Design and implementation of real-time synchronous generator simulator for test field

Generators are at the heart of power systems. Accurate field tests are necessary to ensure the reliable and robust functioning of generators. As the systems become complex, real world tests demand high costs and technical complexity. Due to these restrictions, simulators are used as an alternative. This paper presents a novel simulator, which is benefiting from using a machine model in a stand-alone device as a simulator for simulating a power generator. The simulator has been implemented on a stand-alone board using DSP and FPGA. The main purpose of this simulator is to test and analysis new devices with a power generator and their behaviors. Physical specifications and equations which are used in MAPNA RealTime Power System Simulator (MRTPS) are described. The simulator is connected to a real exciter panel and several tests carried out. The experimental results show that the simulator can be used as an alternative to real generator and simulation results provide a high degree of accuracy.