Real-time simulation support center │ OPAL-RT

Sanjiv Kumar

Abstract

Since the motor model is generated from FEA, the accuracy of FEA is critical for the motor model and has been improved significantly in recent years thanks to latest High Performance Computing (HPC) and FEA modeling technologies.

The latest status of the developments and applications will be presented.

Dinesh Varma Tekumalla

Abstract

Real-time communication in a hybrid microgrid (HMG) system is essential as the various renewable energy sources (RES) are spread over a wide geographical location and the chances of communication failures and data misinterpretation are highly possible. Hence, to avoid such data loss, in the proposed HMG system, the multiple RES and energy storage systems (ESS) are equipped with individual National Instruments based compact Reconfigurable Input Output (NI cRIO) local controllers (LCs), that coordinate their real time status with a central level Opal RT based real time simulator OP4510. The strategy adopted to accomplish the communication among the LCs of the HMG system components using OP4510 and NI cRIO-9073 is discussed in this paper. The proposed communication channel is established using TCP/IP protocol based asynchronous Ethernet enabled local interfaces.

The archived data received at OP4510 is utilized for simulation of various possible system scenarios based on the real time simulation model developed in MATLAB/Simulink (RT-Lab). Any changes in the system status is reflected in OP4510, enabling real time data exchange for further system analysis. The proposed strategy is validated for a case study including bus voltage variations in the DC microgrid due to power misbalance among the RES and ESS. Furthermore, the outcome of the case studies in the real time simulator OP4510 are communicated back to the LCs for ensuring bus voltage regulation and system stability. Hence, the tested HMG system is remotely monitored and controlled through proper communication channel.

Sukumar Mishra

Abstract

Authors: Sukumar Mishra, Deepak R Pullaguram, Shivraman Mudaliyar, Ayesha Firdaus, Rishi Kant Sharma, and Dushyant Sharma

Abstract: Opal-RT real-time simulator has been used for hardware implementation of AC, DC and hybrid microgrids. The simulator is used to design control architectures for the microgrid. Using external sensors, the electrical quantities are fed to the real-time controlling running in the simulator and based on the real-time control, digital signals are given to external hardware for firing of power electronic devices. Opal-RT simulator gives capability to design and test controllers for AC microgrid, DC microgrid and hybrid microgrid.

In AC microgrids, the primary, secondary and tertiary control of inverter-based systems is developed and tested. In an inverter dominant AC microgrid, a decentralized control and a fully distributed-hierarchical control strategy is developed with key objectives are summarized as follows:

• To develop damping controller to mitigate low-frequency oscillation issues.

• To restore the frequency to its rated value as well as to achieve the optimal active power sharing using incremental cost.

• To restore the average voltage of microgrid and simultaneously maintaining the reactive power-sharing.

The experimental hardware setup is developed for the same, considering three inverters followed by LC filters, distribution lines, and resistive and inductive loads. Multiple OPAL-RT real-time controllers were used for signal acquisition and to implement the proposed distributed control scheme. The user interface and interaction with the real-time simulator was provided using the host computer. TCP/IP communication links were established.

In DC microgrids, distributed power flow control of two DC microgrids interconnected by a tie-line for microgrids owned by different utilities is achieved. To this end, the work presents a distributed control scheme to regulate tie-line power flow between two autonomous dc microgrid clusters. In this work, a unifying hierarchical control scheme based on distributed communication is proposed where the tie-line power flow control based on a pinning control strategy is unified with the distributed optimization and average voltage regulation control loops. The distributed optimization utilizes economic dispatch to minimize the operating costs of the DG, while the average voltage control regulates the microgrid’s average voltage at its nominal value. With the application of this approach, the responsibility of tie-line regulation is distributed in an economic manner without degrading the voltage quality in the system. Real-time control is achieved using Ethernet based communication system. The power system is modeled in OPAL-RT simulator while the communication system is implemented using TCP/IP based communication system.

In the case of AC-DC hybrid microgrid, a PV with its boost converter (BC), battery energy storage (BES) with its bidirectional DC-DC converter (BDC) and diesel generator (DG) with its single phase PWM controlled voltage source converter are connected to a common dc link feeding DC load. Moreover, a three phase PWM controlled voltage source inverter is interfaced at the DC link to feed three/single phase AC load. In this work, a power-management scheme (PMS)is developed to manage the load and source power imbalances and operate the system reliably under min and max SoC limit conditions. A secondary optimal power sharing control is also implemented to share the load power optimally between DG and BES.

