A Review on the Device-Level Real-Time Simulation of Power Electronic Converters: Motivations for Improving Performance

The device-level description of power switches is an emerging topic that enhances the real-time simulation (RTS) accuracy of power electronic converters. However, device-level RTS (DLRTS) is challenging due to contradictions between the additional computing amounts introduced by nonlinear switch models and the nanosecond-level simulation time step required by fast switching transients. Therefore, much research has sought the tradeoff between the accuracy and speed in DLRTSs. In this article, we review state-of-the-art DLRTS technologies, in particular for device-level switch models and efficient network solvers. Moreover, we summarize different applications of DLRTSs and crosswise compare their performances. We also give some outlooks on future research. This review not only provides a comprehensive overview of DLRTSs for general audiences but also provides a technical reference for practitioners. See "A List of Acronyms Used in This Article" for relevant acronyms and their definitions.