Development of real-time hardware-in-the-loop platform for complex microgrids

Acceleration of energy-intensive lifestyle leads to a fast-pace development for electric power systems. Microgrids and smart grids are being utilized as tools to improve reliability for electrical systems and effective systems to support higher penetration of renewable energy resources. Uncertainty of communication delays creates a significant challenge to develop models for a system with several control layers and system level control. This paper introduces a hardware-in-the-loop platform that studies microgrid operations with real cyber-physical links. Combining a real communication layer with a simulated power system provides more accurate results for transient behavior study, especially when communications has a major time-critical role. A case study is presented for Fort Sill microgrid. Results of using this platform closely match microgrid operation.