Aditya Ashok

Abstract

When experimenting with cybersecurity technologies for industrial control systems, it is often difficult to develop a realistic, self-contained model that provides an ability to easily measure the effects of cyber behavior on the associated physical system. In this talk, I will provide an overview of PNNL’s Cyber-physical research laboratory and outline some of its key capabilities. I will then talk about how we created and instantiated a microgrid cyber-physical model, where both the power distribution and the individual loads are under the control and authority of one entity. Such a setup enables cybersecurity experimentation where attacks against the physical system (grid and buildings) could be observed and defended from a single entity’s infrastructure. I will describe how our microgrid cyber-physical model achieved appropriate levels of fidelity for cybersecurity effects by integrating multiple levels of simulation, hardware-in-the-loop, and virtualization. Finally, I will also present how we instantiated and validated this test case model in our testbed infrastructure along with an exemplary multistage attack scenario to showcase the model’s utility.

Biography

Aditya Ashok is a senior research engineer in the Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings division at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and has been with PNNL since February 2016. Aditya received his doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University in May 2017. Prior to that, Aditya interned at ABB Corporate Research in Switzerland for 6 months in 2013, where he worked on industrial control system device forensics. At PNNL, Aditya has worked on multiple projects in technical areas such as power grid cybersecurity, cyber-resilient power grid monitoring, protection, and control applications, buildings to grid cybersecurity, cyber-physical situational awareness, and testbed-based cybersecurity experimentation and validation. Aditya’s research interests include analyzing cyber vulnerabilities in energy delivery systems, assessing potential impacts to system operations, reliability, and economics, and developing novel algorithms to mitigate cyber vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security and resilience of energy delivery systems.

Dr. Innocent Kamwa

Abstract

The international energy agency anticipates that the COP21 commitments for Green House Gaz emissions reductions will require to increase the share of renewables in electric energy mix from 10% in 2014 to 37% in 2030, in order to decarbonize electricity production and fully electrify most end uses. This massive ingestion of variable and distributed generation in an ageing electricity grid will significantly transform current planning and operation paradigms, challenges that cannot be effectively addressed without the emergence of an integrated, smarted and sustainable network.

After revisiting the main grid modernization concepts, the speaker will scope the challenges facing utilities in the new context of energy transition and digital transition. Then he will outline some innovation projects developed at IREQ to support Hydro-Quebec in digesting new energy technologies, which pose many challenges while enabling tremendous opportunities:

1) Massive integration of renewable energy resources and distributed resources, 2) Adoption of power electronic equipment allowing greater grid controllability, 4) Deployment of smart monitors and synchrophasors allowing greater network observability with more cybersecurity risk exposure and 5) Regional deep decarbonization through enormous renewable power fluctuations over long distances and hundreds of daily transactions year-round. The presentation will conclude by discussing current developments at IREQ that leverage network simulation tools into new products and applications such as analysis of Smart Grid and Telecom Grid interactions, Simulation of continental scale grids and Power-hardware in the loop simulator for distributed resources studies.

Biography

Innocent Kamwa obtained his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Laval University, Québec City in 1985 and 1989 respectively. He has been a research scientist and registered professional engineer at Hydro-Quebec Research Institute since 1988, specializing in system dynamics, power grid control and electric machines. After leading System Automation and Control R&D program for years he became Chief scientist for smart grid, Head of Power System and Mathematics, and Acting Scientific Director of IREQ in 2016. He currently heads the Power Systems Simulation and Evolution Division, overseeing the Hydro-Quebec Network Simulation Centre known worldwide. An Adjunct professor at Laval University and McGill University, Dr. Kamwa’s Honors include four IEEE Power Engineering best paper prize awards, Fellow of IEEE and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. He is also the Recipient of the 2019 IEEE Charles Proteus Steinmetz Award and 2019 IEEE/PES Charles Concordia Power Systems Engineering Award.

Sebastian Hubschneider

Abstract

This presentation will present the PHIL research experience gained at KIT, giving practical implementation examples and applications. In particular, applications such as flywheel (60kW) primary frequency response, microgrid (200kW) management system, superconducting fault current limiter performance, and multi-modal “Smart Home Lab” will be presented.

Biography

Sebastian Hubschneider finished his studies of electrical engineering and information technology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in June 2015 with the academic degree Master of Science. During his time at the University, he specialized on power engineering with a focus on energy grids and the energy sector in general, including markets and economy.

Since July 2015, Sebastian works as a research associate at the Institute of Electric Energy Systems and High-Voltage Technology (IEH), KIT. His research focuses on Power Hardware-in-the-Loop systems in conjunction with energy grids and electrical equipment.

Amit Kumar KS

Abstract

Power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) based machine emulation is increasingly being recognized as an effective approach for simplifying the testing of electric drive systems. In machine emulation, a power electronic converter emulates the behavior of an electric motor, thus allowing testing of a drive system prior to the prototyping of an electric motor. Machine emulation provides several benefits in the electric drive system testing process, ultimately leading to reduced time to market for the drive system. This presentation addresses two important implementation aspects concerning machine emulation. One is the machine modeling approach and level of detail, and its subsequent impact on emulation accuracy. This presentation will outline the necessity of detailed machine models to accurately emulate specific machine behavior. The second aspect is several associated considerations: the closed-loop control of the PHIL interface for machine emulation, the associated bandwidth and other limitations based on the power amplifier selection, and the emulator control interaction with the drive converter controls.

