Microgrid Protection Testing Using a Relay-Hardware-in-the-Loop Testbed

Abstract

Microgrid protection can be challenging due to variable operating conditions, system topologies, and fault current magnitudes and directions. Relay-Hardware-in-the-loop is one method to test microgrid protection schemes. In this approach, the microgrid virtual model interacts with the physical relay in real-time. This paper presents an implementation of a relay-hardware-in-the-loop testbed to test a previously proposed protection scheme of a real-world industry-grade microgrid. The microgrid was modeled using OPAL-RT HYPERSIM and OP4510 and interfaced with an industry-grade relay. Results show that the proposed protection scheme successfully detected and isolated different fault types at different buses.