This document discusses the development of a prototype high bandwidth power interface called a Power Simulator (SimP). The prototype aims to validate control algorithms and develop a stable interface between a power amplifier and real-time power system simulator. Key aspects of the prototype include a self-powered multi-level converter prototype, controller design, and interfacing the converter with a real-time simulator to test equipment performance and simulation models in a closed loop. The prototype will help inform the design of a full-scale Power Simulator for testing smart grid and renewable energy technologies.

1. A prototype to develop a high bandwidth interface
O. Tremblay, R. Gagnon, P. Giroux, K. Slimani
Hydro-Québec Research Institute (IREQ)
H. Fortin-Blanchette
École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS)
RT15 Regional User Group Event
Berkeley, California | May 13-14, 2015
Power HIL Simulator (SimP)

2. 2 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
Presentation overview
> SimP at a glance
> Power Simulator:
• What is it?
• For doing what?
> Prototype design:
• Power amplifier
• Controller
• Simulator
> Conclusion

3. 3 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
>Context
• Research & Testing Infrastructure for the
validation of simulation models and for
studying the dynamic behavior of
electrical equipments connected to their
power system.
• Scope: Smart Grid, Energy Storage,
Renewable Energy Integration, ground
transportation electrification
>Current Developments
• Preliminary project consisting to the
implementation of a prototype (low
Power Simulator
(SimP)
SimP at a glance
power) of a Power Simulator controlled in closed-loop by a real-time
simulated power system (Hypersim simulation)
>Project Outcomes
• World-class equipment
• Important extension of the IREQ’s test line
• Major increase in testing capacity
• Possibility of collaborations and partnerships on various projects

4. 5 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
What is it?
25 kV

5. 6 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
What is it?
25 kV

6. 7 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
What is it?
25 kV
Power amplifier’s specs
• 25 kVLL nominal (up to 1.5 PU)
• 10 MVA nominal
• Transformerless
• 4 wires (zero sequence capability)
• Large bandwidth (DC -> ~ kHz)

7. 8 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
What is it?
25 kV
Hypersim’s key features:
• Real-time simulation
• Very large network
• Automatic task mapping
• Parameters/measurements
can be changed in RT
• Precise simulation engine
• Full test environment

8. 9 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
What is it?
25 kV

9. 10 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
What is it?
Feedback to the
simulation
25 kV
Isim
Power Simulator

10. 11 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
What is it?
25 kV
Power Simulator

11. 12 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
Validation of the performance of actual
wind turbines
Mobile Power Simulator
(Version 2)
• Performances validation of wind
turbines already in service
• Voltage and Frequency
(inertia emulation) control
• LVRT, HVRT
• Power Quality testing
• Validation of simulation models
• Characterization of the interaction
with the network
• SubSynchronous Control
Interaction (SSCI)
• Ferroresonance

12. 13 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
Integration of renewable energy and
storage to distribution networks
• Protection Studies:
• Anti Islanding
• Power Quality Studies:
• Flicker
• Harmonics
• Voltage sags

13. 14 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
Isolated networks
• Development of operating strategies of the
integrated system: wind, solar, diesel,
energy storage and load
• Performance validation before commissioning
• Voltage and Frequency Control
• Power Quality validation

14. 15 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
Why a prototype?
> Before building such equipment, we
need to answer some questions:
• What kind of controller (FPGA, DSP) ?
– Control algorithm, switching freq?
• What about the interface between simulator
and amplifier?
– Latency is the work of the devil!!
> To answer those questions, we need a
flexible reduced scale power amplifier!!

15. 16 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
The features of the prototype
> Single phase / three-phase
> Ideal (pure) /real voltage waveform
synthesis
> Adjustable dynamics (to meet full scale
constraints)
> Adjustable topology
> Adjustable transient capability
The solution: a self-powered
multi-level converter

16. 17 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
Prototype: the cell

17. 18 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
OP5600 simulator
(large scale network,
Ts = 25 s)
6 cores
(Xeon 3.46
GHz)
a
b
c
n
V, I
Iabc
P
C
I
E
n = 6
Isolated
DC
converter
(42Vdc,
500W)
Isolated
DC
converter
(42Vdc,
500W)
Isolated
DC
converter
(42Vdc,
500W)
Isolated
DC
converter
(42Vdc,
500W)
Isolated
DC
converter
(42Vdc,
500W)
Isolated
DC
converter
(42Vdc,
500W)
Controller
(phase c)
Controller
(phase b)
Controller
(phase a)
Master control &
Interface algorithm
IO IO IO
208 VLL
3 kVA
Vabc
OP7000 IO
Vabc, Iabc
6 cores
(Xeon 3.46
GHz)
P
C
I
E FPGA (Virtex – 6)
n = 6n = 6
Prototype: simulator and converter
Three phases:
>6 cells (42 Vdc, 500 W)
>3 kVA
>208 VLL
Single phase:
>18 cells (14 Vdc, 170 W)
>1 kVA
>120 VLN

18. 19 Groupe − Technologie, Hydro-Québec
Conclusion
> Power Simulator:
• Strategic research & testing infrastructure for
validation of simulation models and for
studying the dynamic behavior of electrical
equipments connected to their power systems
> Development of a reduced scale system to:
• Validate the converter controls
• Develop a stable, robust and high
bandwidth interface between the simulator
and the power amplifier

19. Questions