Electric grid hardening and resiliency: part II, real-time modelling and simulation

This paper addresses and provides methodologies for use of real-time simulators in hardening existing or designing new robust transmission systems. Authors' methodology focuses on modelling and simulation of a system in two time domains to include “steady state” of the system when the transients from the system equipment have settled and to include “electromagnetic transients” that are present in relays, transformers, transmission lines, and generators when the transmission system is exposed to fault energy. Planning for robust electric grids using dynamic models and real-time response of equipment to system disturbances are addressed. Modelling and simulation of electromagnetic dynamics of static VAR compensator (SVC) and protective relays under independent pole operation (IPO) are described as examples of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation performed at University of New Orleans Power and Energy Research Laboratory. They present modelling of transmission lines, transformers, generators, and relays for HIL simulation of existing or new electric grids for improving robustness – hardening – and resiliency of the grid. While the methodology and removal of technical barriers in modelling for real-time simulation are tested on small-scale test systems and on part of the real-size electric grid in the Gulf Coast region, it may be implemented for studying other power systems.