Validation of Distributed Real-Time Simulations for Decoupled Power System Models

Abstract

Distributed real-time simulation (D-RTS) has been proposed as an alternative solution for the simulation of large-scale power systems. D-RTS interconnects heterogeneous and remote real-time resources virtually in order to combine and extend their simulation capabilities. A reliable D-RTS framework is necessary to virtually interconnect subsystems and manage simulation data in real time. D-RTS has mainly been implemented to combine standalone models, which only shows the feasibility and increased computing capability. However, the behavior of D-RTS has not been appropriately assessed nor investigated for decoupling models. On this basis, this paper investigates power system model decoupling and verifies its implementation for the purposes of D-RTS. The IEEE Australian Benchmark model is used as a case study. The implementation, operation, and performance of the distributed model are benchmarked against its monolithic counterpart. Results validate the simulation of the distributed model under both steady-state and transient operation, demonstrating that power system models can be decoupled in order to perform real-time simulations in a distributed manner under certain conditions.