Credibility analysis for real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation compared against actual plant

Abstract

Real-time simulation has become widely accepted in both academic circles and industry. The technology has been applied to many domains ranging from aerospace power systems to utility power grids. The benefits of real-time simulation are generally realized through rapid control prototyping (RCP) or hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation. When HIL simulation is undertaken, the validity of the results may be challenged unless the response has been verified against real world tests. In this paper, we compare the performance of a variable speed induction motor drive against a real-time HIL simulation of the same. Real-time simulations were performed on the Opal-RT OP5600. The motor drive control algorithm was programmed on a TI TMS320F28335 DSP. Field orientated control (FOC) was implemented for motor control. The phase current waveforms for both the real and simulated drive are compared with respect to amplitude and harmonics. In addition, the dynamic response to changes in control parameters is also compared. The results show that the real-time HIL simulation results are consistent with those observed in the actual motor drive.