Remote Real-Time Testing of Physical Components Using Communication Setup Automation

This paper addresses the challenge of testing physical components in remote grids. It is a critical area often constrained by limitations of existing real-time simulation-based methods. Current literature emphasizes real-time simulators using analog input and output interfaces for safe testing. However, this approach is hindered by high investment cost and necessary operational knowledge. In contrast, our method focuses solely on a component-specific expertise. This offers a more accessible and feasible testing environment. Despite its potential, the pure physical component approach is discussed barely in current literature. Particularly, when it comes to testing complex grid systems. To overcome this obstacles, we introduce a innovative solution: remote component testing distributed across several facilities. This paper outlines a robust architecture. It integrates power converters and the virtual gateway VILLASnode. This enables seamless connectivity between remote grids via the internet and addresses the shortcomings of traditional single facility testing environments. Furthermore, we include an automated communication setup along with a comprehensive delay analysis to ensure that real-time requirements are met effectively. A comparative study of common communication protocols is included to guide future implementations. To validate our architecture’s functionality, we conduct a case study that emulates unavailable remote physical components in a microgrid using two different control strategies. This successfully demonstrates the exchange and emulation of power setpoints. Our findings reveal facility-specific limitations - such as resolution constraints - that persists regardless of architectural advancements. This paper lays a solid foundation for remote physical component testing. It paves the way for replication and further exploration through more sophisticated case studies in the future.