Implementation of centralized protection schemes using an HIL setup

This Success Story highlights the collaboration between OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES and the University of Vaasa to develop an advanced real-time testing platform for modern distribution networks and microgrid protection. By combining OPAL-RT’s RT-LAB real-time simulation environment with Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) capabilities, the university built a sophisticated testbed that brings centralized protection concepts to life. Integrating real-time simulation, IEC 61850 communication, and adaptive protection strategies, researchers successfully validated next-generation solutions designed to address the growing complexity of smart grids and rising inverter-based resource (IBR) penetration. This project demonstrates how OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES enables practical, scalable innovation for testing and validating advanced protection schemes in future-ready distribution and microgrid systems.