Digital real-time simulation for distribution systems

This paper describes a very convenient tool which can be used by concerned utilities for optimization of their distribution system in the aspects of performance, reliability and power quality. The Hydro-Quebec power system simulator is now a complete digital system thanks to the progress accomplished in the area of real time computation. This digital simulator, called Hypersim, is equipped with an integrated system combining real-time and an offline software. To demonstrate the usefulness of such a tool, the authors have simulated in real-time a distribution network containing active filtering. An active filter connected at the point of common coupling was used as a mitigation device to eliminate harmonics produced by the loads. Validation was carried out using PSB/Matlab. Performance with parameter optimization of the active filter is demonstrated.