Microgrid and renewable energy

As a pioneering leader in power systems simulation, working with world-leading utilities for over three decades, we have helped deploy cutting-edge microgrid real-time simulation projects globally. Always at the cusp of innovation, our solutions test the systems required for any level of microgrid control, whether through real-time or accelerated simulation.

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Challenges

From lab to field: a smarter path to microgrids

Microgrids pose unique challenges over traditional power grids: variable topologies, complex control and protection systems, fast power electronics, and the need to interoperate multivendor equipment. These challenges make field testing complex and risky.

The IEEE 2030.8-2018 standard recommends hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) testing for the development, validation, and integration of microgrid control and protection systems. With HIL, you can test and optimize devices prior to release and installation, accelerate R&D and integration, and demonstrate proofs of concept.

Applications

Hardware-in-the loop and power hardware-in-the loop made for microgrids

Using HIL and PHIL for microgrid controller testing. Our HIL and PHIL advanced and entry-level systems allow engineers and researchers to design and validate their models, perform power grid studies, and emulate AC or DC grids to test power devices under different operating conditions.

Diagram illustrating microgrid real-time simulation, representing primary, secondary, and tertiary control layers integrated with real-time simulators, power converters, and hardware-in-the-loop emulators to manage distributed energy resources and grid interactions.

Advantages

Why choose OPAL-RT?

With decades of collaboration alongside industry leaders and world-renowned research institutions, our expertise in HIL systems continues to drive innovation in microgrid and renewable energy applications.

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Test fast DER controllers

Test high-frequency DER controllers combining sub-μs EMT simulation with a low-latency simulator architecture and fast I/Os, including full support for a wide range of communication protocols such as IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, C37.118, DNP3, and Modbus.

Efficient Co-Simulation

Run multiple solvers concurrently on a single real-time simulator, leveraging both processors and FPGAs to optimize performance and modeling flexibility.

Exclusive IEEE 1547-compliant inverter control library

Gain a competitive edge with the world’s only smart inverter control library tailored for IEEE 1547. Validate interconnection performance, automate grid forming and grid support testing, and shorten time to market.

Unmatched speed for tightly coupled models

When parallelization isn’t an option, raw processing power matters. Leverage the latest Intel/AMD CPU advancements to brute-force tightly coupled models and achieve sub-50 µs time steps on industry benchmarks like the GHOST by NREL/MIT.

Success story

HIL for Hawaii’s renewable grid in collaboration with Siemens

To support Hawaii’s goal of 100% renewable energy, Siemens and OPAL-RT deployed a real-time HIL simulation to test and validate advanced grid control systems. Using a digital twin of the island’s power grid, the project ensures stable, resilient operation in high-renewable scenarios—paving the way for smarter, cleaner microgrids.

Read the success story

The development and validation of innovative solutions for such systems is not possible without a high-fidelity digital twin of the real system. For our project, OPAL-RT was of great support to develop this virtual environment for our demonstrator.

Dr. Ulrich Muenz

Principal Key Expert Control Systems at Siemens

Products

The essentials for microgrid testing

Discover the tools that professionals depend on for fast and precise testing. Ensure optimal performance with our products.

4-Quadrant PHIL Amplifier

OP1400PR

A fully-integrated and modular power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) test bench designed to provide seamless, flexible, and high-performance power testing capabilities for researchers and manufacturers.

Ultra-Fast EMT Simulation and HIL Testing

eHS

Advanced FPGA technology for high-fidelity, low-latency, power systems and power electronics simulation, enabling HIL testing across energy, automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.

EMT Simulation and HIL Testing

HYPERSIM

High-fidelity platform for EMT simulation, SIL and HIL testing, ideal for validating control, protection, grid integration and large-scale stability across all stages of power system development.

Compact mid-range simulator

OP4610XG

Compact yet powerful mid-range simulator offering an all-in-one solution that combines the latest 6-core AMD Ryzen™ 5 CPU with the power of an AMD Kintex™-7 410T FPGA.

FAQ

Find the answers to your questions

What communication protocols do you support?

Consult our comprehensive list of supported protocols here: Communication Protocols

Let’s get to work

Please contact us for more details or any inquiries. Our local team of experts will be pleased to promptly answer any of your questions.