Hardware in the loop simulation of DG integration to the distribution grid using RTDS and dSPACE

This paper aims at studying flutuations in energy conversion of a Photovoltaic (PV) system and its effects in the electric grid using real time simulation. The implemented simulation system consists of PV plants, power converters, variable load and electrical grid have been implemented in RTDS, while the control is run from a dSPACE platform. Load models have been developed based on actual demand profiles from three different distribution feeders from the City of Leopoldina, in the state of Minas Gerais. Measurement data from the feeders have been taken with an intervall of 15 minutes, totalizing a measurement time of 24 hours. Solar radiation data used in the PV models has been measured at the Solar Laboratory - Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, also for a 24-hour period. The purpose of this study is to run a hardware in the loop simulation, combining RTDS and dSPACE, which is a digital controller. With this real time - hardware in the loop arrangement, it is possible to investigate the system behavior with the power injected by the PV system, including the control of the inverter used to couple the different PV plants to the grid. Results show a comparison among the active and reactive power injected by the PV systems and the grid, and the power consumed by the loads.