APPLICATIONS

Protection Systems

Validate relay behaviour and de-risk novel protection schemes.

HVDC & FACTS

Gain confidence in the performance of critical projects with HIL testing.

Digital Substations & IEC 61850

Perform closed-loop testing via communication protocols.

Wide Area Schemes & PMUs

Simulate and stream IEC/IEEE 60255-118-1 synchrophasors in real time.

Distribution Automation

Improve the performance of distribution automation systems and DERMS.

Microgrids & Renewable Energy

Achieve superior resilience through HIL testing of microgrid protection and control.

Power Plant Controllers

Test renewable power plant controllers (PPCs) in a closed loop, including communication delays.

Power Electronics HIL

Test controls in a closed loop with simulated high-frequency switching circuits.

Power Hardware-in-the-Loop

Test DERs, motors, loads, and other real power hardware in a controlled environment.

Cybersecurity

Prevent and survive cyber events via thorough real-time testing.

Education & Training

Validate the performance of novel technologies and improve operator confidence.
TECHNOLOGY

OUR TECHNOLOGY

Start here to learn about real time simulation and discover the technology that makes hardware-in-the-loop testing possible.

Simulation Hardware

NovaCor™: the powerful, custom-developed hardware platform at the heart of the simulator.

Communication Protocols

Exchange data with external devices in real time through Ethernet and Network Interface Card.

Modelling Library

The most diverse, robust, and accurate real time power system modelling library available.

Graphical User Interface

RSCAD® allows the configuration, execution, and analysis of real-time simulations.

Simulation Algorithm

Learn about EMT simulation, the Dommel algorithm, and multi-rate simulation.

Case Studies

Learn how real time simulation supports power system innovation around the globe.
NEWS & EVENTS

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Technology updates, conferences, training courses and webinars, and other news.

Events & Webinars

See what events are on deck at RTDS Technologies.

Training Events

Check out our schedule for training at our facility in Winnipeg, Canada.
ABOUT

ABOUT US

RTDS Technologies changed the power industry forever by introducing the world’s first fully digital real-time power system simulator.

Our Customers

Leaders in their craft & main drivers of our innovation – simulating the grid of tomorrow.

Careers

Discover opportunities to join the world-class team at RTDS Technologies.
RESOURCE CENTRE

KNOWLEDGE BASE

Easy access to technical papers, product & application information, and more.

Training & Support Info

Hands-on training opportunities and unparalleled user support.

Warranty & Maintenance Info

Accessible, comprehensive equipment maintenance to eliminate downtime.

Video Resource Library

Video training resources for RTDS Simulator users.

Knowledge Base

Easy access to technical papers, product & application information, and more.

Training & Support

Hands-on training opportunities and unparalleled user support.

Warranty & Maintenance

Accessible, comprehensive equipment maintenance to eliminate downtime.

Client Login

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CONTACT

Real-Time Simulation and HIL: Key Tools for the Smart Utility

Hardware-in-the-loop testing supports grid modernization projects worldwide

May 10, 2022

The power system as we know it is evolving, and a corresponding evolution is taking place in the way that utilities and system operators model and test power system behaviour and equipment in order to enable a reliable and resilient grid. Real-time power system simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing are increasingly involved in the success of grid modernization projects that accelerate the transition to the grid of the future.

HIL testing allows power system professionals to de-risk the integration of novel systems, anticipate and mitigate negative interactions, and optimize device performance by connecting real devices to a simulated network. It provides a depth of analysis and systems-level testing approach that are highly beneficial, and sometimes critical, in the modern power system. Inverter-based renewable energy resources, communication protocol-based protection and control, and other grid modernization technologies can give rise to vulnerabilities that conventional modelling and testing processes are often blind to. Real-time simulation and HIL allows engineers to anticipate these issues, preventing misoperation and negative interactions between devices which can result in outages or damaged equipment.

The RTDS Simulator is the industry standard for real-time power system simulation. HIL testing
with the RTDS Simulator has been applied by power system innovators worldwide to enable a secure global energy transition. The RTDS Simulator was used to test controls for the world’s longest High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link as well as the world’s first HVDC link based on Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) technology. In 2018, the technology was used to perform testing on the
first-ever travelling wave-based relays installed with trip outputs live to the breakers to protect a high voltage line. These are just a few examples of landmark projects. The RTDS Simulator is used for testing microgrid control systems, distribution automation equipment including intelligent switchgear, IEC 61850 substation automation, synchrophasor-based protection system testing, power electronics
control testing, inverter characterization, cybersecurity, and much more.