Abstract – HIL and RCP Capabilities of Real Time Digital Simulators for Modern Power Converter Applications

Since the technologies for power electronics switches is continuously evolving, more modern power converters are introduced for different applications, from low-voltage machine drives, medium voltage HC or DC onboard systems and smart grids, to high voltage energy transmission. A good example is that several modular multilevel converter (MMC) HVDC projects were recently commissioned around the world. Another example is that  the dual active bridge (DAB) technology becomes an attractive option in onboard power systems. These modern power converters have their advantages but also present challenges due to the complexity of their control and protection systems (CPS). It is important for the designer or manufacturer to validate the converter and the whole system in all scenarios. Real-time simulation, rapid control prototyping (RCP) study, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests are the effective and efficient ways to perform the system studies and validation. This presentation explains the challenges of modelling modern power converters for real time simulation and the solutions currently available. Some examples, e.g. MMC and DAB converters, are provided to demonstrate the capabilities of the real time digital simulators for fast or real time digital simulation, and HIL and RCP studies of complex systems with modern power converters.