Real-time hardware- and software-in-the-loop simulation of decentralised distribution network control architecture

This study introduces a laboratory test set up developed to evaluate the functionality of a novel decentralised distribution automation architecture. The demonstration system consists of a simulated distribution network in real-time simulation environment including simulated monitoring and control devices as well as physical devices interfaced with the simulator as hardware-in-the-loop test devices. System involves also substation automation units for real-time monitoring and control that are interfaced with the simulator and physical devices. The operating principle of the system is demonstrated with an example simulation case. The main goal for this system was to test the functionality of the decentralised distribution automation architecture and track out any potential interfacing issues of automation system before implementing the concept to actual field demonstrations. Based on the tests executed with the system described in this study, the proper functionality of all the features of the automation architecture was verified and successfully deployed at the field test sites.