The Enel smart grid test system: a real-time digital simulator-based infrastructure

Working on Smart Grids, Enel Distribuzione is intr oducing innovative devices for grid operation, regulation a nd supervision. The complete infrastructure, based on an always-on communication network which uses IEC 6185 0 standard, needs to be accurately tested. Tests inv olve Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), communicatio n infrastructure and integration with the existing En el SCADA. In order to satisfy these important needs, Enel cre ated a specific Test Center to perform tests on devices an d systems. This infrastructure uses a Real-Time Digital Simul ator (RTDS) and involves Enel SCADA. In this paper Test Infrastructure and Smart Grid de vices (IEDs) are described focusing on real hardware and IEC 61850 data exchange tests, performed in a mix of simulated and real environment.