Real-Time Simulation and Close-Loop Testing of Microgrids

As Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are progressively integrated into electrical power systems, studies related to microgrid systems arise. Suitable testing tools are essential to accurately design and investigate microgrids and also to evaluate the corresponding control systems. This paper presents a testing platform for real-time simulation of microgrids with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL). A microgrid system with multiple DERs and loads is simulated in RTDS® real-time digital simulator. Typical control schemes for islanding detection, load shedding, and capacitor bank switching associated with the islanded and grid-connected operation are implemented in the physical controller, which is interfaced with RTDS using several communication protocols. The presented testing platform proves the feasibility of real-time simulation for microgrid applications with flexibility for various testing scenarios.