Real-Time Simulation of Power Systems Using a Low-cost FPGA-based Platform
Real-time Simulation, EMTP program, Protection Systems, FPGAs, RIO architecture
Digital real-time simulation of power systems allows conducting studies from a perspective closer to reality. One of the main reasons is attributed the possibility to perform an HIL (hardware in the loop) real-time simulation. Consequently, several applications can be covered using this setup. For instance, using this configuration its possible to carry out tests in real-time of commercial relays or the prototype ones implemented in a hardware device. Hence, this work proposes highlight, didactically, the main steps to perform real-time simulations of power systems using a low-cost platform based on FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Additionally, the steps of implementing and arranging a relay prototype in a closed loop with a simulated real-time test system are described. The presented methodology is developed using a hardware device based on the RIO (Reconfigurable I/O) technology, which combines in its design a processor with an operating system running in real-time, an FPGA and modular I/O (inputs and outputs). The simulation of the test power system developed according to the Electromagnetic Transient Program (EMTP), is implemented in the FPGA, while a distance relay is programmed in the processor and placed in a closed loop with the power system being simulated in real-time. A GUI (graphical user interface) is developed to set the simulation parameters, including the conditions for applying an electrical fault, and to monitor the dynamic of power system used as a case study. Off-line simulations obtained from Matlab/Simulink are used to validate the real-time results.