A Real-Time Platform for Teaching Power System Control Design

This paper describes the development of a real-time digital simulation platform that can be used for the teaching of design principles for power system controls. In the developed approach, a rapid controller-prototyping platform (dSPACE) is interfaced to a real-time power system simulator (RTDS). The real-time platform is very successful when used in a post-graduate University course; but should also prove equally beneficial to the training of practicing engineers. The approach permits developers to physically prototype their designs and via the simulator, have them tested as if in the field. In contrast to offline simulation, this approach extends the design to the next logical step, and exposes engineers to the important issues of implementation and real-time testing. The use of this platform is demonstrated through the design of a power system stabilizer (PSS) for a One-Machine Infinite Bus (OMIB) system.