Development of a power hardware in the loop simulation of an islanded microgrid

Abstract

In this paper a Power Hardware in the loop simulation has been realized to test in a safely way the performances and reliability of a device called “PowerCorner” used to supply an islanded microgrid. A real-time model has been developed in order to simulate the microgrid, batteries and photovoltaic panels. Some modeling criterions have been proposed to reduce time-step simulation and enhancing the Power Hardware in the loop simulation stability. Power Hardware in the loop simulation is used to emulate the AC and DC environments around the power inverters. On the DC side, DC power amplifier is used to emulate photovoltaic power plants and storage devices made on Lithium batteries. On the AC side, AC power amplifier is used to emulate the behavior of the microgrid. These two power amplifiers are controlled by a digital real time simulator which embeds the dynamic behavior of both DC and AC sides.