A Review of Recent Best Practices in the Development of Real-Time Power System Simulators from a Simulator Manufacturer’s Perspective

As the power system undergoes continued change—widespread integration of inverter-based resources, electrification of transportation systems, decentralization, and increased digitization—the best practices for power system studies and device testing are also evolving. Electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation is being used progressively by transmission and distribution system operators, equipment manufacturers, education and research institutions, and consultants who require a greater depth of analysis than is possible with traditional (RMS-based) system representation. Real-time simulation is becoming increasingly prevalent in the aforementioned verticals as it provides an efficient means of EMT analysis and also enables hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of protection, control, and power devices. Real-time simulator manufacturers must continually develop their technology to improve the scope and accuracy of the power system components and phenomena that can be represented, the range and quantity of devices that can be subjected to HIL testing, and ease of use. This review paper will summarize recent advances and best practices in real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing from the perspective of RTDS Technologies, the manufacturer of the RTDS ® Simulator. The focus is on power electronics modeling and testing, IEC 61850 simulation and interfacing, and graphical user interface advancements for this particular brand of a real-time simulator.