Manitoba Hydro

Canada

Manitoba Hydro acquired the large RTDS primarily to study the impact of a third HVDC bipole on the major transmission grid in Manitoba and to test controls before implementation. In addition to the third bipole HVDC related studies, the RTDS equipment at Manitoba Hydro has also been used to test: exciter controls for a synchronous condenser, start/stop sequence controls for a synchronous condenser, joint var controllers for a new and existing generating station, black start generator controls, protective relays with point-on-wave breaker close capability, 500 kV transmission line protection, and an HVDC angle damping controller.

Detailed models of Manitoba Hydro’s system have been developed for use on the RTDS.

RTDS Technologies has provided excellent support services and were very responsive to requests for new and special features that we made from time to time.

Florida State University - Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS)

United States of America

The RTDS Simulator has been essential to our research supported by the United States Office of Naval Research and other related entities, for the real-time electrical studies of a notional electric ship, including simulation of prime movers, generators, distribution systems, protection systems, electric propulsion motors and motor drives, load models, and many other details. We have performed multiple studies involving physical hardware-in-the-loop simulations, using the RTDS analog (and other) interfaces. These projects have used both controller hardware-in-the-loop and power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) designs. Our PHIL studies are supported by RTDS control of MW-class amplifiers, variable speed motor drives and other power equipment, at multiple voltage and power levels, up to 4160 V/ 5 MW. RTDS Technologies has supported our efforts with prompt repair or replacement for the few component failures that we have experienced, with extensive software support for existing models, and with the development of new models or requested features.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.

United States of America

Comparing static model solutions to dynamic, closed-loop testing using the RTDS is like comparing a photograph to a movie. Both communicate ideas, but the movie is often a much richer source of information. Static models from traditional software tools have their place. But when needed, the RTDS allows SEL ES to create a detailed power system model that includes series-compensation, phase-shifting transformers, or other customer-defined system designs. SEL ES connects protective devices to the computer model and exposes the protection system to thousands of faults that resemble real-world conditions.

By exposing the protection system (power system model plus the actual protective relays) to these fault scenarios, SEL ES optimizes the relay settings and proposes the best, tailor-made configurations for each customer’s power system. By discovering system weaknesses during model power system testing using the RTDS, SEL ES is able to identify ways to avoid problems—well before those problems occur in the actual power system. For SEL ES and their customers, this early warning capability is the central benefit of the RTDS.

Real-time, dynamic modeling and testing of power systems using the Real Time Digital Simulator from RTDS Technologies helps fulfill SEL’s mission to make electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical.

Siemens

Worldwide

Siemens started in 1996 with RTDS simulators for closed loop testing of HVDC and FACTS controls and for protective relays. Initially using RTDS for the digital ac system simulation as part of hybrid simulators we ended up at fully digital applications first for SVC and TCSC and also for line-commutated HVDC systems. In addition we are using RTDS simulators since 2007 for the closed loop testing of MMC based HVDC and FACTS control systems. In the meantime several off-site tests for MMC based HVDC and FACTS control systems have been carried out with RTDS simulators, e.g. HVDC PLUS Trans Bay Cable (USA), Offshore HVDC PLUS BorWin2 (Germany), Offshore HVDC PLUS HelWin1 (Germany), Offshore HVDC Plus Sylwin1 (Germany) and Offshore HVDC PLUS HelWin2 (Germany). Impressed and encouraged by the positive results, the wide range of applications and the excellent support. RTDS today is our main tool for closed loop pre-testing of new control concepts and for off-site Functional- and Dynamic Performance Tests. These tests are an essential part of Siemens study and testing schedule for HVDC and FACTS applications and make therefor great demands on the quality, reliability and flexibility of our simulator equipment.

Central Power Research Institute (CPRI)

India

RTDS has been our main real-time HIL simulator. RTDS is very reliable and technical support is one of the best in the industry. We have executed many prestigious projects for important clients like GE, ABB, Alstom, etc. on RTDS and we are also very happy that we can use all the past cases on the new simulator. We are really excited that we can use the upgraded RTDS Simulator for future projects involving new technologies for applications such as substation automation, synchrophasors, smart grid, and microgrid controller testing. We really thank M/s  RTDS Technologies as well as M/s  Nayak Power Systems for keeping up the schedule and delivering the consignment on time.

Red Eléctrica de España

Spain

We have been users of the RTDS Simulator since 1998, and today it is a valuable tool for our organization. Throughout the next decade, we gradually upgraded our Simulator to contain the newest hardware on the market. RTDS Technologies made this process simple and economically feasible with their hardware exchange program. Our simulator now is now equipped with facilities for IEC 61850 device testing, wide area protection and control, and PMU simulation. The next step for our Simulator will be the integration of the newest processor card available – the PB5.

Over the past 15 years, we have built a strong relationship with RTDS Technologies. There is no question that they are committed to not only technical expertise and innovation, but customer service. We would recommend the RTDS Simulator to anyone seeking a powerful and cutting-edge solution for real time digital power system simulation.