Real time simulation of Smart Grids for interface protection test and analysis

The widespread of the Distributed Generation (DG) impacts the future development of modern electrical distribution systems that must to evolve towards Smart Grids. Fundamental topics of the Smart Grid context are the Distributed Voltage Automation and the Advanced Network Automation based on fast communication channels. In order to analyze the behavior of a network which evolves in Smart Grid, real time digital simulation, using a closed loop system, is an indispensable approach because allow to study normal and critical situations that can happen in the grid. Besides the interaction with real devices can be performed, in order to verify their correct operation. In this paper, after a general description of the real time simulation in the Smart Grid context, the behavior analysis of an interface protection device is performed using the Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) installed in the Enel Distribuzione S.p.A. test centre.