Distribution Management Systems

DISTRIBUTION

AUTOMATION

Ensuring the Efficiency and Reliability of Distribution Management Systems

Distribution System Operation (DSO) is the backbone of the modern grid and is already a challenge as each distribution system will require its own unique topology, components, and operational conditions that require purpose-built control, protection, and management systems. On top of this, changes such as distributed energy resource (DER) penetration, microgrid integration, electric vehicle charging stations and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) pose new and unique challenges to DSOs.

Hardware-in-the-Loop Real-Time Simulation significantly decreases risk and deployment time, while improving performance of distribution automation systems. At OPAL-RT, we leverage high-accuracy solvers and modern communication protocols built on top of a cutting-edge architecture designed specifically for Real-Time hardware-in-the-Loop and Digital Twin applications to deliver a cost-effective solution that helps minimize downtime and ensures reliable operations.

Real-Time Simulation Solutions for Distribution Management Systems

Test new equipment, verify grid resiliency, or conduct operator training with our Real-Time Hardware-in-the-Loop and Software-in-the-Loop systems.

Real-Time Simulation Solutions for Distribution Management Systems

A Comprehensive Platform for Distribution Management System Real-Time Simulation

Software Compatibility

Import pre-existing models from CYMDIST, PowerFactory, and interface with tools such as OpenDSS or other SCADA systems.

Libraries

Benefit from rich libraries of blocks that can be added to your model including IEEE Control & Protection and Smart Inverter for IEEE 1547.2018 Devices.



Communication Protocols

Deep array of protocols that includes IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, C37.118, DNP3 and Modbus allow DSOs to be prepared for any possible topology or component.





Performance

Processing power that enables mixed T&D of up to 100,000 nodes in Phasor domain and an architecture that allows parallelization without introducing delay in the EMT domain.

Cyber-Physical Co-simulation

 

Simulate communication networks in parallel with the power simulation, allowing operators to study the impact of cyberattacks and communication network failures on the security of the power distribution network.​

Powerful Test Automation

Built-in automated testing, analysis and reporting with TestView including HIL-ready, predefined test sequences based on IEEE 60255, or integrate with existing systems through our Python API.


NREL’s Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) Test Bed

NREL’s advanced distribution management system (ADMS) test bed is a vendor-neutral resource for evaluating existing and future ADMS functionalities in a realistic laboratory setting. The test bed uses OPAL-RT’s ePHASORSIM and ARTEMiS products interfaced with multiple power system platforms and real power and controller hardware.











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OPAL-RT Software Platforms: The OPAL-RT Software Platforms and associated Toolboxes provide an unparalleled performance and a rich library of components, compatibilities, communication protocols and test automation tools that allow DSOs to accurately model their power grid and test myriad real-world scenarios.

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User interface: Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) are the DSO’s interface to the power grid. With OPAL-RT’s Software platforms, you can easily integrate the simulation with your ADMS or other SCADA system to visualize, interact with and respond to simulated events as they occur in Real-Time.

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PV simulator: Integrate real distributed energy resources providing AC or DC power to study, for example, the static and dynamic maximum power point tracking performance of photovoltaic inverters.

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Controllers: Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation is the standard for developing and testing the most complex control, protection and monitoring systems through interfacing real-life equipment with simulation.

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OPAL-RT REAL-TIME SIMULATOR: OPAL-RT simulators allow users to simulate any grid topology or component reliably and accurately, whether microgrids or nation-scale grids comprising thousands of nodes in both electromagnetic transience (EMT) and electromechanical PHASOR modes. They are also readily equipped with a deep array of communication protocols and a unique cybersecurity toolbox.

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Regenerative Grid Simulator: Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) simulation represents a natural extension of HIL, in which the real-time simulation environment is capable of exchanging not just low-voltage, low-current signals, but the power required by the Devices under Test (DUT).

Proud Users of OPAL-RT

COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE PLATFORMS

Fully integrated with MATLAB/ Simulink®, RT-LAB enables Simulink models to interact with real world in real time. This makes RT-LAB ideal for engineers to rapidly develop and validate their applications in real time, regardless of their complexity.

With its efficient signal processing and powerful test automation capabilities, HYPERSIM helps engineers to model their microgrid simulation project in one tool. Run accelerated simulations for in depth EMT analysis on their personal computer and going to real-time for large-scale Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing.

Simulator Platforms
Simulator Platforms for Distribution

OPAL-RT offers a range of simulator platforms suited to the meet the challenges of DSO needs, from microgrid integrations to national-scale grids. They come ready to support industry-standard communications protocols such as IEC 61850 and C37.118, and a range of I/O options to interface with real power systems equipment including protection, control and inverters.

OP4610XG

Compact Mid-Range Simulator

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OP5705XG real-time simulation hardware

OP5705XG

Versatile Real-Time Simulator

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OP5707XG

Flagship Real-Time Simulator

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Distribution Highlights

 

Find some of the resources that will inspire you to make your ideas a reality. Looking for more information? Explore our extensive resource center for technical papers, webinars, presentations, and product manuals.




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Distributed Generation by Renewable Energy Conversion
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WEBINAR
Distributed Generation by Renewable Energy Conversion Systems through Power Electronics
Testing and Validation
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WEBINAR
Testing and Validation of Power Systems Operations and Controls with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL)
Smart Resilient Power System using Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
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PRESENTATION
Smart Resilient Power System using Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
Substation Automated Training Simulator (SATS)
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PRESENTATION
Substation Automated Training Simulator (SATS)
Time- versus Frequency-Domain Analyses of EMT Interactions and System Stability
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PRESENTATION
Time- versus Frequency - Domain Analyses of EMT Interactions and System Stability
Software-in-the-Loop for Online Dynamic Security Assessment of the Power System
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PRESENTATION
Software-in-the-Loop for Online Dynamic Security Assessment of the Power System
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