FURNAS experience on real-time computer simulations of power systems

This paper describes FURNAS experience on real-time simulation from over 20 years. Started with the dynamic performance studies on real-time for the FURNAS HVDC transmission system in the early 80´s, the experience substantially improved in the last 10 years after the acquisition of the digital simulator. Besides the HVDC control and protection, many others different devices have been tested since then, including protection systems, synchronizing devices and static VAr compensator controls. The contribution will focus on the reasons to perform the tests on real-time, the characteristics of each type of test, including the interfacing required, and the results obtained as well as the limitations and the difficulties solved. In addition, considerations about the potential real-time tests in the future regarding new devices and the evolution of the digital simulator are also commented.