Framework for co-ordinated simulation of power networks and components in Smart Grids using common communication protocols

A key aspect to the future development of Smart Grids is the cooperation between multiple grid components. If this cooperation is to be included into grid simulations however, the limit is often reached when only one tool can be used for the simulations. This paper describes a framework for the simulation of power networks and their components including DIgSILENT/PowerFactory and MathWorks MATLAB/Simulink. A detailed model of a vanadium redox flow battery developed in MATLAB/Simulink is combined with a grid simulation performed in PowerFactory. The communication between the tools is realized using OPC. To show the possibilities with this framework a simulation of a real distribution grid in Austria with connected loads, photovoltaic power plants and storage devices was performed.