MicroGrid distributed control algorithms are difficult to validate through pure simulation due to complexity of hardware interactions and communication delays. Hardware-in-the-loop testing enables realistic evaluation but requires careful coordination of multiple components. This paper addresses these challenges through an integrated CHIL platform that combines simulation and real hardware.
This paper presents the CHIL (Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop) platform for testing distributed microGrid control algorithms. The work demonstrates integration of real-time simulators, hardware-in-the-loop devices, and controller-in-the-loop systems to validate distributed control strategies with realistic network delays and hardware interactions.
The paper demonstrates CHIL platform testing of distributed frequency and voltage regulation for microgrids. Results show successful synchronization and power sharing with measured communication delays through Modbus protocol. The platform effectively validates distributed control algorithms with realistic hardware and communication constraints.
@inproceedings{DuTu2018,
author = {Du}, Y. and {Tu}, H. and {Lukic}, S. and {Lubkeman}, D. and Dubey, Abhishek and {Karsai}, G.},
booktitle = {2018 IEEE Electronic Power Grid (eGrid)},
title = {Development of a Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop Platform for Microgrid Distributed Control Applications},
year = {2018},
month = {nov},
pages = {1-6},
abstract = {Microgrids (MGs) are ideally suited for distributed control solutions. However, implementation and validation of the developed distributed control algorithms are quite challenging. In this paper we propose a Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) platform for MG distributed control applications that satisfy the requirements of IEEE Std. 2030.7 for MG control systems. We describe two main features of the proposed platform: 1) a software platform that enables the implementation of control algorithms that have been developed analytically and 2) a real-time MG testbed that replicates practical MG operation environment by using real-time communication network and grid solutions. Implementation and validation of a distributed MG synchronization operation control strategy are used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed CHIL platform.},
category = {selectiveconference},
contribution = {minor},
doi = {10.1109/eGRID.2018.8598696},
file = {:DuTu2018-Development_of_a_Controller_Hardware-in-the-Loop_Platform_for_Microgrid_Distributed_Control_Applications.pdf:PDF},
issn = {null},
keywords = {microgrid control, hardware-in-the-loop, distributed control, real-time simulation, validation},
tag = {power},
month_numeric = {11}
}