Reliable tools for your academic research
Universities around the globe are turning to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) technology to drive research and accelerate learning, and it’s no coincidence that nearly half of the world’s universities with electrical engineering departments use our real-time simulation systems. Our platforms are a proven asset in academia research, offering universities the tools to advance both teaching and electrical engineering research and development. With over two decades of HIL expertise and a reputation for durable, cost-effective platforms, we’re the go-to partner for professors, researchers, and students pushing the boundaries of innovation with real time simulation software that supports cutting-edge experimentation.
ADVANTAGES
Your ideal partner
Accelerated design, validation, and publication
Real-time simulators such as the ones manufactured by OPAL-RT are widely used and recognized in the industry as a standard method of validation of engineering concepts. Experiments made with real-time simulators are also increasingly considered high-quality scientific work and are commonly published in conferences and transactions of well-known organizations such as IEEE or CIGRE. Use our products for your research, publish a variety of technical papers, and attract a higher number of students to your university.
Accessibility and affordability
Our mission to make real-time simulation accessible to every engineer extends to universities. We offer affordable solutions designed for research and education—accessible to students and adaptable across multiple projects.
Collaboration on joint research
At OPAL-RT, our experts collaborate with universities worldwide to study, test, and validate new technologies. We actively invest in joint research projects, contributing to co-authored papers that are published and featured in our online Resource Center.
Support for grants and financing
Universities have access to various government funding programs—and we’re here to help you navigate them. When you partner with OPAL-RT, we provide personalized support throughout the application process, helping you identify the right opportunities and craft strong proposals tailored to your research goals.
APPLICATIONS
Solutions for every application
01
Cybersecurity
We deliver open, real-time simulation platforms that meet and exceed the evolving cybersecurity demands of today’s power systems professionals.
02
Microgrid
As microgrids grow more complex, real-time digital simulation provides a safe, accurate way to test multiple scenarios under near-real conditions—before deployment in the field.
03
Modular Multi-Level Converter (MMC)
MMC technology offers key advantages but also challenges—our platform supports development and testing across the full MMC lifecycle.
04
Power system controls
Power system controls—from HVDC to WAMPAC—are rigorously tested using HIL, SIL, & RCP. We deliver comprehensive solutions for even the most advanced and demanding control systems.
05
Protection systems
HIL testing allows engineers to test real protection equipment across diverse disturbance scenarios, capturing critical interactions with the simulated power system.
06
Wide area monitoring protection and control
With PMUs and synchrophasors advancing, real-time simulation is key to driving innovation in modern power systems.
07
Onboard power systems
With the rise of MEA, AES, and electric high-speed rail, onboard power systems demand extensive testing—we deliver advanced solutions to meet these evolving needs.
COURSEWARE
Discover our tools for modern education
Our solutions are also trusted by professors for teaching. We provide universities with advanced, customizable, and affordable tools, including software, hardware, and ready-to-use courseware. These offerings not only enhance classroom instruction but also serve as a strong foundation for real-time simulation and hands-on electrical engineering research projects.
FAQ
Find the answers to your questions
How does OPAL-RT’s real-time simulation software support academic research?
Our real-time simulation software empowers academic research by providing universities and research institutions with highly accurate, flexible platforms to model and validate complex systems. With scalable hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) technology, we enable researchers to conduct high-fidelity experiments in electrical engineering research and beyond.
Why do electrical engineering research and development teams choose OPAL-RT real-time simulation systems?
Electrical engineering research and development teams trust our real-time simulation systems for their unmatched precision, openness, and adaptability. Whether advancing renewable energy technologies, smart grids, or new control strategies, our tools provide a durable and cost-effective foundation for cutting-edge R&D projects.
What advantages do OPAL-RT solutions offer for real-time simulation in academic research?
We offer real-time simulation platforms specifically designed to meet the demanding needs of academic research. Our systems are easy to integrate into existing labs, support a wide variety of electrical engineering applications, and include customizable options for advanced experimentation, accelerating innovation in both teaching and research environments.
How does OPAL-RT help professors incorporate real-time simulation software into modern education?
We provide professors with a full suite of real-time simulation software, customizable hardware, and ready-to-use courseware. Our goal is to make it easy to teach complex concepts in electrical engineering research, allowing students to engage with real-world scenarios and cutting-edge technology during their studies.
What makes our tools ideal for universities focused on electrical engineering research and academic research?
With over two decades of leadership in real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing, we have become the preferred partner for universities worldwide. Our reliable, scalable platforms and expert support empower researchers and students to drive innovation across all areas of electrical engineering research and academic research initiatives.
Let’s get to work
Whether you need more details or have a specific question, our experts are here to help. Contact us today for personalized support.