Multi-power Hardware-in-the-Loop environment for simulating power systems: Python API-based co-simulation approach

Abstract

To analyze and plan the ongoing energy transition several simulation techniques have emerged which are in close proximity to a real world environment. They are not just virtual simulations but also physical, where the actual hardware (e.g., a power converter) is interfaced with the virtual environment (e.g., a power grid) and is emulated in the real world. Such well known simulation techniques currently being used for the stated purpose include Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop, Hardware-in-the-Loop, and Power Hardware-in-the-Loop. As an alternate approach to Power Hardware-in-the-Loop, this thesis focuses on developing a novel API-based Multi-power Hardware-in-the-Loop environment to carry out quasi-dynamic grid simulation studies. In the first phase of the thesis, the API-based Multi-power Hardware-in-the-Loop environment is developed. The environment consists of three simulation components: Grid Simulation Software, Power Interface and Power Hardware. Digsilent PowerFactory is used as the Grid Simulation Software and Regatron’s TC.ACS devices are used as Power Interface and Power Hardware. Mosaik is used as a co-simulation framework to control the simulation components and manage the data exchange between them in a synchronized manner. For the development of the environment Python API of all the simulation components is accessed and used for the control, data-exchange and operation by the co-simulation framework. In the second phase, multiple test bench configurations are set up to test the performance of the developed environment. Low voltage distribution grids are simulated with realistic load profiles and a detailed performance assessment of the developed environment is carried out. The results are then validated with the results obtained solely from PowerFactory for the tested scenarios. Finally in the last phase, the potential of the developed environment is showcased through multiple use-cases. Electric vehicles are emulated in the laboratory environment and their impact on the simulated grid is analyzed. Moreover, a commercial solar inverter is interfaced with the virtual environment and its grid support functionality is tested and analyzed alongside its impact on the grid’s voltage and power flow.