A laboratory setup of a power system scaled model for testing and validation of EMS applications

This paper describes a laboratory setup as the scaled model of a three substation power system. The scaled model has been developed at the Power System Control and Automation Laboratory of Georgia Institute of Technology. Elaborate physical models for the power system components along with high fidelity models for signal generation and interfacing to the laboratory setup are among its unique features. Accurately modeled transmission line modules have been built that truly model the natural asymmetries as well as mutual couplings between the phase/neutral/ground wires. In addition, a highly accurate dynamic model has been developed in software for the synchronous generator that allows for introducing various non-idealities to the power system such as voltage imbalances, voltage harmonics, and frequency/magnitude fluctuations. Multiple metering devices are connected to the scaled model that transmits the real-time measurement to a computer host, which functions as the Human Machine Interface (HMI). All the measurements are GPS-synchronized and are time tagged with an accuracy of 1 mus. Various Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) are connected to the scaled model in order to perform different protection and control functions. The laboratory setup is a multi-vendor environment and is used as an highly accurate experimental platform for various EMS related applications such as performing distributed state estimation based on the Super Calibrator concept, testing the performance of protective relays, testing the accuracy of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), implementing intelligent alarm processing algorithms, validating the interoperability of various IEDs in a multi-vendor environment, and testing the capabilities and functionalities of a IEC 61850 compatible communication network. In addition, the developed scaled model of the power system can be effectively used as a teaching tool for graduate/undergraduate studies in the field of power systems.