Implementation of a new STATCOM model for digital real time simulations with large time step

Abstract

Hardware in the loop (HIL) simulations are necessary in order to validate correct operation of control system hardware and software of Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM). These simulations are currently performed by connecting the actual control system hardware with a Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS), which is often complex, expensive and not always readily available. This paper presents the implementation of a new real-time digital simulator whose purpose is to allow performing a large sub-set of control platform tests without requiring an HIL simulation but only using the actual hardware which works as a standalone system. The available computational power provided by the control platform and the use of a large simulation time step which cannot be modified are the main limits to the complexity of the simulator.