Christy Genganantha

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, OPAL-RT has been a major actor in the progression of real-time application in Australia. This presentation aims to present the evolution of this market, showing innovative applications, future trends and perspective.

Syed Qaseem Ali

Abstract

The integration of renewable energy assets and microgrids into the distribution system requires various studies to be performed before they are sanctioned to be connected to the grid. In addition, renewable energy plants with multiple generating units (such as wind farms or solar parks) and microgrids with differing types of distributed energy resources (DERs) require studies to ensure proper design and coordination of the protections and controls at various levels.

Biography

Syed Qaseem Ali got his B. Engg. Degree from NED University of Technology, Karachi and his MS in Electrical Engineering Power and Control from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago in 2010. He obtained his PhD in Electrical Engineering from McGill University in the area of integrated battery charger design for electric vehicles in 2018. He joined OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES in the January 2017 and currently is a lead simulation expert for the Transmission & Distribution and DER team in the Application eXpertise and Electrical Simulation (AXES) division.

Abstract

This presentation proposes an adaptive Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control method to achieve the maximum power from the wind turbine power generation system. MPPT control method has a vital role to find the maximum power point (MPP), and also compute the simulation results in both analysis such as Off-line using MATLAB/ SIMULINKTM and On-line using OPAL-RT simulator. The proposed adaptive perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm provides better results using the OPAL-RT simulator as compared to P&O method using MATLAB/ SIMULINKTM. The power generation through Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) wind turbine system is becoming important day by day throughout the world. The simulation result by OPAL-RT simulator showed that the efficiency of WT-DFIG has been enhanced.

Bharat Singh Rajpurohit

Abstract

A non-stationary non-linear load has a huge impact on power quality in emerging electric power distribution systems. This presentation will discuss an application of fractional order PID controller for power quality improvement in power distribution systems. Analytical design steps for fractional order PID controller will be presented with experimental validation over a highly non-linear ball-and-beam mechanical system.

Hossein Hooshyar

Abstract

In today’s interconnected power grids, low-frequency oscillations is a significant issue limiting the power transfer capability and even deteriorating power system security due to potential low-damped or even undamped oscillations. Typically, local controllers (e.g., power system stabilizers on generators) have been used to suppress these low-frequency oscillations. Conventionally, these controllers are designed based on the system circuit model around a particular operating point, and tuned for hypothetical critical operating conditions. However, they may not perform as well as expected in some extreme cases due to their limited adaptiveness. Synchronized measurements provided by PMUs enable the design and development of wide-area oscillation damping controllers that are adaptive to the grid’s varying operating conditions to overcome the limitations of traditional controllers.

This presentation will introduce a wide-area damping controller (WADC) that was designed and implemented by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in collaboration with researchers from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. The WADC utilizes solely measurement-based techniques and suppresses the oscillatory modes of the system in an adaptive manner.

The presentation will describe results from the performance assessment of the WADC as well as the real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation setup at the AGILe lab, where the WADC was evaluated using OPAL-RT’s ePHASORSIM for various large scale electrical grids. The Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy, AGILe, is a world-class power systems laboratory with a simulation and testing facility and was established in 2017 by the New York Power Authority (NYPA).

Biography

Hossein Hooshyar (S’00–M’14-SM’20) received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA, in 2012. He has been a Technical Leader with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), White Plains, NY, USA, since 2018. Prior to joining EPRI, he took various research positions at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA; the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden; and the Luleå University of Technology, Sweden. His research interests include digital simulation of power systems, integration of renewable energy resources, and applications of PMU data for smart grids.

Dr. Guglielmo Frigo & Ms. Yihui Zuo

Abstract

In this presentation, we investigate the impact of synchrophasor estimation algorithms in monitoring and control applications for power systems characterized by reduced inertia. In OPAL-RT simulation environment, we have developed a full-replica of the IEEE 39-Bus power system, where we introduced wind power plants, a battery energy storage system and dynamic load profiles. In such a challenging scenario, we deployed in each node two PMUs – inspired by two consolidated window-based synchrophasor estimation algorithms – and we have reproduced different use cases in order to verify the feasibility of a PMU-based measurement and control infrastructure. On one side, we assess the system response to different contingencies and the possibility to get a successful system restoration by means of a ROCOF-based Under-Frequency Load Shedding scheme. On the other side, we validate the benefit of the battery energy storage system on system frequency responses through a long-term simulation of one entire day. The OPAL-RT code – available at our dedicated GitHub repository – enables us to replicate the behavior of each grid component and to get a time-domain recording of the network variable in each node as suggested by current trend in the analysis of point-on-wave data.

