Extendable multirate real-time simulation of active distribution networks based on field programmable gate arrays. (15th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Zhiying; Wang, Chengshan; Li, Peng; Fu, Xiaopeng; Wu, Jianzhong
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 228(2018)
• Page Start: 2422
• Page End: 2436
• Publication Date: 2018-10-15
• Subjects: Real-time simulation -- Field programmable gate arrays -- Multirate simulation -- Root-matching method -- Active distribution network; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.07.099
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: The real-time simulation framework for active distribution networks was built. A multirate simulation method was proposed with high-accuracy and stability. The detailed hardware design of the real-time simulator was presented. Abstract: Real-time simulation of large-scale active distribution networks exhibiting a wide range of time-scales puts forward higher requirements for simulation accuracy and efficiency. This paper presents an extendable method and design for the real-time simulation of active distribution networks utilising high-performance hardware field programmable gate arrays. In the aspect of numerical algorithm, a high-accuracy and stable multirate simulation algorithm is proposed. The entire active distribution network is decoupled into different subsystems by their inherent time-scales and distinct time steps are used to solve the subsystems. Then root-matching method is adopted to form the exponential difference equations that represent the behaviours of the electric distribution network being modelled, which eliminates the truncation errors and thus provides a highly accurate time-domain solution. To handle the interface between the subsystems, a multirate interfacing method is proposed. The hardware design of the multirate interfaces is presented as well. With the multirate algorithm, a fully functional extendable real-time simulator based on field programmable gate arrays is designed and implemented. Two modified IEEE 33-node systems with photovoltaics and energy storage are simulated on the 4-field-programmable-gate-arrays-based real-time simulator. Simulation results are compared with the commercial simulation tool PSCAD/EMTDC to validate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method and design.