Value of Hardware-In-Loop for experimenting microgrid performance system studies

This paper presents a research and education based platform of simple Microgrid (MG) and Hardware-In-Loop (HIL) modern PC based Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) to simulate the MG platform set up. The value of simulator is evaluated using different functions for performance analysis of MG test bed under different simulation environment. The Simulink software is use to build the detailed model of MG and controller which can be used to solve the voltage/VAr and frequency control problems offline. The issues of MG control as a single agent or value of multi-agent decision support are discussed. The performance of controls is simulated online using the OPAL RT and eMAGAsim for economic selection and effectiveness of the controls, which will be sufficient for enhancing the design and capacity of MG for meeting its reliable and efficient power supply objectives under different contingencies. The developed test bed capability has been demonstrated by using it for validating different controls system for securing the MG network under different contingencies.