Trondheim Uses an OPAL-RT Simulator for Feasibility Studies of an Offshore Wind Park

The Company

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) collaborated with Michigan Technological University on the research project Wind Energy Conversion using High Frequency Transformation and DC Collection, funded by the Norwegian Research Council. The project focused on evaluating the feasibility of an offshore wind park where turbines are organized in series rather than in parallel.

The Challenges

• Offshore Wind Park Feasibility: Researchers needed to evaluate a wind farm configuration where turbines are connected in series instead of parallel.
• Prototype Testing Constraints: The team needed to complete testing of a 10 kW prototype conversion system within the timeframe of a PhD research project.
• FPGA Development Complexity: Converter control and modulation had to be implemented without prior knowledge of Hardware Description Languages (HDL), which are typically required for FPGA programming.

The OPAL-RT Solution

• Single MATLAB/Simulink Environment: eFPGAsim enabled the implementation of matrix converter control and modulation within a single MATLAB/Simulink environment.
• Fast Simulation on FPGA: The RT-XSG toolbox enabled the fastest parts of the modulation algorithm to run on the simulator FPGA.
• Accurate Testing: An eHS model of the matrix converter allowed the control and simulation system to be tested before deployment on the physical prototype.

The Results

• Reduced Implementation Time: The platform helped reduce implementation time for converter control and modulation development.
• Single Development Platform: Researchers were able to use one integrated platform for control implementation and testing.
• Prototype Reusability: Students can easily reuse the prototype and modify the control and modulation using MATLAB/Simulink together with RT-LAB and RT-XSG.

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