to demonstrate the application of the developed DT prototyping process and testing platform to enable frequency control using the DTs, which provide valuable learnings and tools for enabling future DTs-based solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Real-Time Simulation Advancing Power and Energy Research and Industry Practices)

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18 pages, 4267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hardware-in-the-Loop Validation of an Energy Management System for LV Distribution Networks with Renewable Energy Sources

by Paweł Kelm, Irena Wasiak, Rozmysław Mieński, Andrzej Wędzik, Michał Szypowski, Ryszard Pawełek and Krzysztof Szaniawski

Energies 2022, 15(7), 2561; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15072561 - 1 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2475

Abstract

This paper presents the use of real-time digital simulator (RTDS) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) methods for the validation of an energy management system designed for real low-voltage (LV) distribution networks with a high penetration of renewable energy sources. The system is used to address [...] Read more.

This paper presents the use of real-time digital simulator (RTDS) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) methods for the validation of an energy management system designed for real low-voltage (LV) distribution networks with a high penetration of renewable energy sources. The system is used to address voltage violations and current overloading issues and allows the network operator to maintain safe and controllable network operations. The applied control strategy and the system software were verified by means of simulations. In this paper, the next stage of system validation using the HIL method is presented. A testbed was designed and developed to test the operation of prototype controllers of the system in flexible and reproducible conditions before installing them in the network. The presented testing platform not only includes the LV network simulator with the power amplifiers needed for closed-loop setup but also additional elements of a real network to which the system is dedicated, i.e., the advanced metering infrastructure, photovoltaic source, and energy storage inverters and load devices. Furthermore, the real cellular network of the distribution network operator is used in the communication between the controllers. In addition, the article contains discussions on communication issues, including limitations related to selected protocols. Finally, examples of the experimental validation of the controller prototypes are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Real-Time Simulation Advancing Power and Energy Research and Industry Practices)

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22 pages, 3956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Multi-Physics HiL Test Benches on Wind Turbine Certification

by Lennard Kaven, Anica Frehn, Maximilian Basler, Uwe Jassmann, Heiko Röttgers, Thomas Konrad, Dirk Abel and Antonello Monti

Energies 2022, 15(4), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15041336 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2125

Abstract

Recently developed nacelle test benches for wind turbines, equipped with multi-physics Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) systems, enable advanced testing and even certification of next-generation wind turbines according to IEC61400-21. On the basis of three experiments carried out with a commercial 3.2 MW wind turbine, this [...] Read more.

Recently developed nacelle test benches for wind turbines, equipped with multi-physics Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) systems, enable advanced testing and even certification of next-generation wind turbines according to IEC61400-21. On the basis of three experiments carried out with a commercial 3.2 MW wind turbine, this paper shows to which extent test bench hardware and HiL systems influence certification results. For the crucial Fault-Ride-Through tests, all deviations were found to be below 1% compared to field and simulation results. For this test, the power HiL system and the accuracy of its impedance emulation are found to be of most relevance. The results for the test items Frequency Control and Synthetic Inertia were found to be more sensitive to shortcomings of the mechanical HiL with its control system. Based on these findings, the paper mentions general procedures to ensure the quality of test benches with HiL systems and, with that, ensure the quality of certification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Real-Time Simulation Advancing Power and Energy Research and Industry Practices)

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18 pages, 660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Intrusive Delay-Based Model Partitioning for Distributed Real-Time Simulation

by Milica Bogdanovic, Marija Stevic and Antonello Monti

Energies 2022, 15(3), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15030767 - 21 Jan 2022

Viewed by 1444

Abstract

The work in this article analyses the impact of time-delays on distributed real-time simulation stability and accuracy with respect to different decoupling points as well as the impact of decoupling point selection on system modes. We perform analysis of the system modes and [...] Read more.

The work in this article analyses the impact of time-delays on distributed real-time simulation stability and accuracy with respect to different decoupling points as well as the impact of decoupling point selection on system modes. We perform analysis of the system modes and participation matrix of the system and determine suitable points that negligibly modify the system modes to decouple the original system. From this analysis, a non-intrusive delay-based model partitioning method for distributing real-time simulations that exploits the flexibility in the context of selecting decoupling points is developed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Real-Time Simulation Advancing Power and Energy Research and Industry Practices)

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18 pages, 1554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

EMT Real-Time Simulation Model of a 2 GW Offshore Renewable Energy Hub Integrating Electrolysers

by Jane Marchand, Ajay Shetgaonkar, Jose Luis Rueda Torres, Aleksandra Lekic and Peter Palensky

Energies 2021, 14(24), 8547; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248547 - 18 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3403

Abstract

Due to their weak nature, such as low inertia, offshore energy hubs are prone to unprecedented fast dynamic phenomena. This can lead to undesired instability problems. Recent literature, with main focus on onshore systems, suggests that electrolysers could be an attractive option to [...] Read more.