Biography

Guglielmo Frigo received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in biomedical engineering from the University of Padova, Padua, Italy, in 2008 and 2011, respectively, and the Ph.D. degree from the School of Information Engineering, University of Padova, in 2015. He joined the Electronic Measurement Re- search Group, Department of Information Engineering, Padova, Italy, in 2011, and collaborated in the successful development of CS-based algorithms in the fields of spectral analysis, biomedical engineering, and smart-grid measurement. Since 2018, he has been with the Distributed Electrical Laboratory, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. Since June 2020, he is with the National Metrological Institute of Switzerland, METAS, Bern, Switzerland. He has coauthored several conference and journal papers on the topics of his research interests, which includes the development of enhanced measurement devices for active distribution networks.

Yihui Zuo received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in electrical engineering from North China Electric Power University, Beijing, China, in 2013 and 2016, respectively. She is currently working toward the Ph.D. degree with the Distributed Electrical System Laboratory, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. Her current research interests include the impact of battery energy storage on the dynamics of power system with increasing resources interfaced with power electronics, the dynamics and protection strategies for low-inertia power systems through full-replicated modeling.

Andrea Benigni

Abstract

In the presentation, we will describe the recent development of a custom FPGA-based solver for the simulation of power electronics systems. We will also show how this can be used together with an OPAL-RT system for the simulation of ship power systems.

Online Training - Getting Started with HYPERSIM

Course Syllabus

Introduction to HYPERSIM:

Overview of component librairies
Overview of example models
Using the documentation

Building and running a model:

Tips and tricks on modeling
Adding I/Os to a model
Acquiring and analysing data with ScopeView

Real-Time Simulation with FPGA-Based Power Electronics Toolbox (eHS)

Course Syllabus

Session 1: General Concepts + eHS solver supported blocks + CPU model
Session 2: FPGA model : Exernal Circuit Editor
Session 3: FPGA model : OPAL-RT Schematic Editor

Fundamentals of Real-Time Simulation with RT-LAB

Course Syllabus

Session 1: Intro + Create a Simulink Model to run in Real-Time
Session 2: RT-LAB interface + Extra features
Session 3: IO Interface + Using IOs
Session 4: Use of Datalogger + Labview panels

Introduction to Power Systems Real-Time Simulation with HYPERSIM

Course Syllabus

Introduction to Power Systems Real-Time Simulation with HYPERSIM

Session 1: Intro to HYPERSIM + Running first model + Control algorithms using Library Blocks
Session 2: SCOPEVIEW + Build a power system
Session 3: HYPERVIEW + Datalogger + Load flow
Session 4: IO Interface + Using IOs
Session 5: Communication Protocols (e.g. C37.118 ) + HIL demo

RT20 Virtual Edition

Run Large Power System Models

– Ability to parallelize electric models to run on multiple cores in RT-LAB.
– Allows simulation in parallel of a microgrid or converter that does have intrinsic delays such as long lines.
– Simulates power system networks of more than 1,000 nodes at 50us
– Allows simulation of transmission and distribution networks in the same model

Extended Library of Optimized Real-Time Models

– MACHINES:
■ Rotating machine models stable at null load without snubbers
■ Special machine configurations: synchronous machine with neutral point, double-stator synchronous machine, doubly-fed induction machine with explicit turn ratio
■ Allows the modeling of all standard machine such as PMSM, BLDC, IM, SRM, DC, SM
■ Simulation of machines with neutral access
■ Simulation of machines without snubbers to improve the precision and stability of the simulation et reduce articifial losses when the charge is small
■ Simulation of open-line and line-line faults on machine terminals
■ Enables the emulation of encoders and resolvers

– LINES & CABLES:
■ Allows modeling of AC/DC lines and cables with various mathematical representations such as wideband and marti
■ We offer fitters to very precisely evaluate the line and cable parameters
■ Compatible with line and cable model parameters from EMTP-RV
■ Our line models enable the parallel execution of network and power electronics models
■ When required, we offer separator éléments to ease the parallizing of electric models
■ Frequency dependent Transmission line models (ULM/Wideband and Marti-FD)
■ Multi-rate simulation of lines to ease the execution of large network models
■ Simulation of line models with internal faults 

– TRANSFORMERS
■ Real-time simulation of On-Load Tap-Changing (OLTC) transformers
■ imulation of effects of saturation and hysteresis

– User Coded Blocks for other customized models (for example, an included demo with continuously variable train track impedance)

Simulate Complex Motor Drives & Converter Topology

– Allows simulation of large numbers of switches, breakers, and IGBTs in real time without model decoupling.
– Accurate simulation of non-linear components, such as surge arresters, using iteration techniques in real-time
– Allows the simulation of the most popular converter topologies: 2-level, 3-level, T-type, boost, buck, etc.
– Enables the precise simulation of natural rectification and high impedance converter modes
– Allows the reduction in size of snubber elements in converters
– Enables the simulation of circulating currents between IGBTs and the various phases and arms of converters
– Time-Stamping interpolating capability for precise gate firing (10 nanosecond resolution)
– Accurate simulation of non-linear components, such as surge arresters, using iteration techniques in real-time

Simscape Electrical™ & Simscape Power Systems™ Compatibility

– Easy integration and usability with Simscape Electrical™/Specialized Power Systems
– Compatible with recent MATLAB/SIMULINK versions
– Easy integration of control algorithm developed with Simulink

1. Simscape Electrical Compatibility2.jpg

What Is LabVIEW?

