GridTeractions: Simulation platform to interact with distribution systems

This paper describes the design and implementation of GridTeractions, a scalable framework for teaching and testing advanced distribution automation strategies in smart grids. GridTeractions provides a hardware-software platform to interact with online running simulation of distribution systems. The interactive approach leads to fast learning processes for power systems students. Besides, the detailed modeling and continuous results emulate the real systems' operation. This feature allows realistic feedback for testing and design of future automation strategies. The platform uses network communications with Human-Machine Interfaces developed in microprocessor terminals (Raspberry PI 2) to achieve multi-terminal operation. Systems are modeled with OpenDSS scripts and managed by DSSim-PC in order to run simulations in time series with phase domain results, allowing users to continuously evaluate the electrical variables. This paper includes the architecture description, implementation details and validations based in the IEEE test feeders.