Testing Automated Operation and Control Algorithms for Distribution Grids Using a Co-simulation Environment

This publication presents a co-simulation framework that enables joint simulation experiments by multiple remote laboratories for analyses of smart grid energy systems that can also include power hardware-in-the-loop. It introduces a proof of concept where individual parts of an example electrical grid are modelled at three geographically distributed Fraunhofer Institutes. The models differ greatly in terms of their used tools, functionality, control algorithms, and time resolution. Real-time and non-real-time systems can be combined as well. The framework is developed within the Distributed Grid Lab of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Integrated Energy Systems (CINES). The goal is to allow laboratory collaboration for addressing the needs of users such as manufacturers, grid operators and research institutions to test their grid automation solutions before field deployment. This testing can be done considering the interactions of various components and solutions at different remotely located testing facilities without needing to use the same hardware and software setup. A demonstrator is developed to highlight these capabilities.