LabVIEW is a systems engineering software for applications that require test, measurement, and control with rapid access to hardware and data insights.

LabVIEW offers a graphical programming approach that helps you visualize every aspect of your application, including hardware configuration, measurement data, and debugging. This visualization makes it simple to integrate measurement hardware from any vendor, represent complex logic on the diagram, develop data analysis algorithms, and design custom engineering user interfaces.

Learn More >

What Is VeriStand?

VeriStand is software for real-time test applications, such as stimulus generation, data acquisition, and calculated channels and custom channel scaling.

VeriStand application software helps you configure I/O channels, data logging, stimulus generation, and host communication for NI real-time hardware. You can also import simulation models and control algorithms, respond to events with configurable alarms, and enable test automation with macro recording, TestStand, .NET, and other software. You can interact with and monitor application data, alarm states, and system execution metrics using a run-time editable user interface. Although you don’t need programming knowledge, you can also use a variety of software environments such as LabVIEW, ANSI C/C++, Python, and ASAM XIL to add custom functionality to VeriStand.

Learn More >

Dr. Ha Duong

Biography

Dr. Ha Duong is Principal Engineer at SCALABLE Network Technologies where he has worked on modeling tactical networks. Over the past several years, Dr. Duong has focused on modeling vulnerabilities and cyber attacks in various projects at SCALABLE, and leveraging those models into simulation/ emulation products, cyber analysis and testing. Dr. Duong has also led the Human-centric Training and Assessment System for Cyber Situational Awareness project. His current research interests include LVC-based cyber-attack representation, modeling and simulation techniques to represent complex operations in simulation/emulation environments, and analysis of cyber effects on various network environments, including ICS network.

Etienne Leduc

Abstract

This Cyber-Physical System Real-Time Simulation features a microgrid subjected to cyberattacks. An OPAL-RT Real-Time Simulator co-simulates a microgrid system, including distributed energy resources (DERs), power converters, and loads modeled in HYPERSIM.

A high-fidelity communications network emulator, EXata, is also running on the Real-Time Simulator to emulate communication between the microgrid and controller. Using EXata, command and measurement signals between the controller and microgrid are subjected to cyberattacks causing unexpected behavior within the system.

This demonstration co-simulates electric power grids and industrial communications networks in Real-Time for Cyber-Physical System simulation, allowing the creation of rich scenarios for advanced Cybersecurity studies.

Biography

Etienne Leduc received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Bremen University of Applied Sciences in 2013 and joined the R&D department of OPAL-RT in April of the same year. After having worked in the protection field and IEC 61850 with HYPERSIM for a year, Etienne focused on providing services for the growing number of HYPERSIM customers. Etienne was promoted to Product Owner of HYPERSIM in May 2015, and has since been dedicated to planning and designing the software suite’s evolution and development with the end-user in mind at all times.

Dr. Davood Babazadeh

Abstract

This talk presents a framework for using information & communication technology (ICT) monitoring information to provide another dimension to the reliability/security assessment of physical measurement data used in power system decision making. ICT monitoring information covers the health of (1)operational technologies through monitoring of resources such as CPU, memory or network interfaces and (2) communication channels by monitoring the network traffic. This information may be used as an additional trust index to measurements that feed into SCADA applications such as voltage stability assessment, state estimation and contingency analysis in terms ofdecision making. This is especially important in case of failures, malfunctions, and attacks affecting the system robustness and safety. The presentation demonstrates the added value of ICT health information to state estimation. The proposed framework is integrated with a real-time co-simulation platform for multi-domain testing and evaluation of additional applications.

Biography

Dr. Davood Babazadeh is an R&D manager at OFFIS Institute for information technology in Germany since 2017. He received his first master degree in energy engineering from Sharif University of Technology – Tehran in 2008. Then, he worked in industry in the field of reliability analysis in power systems for four years. He received his second master degree in electric power engineering in 2012 and afterwards his PhD from KTH Royal Institute of Technology-Sweden with the focus on distributed control of hybrid AC/DC transmission grids. In 2016, he worked as an area manager in Swedish Center for Smart Grids and Storage (SweGRIDS) in Stockholm. His areas of research are focused on Smart grid resilience, power system automation as well as multi-domain co-simulation testbeds.

Dr. Hamish Laird

Abstract

The key reasons for using digital control in power electronics are
• Lower cost
• Complex control requirements
• Configurability
• Optimizing for operating point variation
• Control adaption
• Management of the non-linearity of the converter
• The ability to tune the switching times precisely to minimize the power loss and maximize the efficiency.