Due to their weak nature, such as low inertia, offshore energy hubs are prone to unprecedented fast dynamic phenomena. This can lead to undesired instability problems. Recent literature, with main focus on onshore systems, suggests that electrolysers could be an attractive option to support wind generators in the mitigation of balancing problems. This paper presents an Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) model for real-time simulation based study of the dynamics of active power and voltage responses of offshore hubs due to wind speed fluctuations. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the ability of an electrolyser to support an offshore energy hub under different scenarios and with different locations of the electrolyser. Two locations of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers were considered: centralised (at the AC common bus of the hub) or distributed (at the DC link of the wind turbines). Numerical simulations conducted in RSCAD^® on a 2 GW offshore hub with 4 × 500 MW wind power plants and 330 or 600 MW PEM electrolysers show that electrolysers can effectively support the mitigation of sudden wind speed variations, irrespective of the location. The distributed location of electrolysers can be beneficial to prevent large spillage of wind power generation during the isolation of faults within the hub. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Real-Time Simulation Advancing Power and Energy Research and Industry Practices)

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16 pages, 11388 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real Time Simulation of Power Electronics Medium Voltage DC-Grid Simulator

by Piotr Sobanski, Milosz Miskiewicz, Grzegorz Bujak, Marcin Szlosek, Nikolaos Oikonomou and Kai Pietilaeinen

Energies 2021, 14(21), 7368; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14217368 - 5 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2679

Abstract

Power electronics medium-voltage (MV) systems must comply with the requirements defined in grid codes. These systems’ compatibility with the standards can be validated by specialized testing equipment: grid simulators. This paper presents a hardware in the loop (HiL) implementation and the simulation results [...] Read more.

Power electronics medium-voltage (MV) systems must comply with the requirements defined in grid codes. These systems’ compatibility with the standards can be validated by specialized testing equipment: grid simulators. This paper presents a hardware in the loop (HiL) implementation and the simulation results of a MV multiphase DC/DC converter designed for MV DC grid emulation. By using ABB’s reliable, patented power converter hardware topology (US 10978948 B2) and by applying advanced control algorithms, the presented system can be used for special purposes, such as the emulation of fault events in a DC-grid used for the certification of other devices, or for other research goals. The presented concept of a power electronics DC-grid simulator (PEGS-DC) is characterized by high power capability and high voltage quality. In this paper, the general idea of a power electronics grid simulator applied for the testing of MV electrical systems is discussed. Then, details related to the PEGS-DC, such as its hardware topology and the applied modulation method are presented. Subsequently, the HiL setup is described. The main scope of this article focuses on model the description and presenting recorded HiL simulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Real-Time Simulation Advancing Power and Energy Research and Industry Practices)

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15 pages, 528 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Experimental Verification of Self-Adapting Data-Driven Controllers in Active Distribution Grids

by Stavros Karagiannopoulos, Athanasios Vasilakis, Panos Kotsampopoulos, Nikos Hatziargyriou, Petros Aristidou and Gabriela Hug

Energies 2021, 14(10), 2837; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14102837 - 14 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2180

Abstract

Lately, data-driven algorithms have been proposed to design local controls for Distributed Generators (DGs) that can emulate the optimal behaviour without any need for communication or centralised control. The design is based on historical data, advanced off-line optimization techniques and machine learning methods, [...] Read more.

Lately, data-driven algorithms have been proposed to design local controls for Distributed Generators (DGs) that can emulate the optimal behaviour without any need for communication or centralised control. The design is based on historical data, advanced off-line optimization techniques and machine learning methods, and has shown great potential when the operating conditions are similar to the training data. However, safety issues arise when the real-time conditions start to drift away from the training set, leading to the need for online self-adapting algorithms and experimental verification of data-driven controllers. In this paper, we propose an online self-adapting algorithm that adjusts the DG controls to tackle local power quality issues. Furthermore, we provide experimental verification of the data-driven controllers through power Hardware-in-the-Loop experiments using an industrial inverter. The results presented for a low-voltage distribution network show that data-driven schemes can emulate the optimal behaviour and the online modification scheme can mitigate local power quality issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Real-Time Simulation Advancing Power and Energy Research and Industry Practices)

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Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 1339 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Recent Best Practices in the Development of Real-Time Power System Simulators from a Simulator Manufacturer’s Perspective

by Kati Sidwall and Paul Forsyth

Energies 2022, 15(3), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15031111 - 2 Feb 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4259

Abstract

As the power system undergoes continued change—widespread integration of inverter-based resources, electrification of transportation systems, decentralization, and increased digitization—the best practices for power system studies and device testing are also evolving. Electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation is being used progressively by transmission and distribution [...] Read more.

As the power system undergoes continued change—widespread integration of inverter-based resources, electrification of transportation systems, decentralization, and increased digitization—the best practices for power system studies and device testing are also evolving. Electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation is being used progressively by transmission and distribution system operators, equipment manufacturers, education and research institutions, and consultants who require a greater depth of analysis than is possible with traditional (RMS-based) system representation. Real-time simulation is becoming increasingly prevalent in the aforementioned verticals as it provides an efficient means of EMT analysis and also enables hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of protection, control, and power devices. Real-time simulator manufacturers must continually develop their technology to improve the scope and accuracy of the power system components and phenomena that can be represented, the range and quantity of devices that can be subjected to HIL testing, and ease of use. This review paper will summarize recent advances and best practices in real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing from the perspective of RTDS Technologies, the manufacturer of the RTDS^® Simulator. The focus is on power electronics modeling and testing, IEC 61850 simulation and interfacing, and graphical user interface advancements for this particular brand of a real-time simulator. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Real-Time Simulation Advancing Power and Energy Research and Industry Practices)

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