Real-time co-simulation platform using OPAL-RT and OPNET for analyzing smart grid performance

The objective of this paper is to present a real-time co-simulation platform for analyzing electric power grid operation, taking into account integrated communication systems. This paper discusses how a co-simulation platform can be set up using OPNET and OPAL-RT as communication and power system simulators, respectively. A simplified distribution automation case study is demonstrated to show how the co-simulation platform can be used to analyze performance of the smart grid operation in real-time.