The advantages of digital control of power electronics bring with them challenges. Dealing with these challenges before they expose problems is the key to fast product delivery and reliable and robust operation. The challenges include
• Limited Number of Bits
• Sampling and limited bandwidth
• Processing Delay
• Producing and maintaining high quality software code

The presentation explores the detail of these challenges and presents tools, methods and quality approaches to address them.

Biography

Hamish Laird is CTO at ELMG Digital Power, Inc. His work is helping people realize the benefit of digital power electronics control to speed time to market, minimize the converter cost, maximize efficiency and provide stable robust operation. His converter control experience includes HVDC transmission control, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and rail traction along with telecom power and battery energy storage. He has thirty years of experience in the design, research, development and commercialization of power converters with strong focus on manufacturability and production.

Hamish worked for Alstom Grid, Aucom and Eurotherm Drives before completing his Doctorate in Shunt Active Filtering and founding ELMG Digital Power. Current ELMG Digital Power customers include large electrical OEMs such as ABB, energy storage companies, traction companies and automotive companies.

Hamish recently worked with the PSMA (Power Supply Manufactures Association) to develop guidelines for software quality in the digital control of power electronics. He is a regular and well-respected presenter at APEC and other conferences.

Christophe Brayet

Abstract

eHS is OPAL-RT’s nanosecond power electronics solver for real-time simulation on FPGA. This presentation focuses on features, applications and enhanced workflows in the new version, featuring new components (transformers, line models, switching functions, and switches) as well as improved accuracy and precision. The improved usability of eHS’ workflows comes from the powerful and intuitive Schematic Editor, which enables construction, editing and integration of circuits, and is integrated within eHS. This new generation of solver has use cases within all types of electrical conversion testing, like renewable energy conversion (photovoltaics, wind power, battery management and microgrid), industrial drive systems, electric transportation and power electronics research.

Biography

With the support of his team, Christophe leads the company’s product vision and strategy, and strengthens the company’s leadership position in the real-time simulation industry. He is responsible for the product road maps, as well as for capitalizing on new market opportunities.

Syed Qaseem Ali

Abstract

Power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) simulations have been increasingly looked upon for design-testing and validation of equipment in various stages of the engineering design and deployment projects. It allows the users to test devices with higher flexibility than a full-scale deployed testbed. However, the process of setting up a PHIL simulation is not straight forward as the PHIL interface, if not designed correctly, may de-stabilize and otherwise stable system. Therefore, the process of setting up a PHIL simulation requires careful consideration of various elements to ensure a stable interface. These considerations along with the use of PHIL in different application areas will be presented. The speaker will also introduce solutions offered by OPAL-RT Technologies in the PHIL application area.

Biography

Syed Qaseem Ali got his B. Engg. Degree from NED University of Technology, Karachi and his MS in Electrical Engineering Power and Control from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago in 2010. He obtained his PhD in Electrical Engineering from McGill University in the area of integrated battery charger design for electric vehicles in 2018. He joined OPAL RT Technologies in the January 2017 and currently is a lead simulation expert for the Transmission & Distribution and DER team in the Application eXpertise and Electrical Simulation (AXES) division.

Before joining McGill he worked as a Research Engineer at King Saud University, Riyadh. His current research interests include microgrid controls, DER integration, and power electronic converters for renewable energy applications.

Jean Bélanger

Biography

Jean Bélanger is the co-founder, CEO and CTO of OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES. He received his Electrical Engineering degree in 1971 in Laval University, in Quebec City, and his Master degree from the École Polytechnique de Montreal. Also, Jean Bélanger is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.

Jean Bélanger founded OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES in 1997, OPAL-RT develops and commercializes digital real-time simulators for the design of systems and the testing of electronic controllers.

Under his direction and technological leadership, OPAL-RT became a well-known developer of state-of-the-art real-time simulators capable to simulate all sorts of mechanical and electrical systems, including the fastest power electronic converters used in a wide range of industries – from hybrid vehicles to entirely electrical-driven aircrafts, and from micro-grids to very large AC/DC power systems.

Jean Bélanger began his career at Hydro-Quebec’s System Planning Division and in IREQ. His contribution allows the insulation and co-ordination of equipment and the installation of lines on the 765-kV James Bay transmission system, as well as the installation of static var compensators and series capacitor. He also contributed to the design and construction of Hydro-Quebec real-time simulators.

Biography

Sebastian Hubschneider finished his studies of electrical engineering and information technology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in June 2015 with the academic degree Master of Science. During his time at the University, he specialized on power engineering with a focus on energy grids and the energy sector in general, including markets and economy.

Edorta Ibarra received the first M.Sc. degree in electronic engineering from the University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain, in 2004, the second M.Sc. degree in electronic physics from the University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain, in 2005, and the Ph.D. degree in electronics engineering from the University of the Basque Country, in 2011.

