RT24 UK | Use of HIL in the development of Zonal Autonomous Control for Power Systems

The increasing complexity of power system operations, driven by automation needs and the growing number of controllable assets, requires advanced control and testing solutions. Zonal and wide-area control schemes address challenges such as grid frequency, voltage management, and disturbances while enabling fast, localized responses and interoperability with existing systems. Hardware-In-the-loop (HIL) systems, like OPAL-RT, provide realistic testbeds for developing and validating these schemes by integrating real-time behavior, communication protocols (e.g., IEEE C37.118, IEC 61850), and edge intelligence. A key application is dynamic system rating, which automates renewable dispatch based on real-time conditions to maximize resource utilization and minimize risks. By leveraging modern substation computation platforms and tools like RT-LAB and Python interfaces, these solutions enhance system reliability and open opportunities for innovative power system operations. Future steps involve integrating Hypersim and PMU data to expand observability and scalability.