Methodology to Perform Real-Time Simulation of Power Systems Using a FPGA-based Platform

This work highlights the main steps to perform realtime simulations of power systems and, additionally, evaluate a real-time operation of a protective device using a low-cost platform based on FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). This setup is accomplished using the reconfigurable I/O (RIO) architecture, which combines an FPGA and a real-time processor within one chip. The power system simulation is handled by real-time Electromagnetic Transients Program (EMTP) which is implemented in the FPGA, while a distance protection relay is implemented in the real-time processor and placed in a closed loop with the system being simulated. A graphical user interface is used to set the system parameters, including the conditions of an electric fault, and monitor the dynamic of a power system used as a case study. Offline simulations obtained from Matlab/Simulink are used to validate the real-time results.