Steady-state modeling and simulation of a distribution feeder with distributed energy resources in a real-time digital simulation environment

This paper presents modeling procedures and validated results for the IEEE-13 node test distribution feeder using the real-time digital simulation platform RTDS-RSCAD. Models for distribution feeders in this real-time platform are rare, and this paper provides a detailed approach for developing this type of model. The platform-specific models, challenges, assumptions, solutions, and steady-state validation are presented. The feeder model developed here is aimed to be extended to an electric microgrid with integrated distributed energy resources (DER), which can be used to perform microgrid dispatch simulations. As demand curve information is important for microgrid dispatch simulations and is not available for the test feeder, a method for demand curve synthesis is presented. In addition, a method for DER sizing and placement is presented for design of a potential microgrid.