Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulation: Modeling, Characterization and Analysis of a Distributed Energy Resources in a Microgrid Network

In this study, we employ Hardware-in-the Loop (HIL) simulation to model, characterize, and analyze the effects of a single-phase microgrid incorporating Distributed Energy Resources (DER) units. HIL simulations allow us to execute an accurate assessment of the performance of DER units before their effective implementation in a real electrical grid. This is critical to identifying and resolving potential issues, optimizing the design and ensuring that the DER meets expectations in terms of energy production, efficiency, and reliability. Accurate system characterization for HIL applications assists in minimizing rework costs and helps to test robustness and evaluate operating scenarios and respond to unforeseen events such as grid failures, playing a crucial role in optimization, integration, safe and efficient operation of distributed generation units. To implement our simulation, we used a microgrid divided in three modules, composed by: 600-nodes, two PV array connected to IGBTs/VSIs, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) unit connected to the system via a contactor switch and an output filter and, a Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) unit. The model and real-time simulation results are presented and analyzed using a OPALRT™ 5707 simulator.