Shape the Future of Microgrids: Hybrid DC-AC PHIL Test Bench

The company

GRÉPCI (Power Electronics and Industrial Control Research Group) at École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) in Montreal, Canada, specializes in power electronics, power systems, smart control, renewables, and real-time simulation. The group develops innovative solutions that enhance the design, operation, and integration of microgrids—addressing challenges in power flow management, resource compatibility, system reliability, cybersecurity, and grid stability.

The Challenges

• Complex Renewable Integration: Integrating diverse energy sources—solar PV, wind turbines, and batteries—into a cohesive microgrid ecosystem introduces complexities related to compatibility, reliability, and scalability.
• Sophisticated Control Requirements: Coordinating multiple technologies requires control systems capable of optimizing performance under varying load conditions and fluctuating energy inputs.
• Grid Interconnection: Ensuring seamless operation in both grid-tied and islanded modes demands precise synchronization and protection coordination to maintain power quality and stability.
• Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Microgrids face growing threats from cyberattacks, requiring a safe testing environment to develop and validate protection measures.

The OPAL-RT Solution

OPAL-RT delivered a comprehensive Hybrid DC-AC PHIL test bench housed in two 40U cabinets, featuring:

• Master Control & Simulation: The OP5707XG real-time simulator acts as the master controller, utilizing MATLAB® and RT-LAB for system monitoring and model implementation.
• Flexible Hardware Architecture: A multi-bus bar system (one AC, two DC) manages power flow, supported by OP8666 RCP controllers and versatile power amplifiers that emulate generators, grid emulators, and energy storage.
• Modular Power Electronics: High-flexibility converters enable various topologies (DC-DC, DC-AC, etc.) with integrated protection against overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits.
• System Safety & Monitoring: An advanced protection algorithm and a comprehensive dashboard safeguard the hardware against inrush currents and communication failures while facilitating efficient debugging.

The results

The Hybrid DC-AC PHIL test bench was successfully delivered and commissioned at GRÉPCI:

• Successful Commissioning: Rigorous on-site commissioning and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) validated the system in both AC and DC-AC modes.
• Hands-On Training: GRÉPCI researchers received dedicated training to maximize system utilization for their research needs.
• Operational Research Platform: The bench is now fully operational at the GRÉPCI laboratory, supporting research in microgrid integration, renewable energy, EV/V2G, and cybersecurity.
• Scalable Architecture: The modular design, supported by additional AC and DC terminals, allows the test bench to scale up in both size and power to emulate larger microgrid environments.
• Remote Collaboration: Remote control capabilities enable access for research communities across Quebec and beyond without physical presence.

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