R&D Nester leverages real-time HIL simulation to develop the substations of the future
Energy
03 / 15 / 2023
The company
R&D Nester is a premier research center based in Lisbon, Portugal, co-founded by REN (Portugal’s transmission system operator) and SGCC (State Grid Corporation of China). The center focuses on smart grids, renewable energy integration, and energy market innovation, with extensive expertise in real-time power system simulation.
We at R&D Nester have been very satisfied not only with their software and hardware, but also with their support. We have been using OPAL-RT’s real-time solution for many years, and their knowledge, responsiveness, and commitment are very professional.
Nuno de Souza e Silva
Director at R&D Nester
The challenges
As power systems transition toward digitalization and face growing complexity from renewable integration, energy storage, and smart grid deployment, R&D Nester needed a flexible, powerful test environment. They required a simulation infrastructure capable of performing advanced Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing and co-simulation of power systems and communication networks to assess future technologies—like next-gen substations.
The OPAL-RT solution
To address this need, R&D Nester established a Real-Time Power System Simulation (RTPSS) Laboratory powered by OPAL-RT’s technologies. Key tools included:
- OP5600 real-time simulator
- HYPERSIM, RT-LAB, ARTEMiS, and ePHASORSIM
- IEC 61850 testing equipment for protection relays
- Communication and co-simulation software packages
This setup enabled hybrid simulations of power and communication networks, automated testing workflows, and deep fault and grid behavior analysis—paving the way for the “Substation of the Future.”
The results
R&D Nester now operates a highly advanced testing ecosystem capable of:
- Closed-loop HIL testing of Protection, Automation, and Control (PAC) systems
- Digital substation evaluation with IEC 61850 protocols
- Scenario simulations for renewable integration and grid event analysis
- Communication network co-simulation and stress testing
- Accelerated product development, model validation, and staff training
Their facility supports ongoing participation in major R&D initiatives like OSMOSE and ProtMPLS, positioning R&D Nester at the forefront of next-gen substation and smart grid research.
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