Implementation of a multi-rating interface for Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop simulations

The Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation approach constitutes a complicated integration of a classical, physical system/device test (hardware) in combination with a pure computer simulation (software). This paper presents a new interface topology that takes advantage of modern real-time system capabilities in order to increase stability and accuracy. Basic requirements are stated in a powerful real-time computing system, in a suitable power amplification stage, as well as in an adequate measurement system. In general, the performance of the used devices in the simulation setup is of crucial importance for the quality of simulation results and conclusions based on the executed tests. Furthermore, a first implementation of the proposed new interface topology is discussed. Actual areas of applications for this work can be found in the industrial research and development area as well as for the research of electric energy systems and electric drives and in modern power electronics.