During 2006 to 2007, he was with the Technical Engineering School of Bilbao, Spain. From 2007 to 2014, he was with the Applied Electronic Research Group, University of the Basque Country, where he completed his pre-doctoral formation (2007-2011) and participated as a researcher in several research projects. From 2014 to 2016, he was with Fundación Tecnalia Research & Innovation, Industry and Transport Unit, Derio, Spain, as the technological leader of the eDrive group in the Industry and Transport area, where his main activities where focused on the research and development of electric vehicle propulsion systems and their control. Since 2016, he has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electronic Technology, University of the Basque Country.

He is a member of the APERT research group, formed by 13 professors from the Electronic Technology Department of the UPV/EHU, and a varying member of PhD and master students. The main two research lines of the group are Power Electronics and System-on-Chip. In the last 15 years the group has achieved a big number of research grants, contracts and publications. The group has a high rating and it is recognised as A type group by the Basque Government in the 2016 call.

Edorta Ibarra is author of 12 articles in indexed scientific journals (10 Q1 and 2 Q2), 3 technical books, 2 patents, 11 divulgation articles and 48 conference communications. He has participated as a researcher in 26 projects (5 European projects), including relevant automotive and aerospace industrial partners in such projects. Hi has directed 1 PhD thesis in the field of electric vehicle propulsion systems field weakening and sensorless control.

Georg Lauss and Dr. Catalin Gavriluta

Abstract

This paper proposes a cyber-physical framework for investigating distributed control systems operating in the context of smart-grid applications. At the moment, the literature focuses almost exclusively on the theoretical aspects of distributed intelligence in the smart-grid, meanwhile, approaches for testing and validating such systems are either missing or are very limited in their scope. Three aspects need to be taken into account while considering these applications: 1) the physical system, 2) the distributed computation platform, and 3) the communication system. In most of the previous works either the communication system is neglected or ersimplified, either the distributed computation aspect is disregarded, either both elements are missing. In order to cover all these aspects, we propose a framework which is built around a fleet of low-cost single board computers coupled with a real-time simulator. Additionally, using traffic control and network emulation, the flow of data between different controllers is shaped so that it replicates various quality of service (QoS) conditions. The versatility of the proposed framework is shown on a study case in which 27 controllers self-coordinate in order to solve the distributed optimal power flow (OPF) algorithm in a dc network. Keywords: cyber-physical systems, smart grid, distributed control and optimization.

Biography

Georg Lauss received the Dipl.-Ing. degree from the Johannes Kepler University JKU Linz, Austria, in 2006 and jointly from the Eidgenössischen Technischen Hochschule ETHZ, Zürich, Switzerland, and the Université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie, Paris, France. He is a researcher with the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria. His main interests include electromagnetic systems, power electronics, system and control theory, mathematical methods for optimized control systems, hardware-in-the-loop simulation systems, and real-time simulation for electromagnetic power systems.

Georg Lauss is the Chairman of the IEEE WG P2004 Recommended Practice for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulation Based Testing of Electric Power Apparatus and Controls and the IEEE PES Task Force on Real-Time Simulation of Power and Energy Systems.

Catalin Gavriluta received his Ph.D. degree from the Technical University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain in 2015. Afterwards, he was enrolled for two years as a post-doc researcher with the Grenoble Institute of Technology, Grenoble, France working as part of the G2ELab.

Davood Babazadeh is an R&D manager at OFFIS Institute for information technology in Germany since 2017. He received his first master degree in energy engineering from Sharif University of Technology – Tehran in 2008. Then, he worked in industry in the field of reliability analysis in power systems for four years. He received his second master degree in electric power engineering in 2012 and afterwards his PhD from KTH Royal Institute of Technology-Sweden with the focus on distributed control of hybrid AC/DC transmission grids. In 2016, he worked as an area manager in Swedish Center for Smart Grids and Storage (SweGRIDS) in Stockholm. His areas of research are focused on Smart grid resilience, power system automation as well as multi-domain co-simulation testbeds.

Dave Eddy

Abstract

System-level analysis capability, centered on modeling and simulation, has been identified as a key enabling technology for solving integrated power system challenges and high-performance power emulation pushes the boundaries of what can be tested prior to full system integration. For example, DC power systems are being applied in an increasing number of applications ranging from EV / HEV automobiles to More Electric Aircraft (MEA) to data centers and micro grids. The stability of these DC power systems is of critical importance to their operation. The presence of constant power loads and bidirectional power flow of many of the loads along with the parasitic inductance and distributed capacitance makes accurate calculation and simulation of stability margins challenging at best.

