Validate the performance of protection schemes

Optimize performance and de-risk deployment of new protection schemes and algorithms

Digital simulation allows protection equipment to be subjected to virtually all possible faults and operating conditions in a controlled, flexible environment. Because the simulation runs in real time, protective devices can be physically interfaced to the simulated network in a closed loop.

The leading tool for gaining confidence in critical projects

De-risk HVDC & FACTS systems

The RTDS Simulator allows engineers to model the behaviour of HVDC & FACTS devices over a large frequency range in real time. This allows for the highly efficient simulation of many different operating conditions, and for the hardware-in-the-loop testing of HVDC & FACTS control systems. The RTDS Simulator is used by all of the major HVDC & FACTS manufacturers to perform Factory Systems Testing of their control systems prior to deployment on the utility grid. This dramatically reduces the risk of misoperation or negative interaction with other converters or the AC network.

Develop smart substations with the utmost assurance

Connect Intelligent Electronic Devices to the simulated power system via communication protocols

Hardware-in-the-loop testing provides a safe, flexible environment for the testing of digital substation components, either individually or as a whole system, prior to deployment. This is the only way to examine the effects of protection misoperation due to risks such as dropped data packets before installation on the utility network.

Power and precision for a stronger grid

De-risk WAMPAC systems by simulating or testing PMUs

Wide area monitoring, protection, and control (WAMPAC) systems have great potential to provide real-time information on the health of the network via monitoring, and to significantly increase power security and reliability via protection and control actions. Transformative systems such as wide area protection and control are often off the table unless they come fully de-risked and validated. The RTDS Simulator allows engineers to represent the behaviour of the network in real time, over a wide frequency range, enabling them to perform Hardware-in-the-Loop testing. Real-time simulation with WAMPAC schemes in a closed loop is the fastest and safest way to demonstrate operation, and mitigate risks prior to deployment.

Integrate distribution-level technologies with reduced risk

Improve performance and decrease deployment time for distribution automation systems and DERMS through HIL testing

Distribution systems have unique topologies, components, and operational requirements that require purpose-built control, protection, and management systems. The RTDS Simulator allows engineers to model the behaviour of distribution networks over a large frequency range in real time. This allows real distribution system assets to be connected to the simulated grid in a closed loop for safe and comprehensive testing – and optimization – prior to deployment.

Comprehensive testing forges the most resilient microgrids

Simulate and test microgrids in real time

Microgrids require multiple tiers of control and protection to function as both a seamless part of the utility grid and as resilient independent networks capable of supplying local critical loads. The RTDS Simulator allows engineers to model the behaviour of macro- and microgrids over a large frequency range in real time. This allows real microgrid control and protection, as well as physical DERs and their converters, to be connected to the simulated network and tested to significantly reduce risk and improve performance prior to deployment.

Meticulously engineered models for high-fidelity HIL testing

Achieve switching frequencies in the range of 50 kHz – without artificial losses or noisy waveforms

Power electronics-based schemes require small simulation timesteps to properly represent high frequency switching and circuit dynamics. The RTDS Simulator is designed to achieve extremely small timesteps, allowing engineers to flexibly model the behaviour of power electronics (and the AC network) over a large frequency range in real time. Real control hardware can then be connected to the simulated network and tested to significantly reduce risk and improve performance prior to deployment.

Impose a variety of contingency conditions in the safety of the lab

PHIL provides an unparalleled opportunity to characterize the behaviour of power hardware prior to installation in the network

Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) testing involves connecting real power hardware to the simulated network in a closed loop.

Prevent and survive cyber and cyber-physical attacks

The safest, most controllable way to simulate cyber incidents

The RTDS Simulator is used worldwide as a crucial component of cybersecurity testbeds, in which the simulated power system can be connected to real protection, control, and measurement equipment and subjected to both intentional and unintentional attacks. This provides a realistic, flexible, and contained environment for the validation of energy system security technologies.