OpenDSS-Based Real-Time RMS Simulator: Design and Applications

This paper introduces DSS-RT, an innovative open-source, real-time root-mean-square (RMS) simulator for power grids. DSS-RT leverages OpenDSS, a widely recognized distribution system simulator. Enabled by the AltDSS/DSS C-API, an unofficial C application programming interface, the integration of OpenDSS functionalities into C-based projects is facilitated. This capability, paired with the inherent power of the C language, has been effectively utilized to extend OpenDSS into the domain of real-time simulation applications. The simulator has been implemented on GNU/Linux platforms equipped with a real-time kernel, showcasing its broad application potential, particularly in hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing environments. Key tests performed include a real-time co-simulation that integrates an RMS simulation implemented on a standard personal computer with an Electromagnetic Transient simulation conducted in RTDS, and a HiL test featuring a protective relay, where the proposed simulator was deployed on an NI cRIO controller. These evaluations confirm the robustness and precision of the proposed RMS simulator in practical scenarios, highlighting its adaptability across various platforms.