A bi-directional power source with a controllable bandwidth that can exceed the bandwidth of the fastest load can provide a means of determining system margin. The design and capabilities of the Direct Current Emulator (DCE) from D&V Electronics will be presented as well as using this capability to design and test DC power systems. The DCE can be controlled by a high-speed fiber optic interface with sub-microsecond latency for real time simulation Power Hardware In the Loop (P-HIL) to verify small signal stability analysis. Full DC power systems and power system components can be tested using the DCE as either a bi-directional load to load the power system or as a source to test components intended to connect to the DC power system. When the DCE is emulating the DC power system to test components it can be configured as a controllable source impedance and can generate transients and controlled noise and ripple. In combination with D&V’s electric motor emulator, also capable of real time simulation P-HIL, full vehicle system integration and component compatibility testing can be achieved.

Biography

General Manager of D&V Electronics USA, formerly E&M Power. Dave co-founded Mechanical Power Conversion in 1997 to target the nascent HEV/EV market. After merging with Electronic Power Conversion in 2000 to form E&M Power, Dave served as President until the acquisition by D&V Electronics in 2018. Dave has a BS in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University, and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Arizona.

Nate Holmes

Abstract

EV validation presents a variety of test challenges ranging from high-speed/high-fidelity control and emulation of power electronics to managing massive parallel deployments of testers and the data they generate. Learn how NI’s open and flexible platform combined with OPAL-RT real-time simulation models, tools, and expertise provide a foundation for standardizing test across the EV powertrain.

Biography

Nate Holmes is a principal solutions manager for automotive test. He works on applying NI’s platform and test approach to powertrain and vehicle dynamics test applications. Nate’s previous roles at NI include R&D group manager for motion control and machine vision product lines and product management for various embedded systems products including EtherCAT and Expansion I/O in addition to Motion and Vision. He joined NI in 2007 as a member of the Application Engineering department where he was actively involved in supporting NI’s efforts with FIRST robotics. Nate received his BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida.

Dr. Ben Black

Biography

Benjamin A. Black is a Principal Market Develop Manager for Power Electronics Real-Time Test at National Instruments and a Lecturer in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Departments of The University of Texas at Austin. He earned his Ph.D. in 2007 from the George Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focused in the use of passive haptic robotics for teleoperation. From 2007 through 2012, he worked as a System Engineer at National Instruments focusing on advanced control and advanced simulation projects. Currently he focuses his time on developing the NI platforms and strategy for the area of power electronics and power systems real-time simulation.

Mostafa Mahfouz

Biography

Mostafa Mahfouz (S’14-M’18) received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in electrical engineering from Cairo University in 2014 and 2016 respectively. He is currently a PhD candidate at the Centre for Applied Power Electronics (CAPE), Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (ECE), University of Toronto. He is also Engineering Intern (EIT) at Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). His research interests include AC/DC microgrids’ and electric vehicles fast-charging stations’ operation and control. He has been working as a Research and Teaching Assistant at Cairo University and currently at University of Toronto where he got involved in teaching energy systems and distributed generation, power systems analysis, operation, and control.

Presentation:

In this presentation, we will discuss about using eHS to develop NI controller for DC Fast Charging System (DCFCS) including a local battery storage system.
The key challenge for fast EV charging is the limitations of the existing power grid infrastructure. Fast charging requires a large amount of energy in a very short time, and the distribution power grid was not designed for this. Therefore, the DCFCS includes a battery storage system to reduce the impact of DCFCS that is incurred during charging. Power electronics converter configuration, its controller design and development of a 60-kW prototype will be discussed in this presentation.

Dr. Ali Nabavi

Biography

Dr. Nabavi is a Senior Member of IEEE and a professional engineer in the Province of Ontario, Canada. He received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in electrical engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, in 1987 and 1990, respectively, and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, in 1996. Upon his graduation he joined the University of Mazandaran/Iran as a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Since then he has been actively engaged in research and development in the general area of power systems, and power electronics as well as teaching and supervising of graduate students. He was elevated to the rank of associate professor in 2003. Since 2004, he has been with the Centre for Applied Power Electronics (CAPE), University of Toronto, as a Senior Research Associate and has been actively leading/collaborating on research projects with various utilities and advanced industries. During his academic career, he has supervised more than 29 graduate students, published more than 22 journal papers, 45 technical papers, numerous proprietary industry presentations and technical reports and six patent disclosures in the areas of energy systems, power electronics and power systems.

Presentation:

In this presentation, we will discuss about using eHS to develop NI controller for DC Fast Charging System (DCFCS) including a local battery storage system.
The key challenge for fast EV charging is the limitations of the existing power grid infrastructure. Fast charging requires a large amount of energy in a very short time, and the distribution power grid was not designed for this. Therefore, the DCFCS includes a battery storage system to reduce the impact of DCFCS that is incurred during charging. Power electronics converter configuration, its controller design and development of a 60-kW prototype will be discussed in this presentation.

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Integrated directly with NI’s VeriStand & LabView, OPAL-RT’s FPGA-based Power Electronics Add-On (eHS) is a powerful FPGA-based simulation tool for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing. Used with controllers for power electronics applications, it enables users to simulate an electric circuit on FPGA automatically, and through a convenient user interface, without having to write the mathematical equations.

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