written by Unai Villena Camarero
As the world accelerates toward decarbonization, the role of power grids is undergoing a great shift. The integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into traditional electrical systems presents both opportunities and challenges. Modern grids must accommodate fluctuating renewable inputs, ensure stability, and meet escalating energy demands. In this context, the SUNRISE project (“Setting Up Green Energy Research in Serbia”), supported by the European Union, is using real-time simulation to address these complexities.
The Challenge of Transitioning Power Systems
Transitioning energy systems toward sustainability involves integrating diverse, decentralized energy resources, such as solar and wind, into current grids. This process demands advanced tools to ensure grid stability (as variability in renewable energy generation can cause imbalances, threatening system reliability), to validate new technologies (as emerging grid technologies and configurations require robust testing before deployment) and to enhance efficiency (as optimized control and operation strategies are crucial to minimize energy loss and maximize renewable utilization).
In recent years, real-time simulation, particularly Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, has emerged as an essential tool for navigating these challenges. HIL simulation integrates physical hardware with virtual environments, enabling the testing of grid components under realistic operational scenarios.
Contributions from the SUNRISE Project
Partners of the SUNRISE project have successfully leveraged real-time simulation to test protection relays in renewable-heavy grids, evaluated advanced control strategies for Voltage Source Converters (VSCs) and trained engineers and researchers in state-of-the-art techniques for grid optimization.
During its second year, throughout 2024, the SUNRISE consortium has organized impactful initiatives, including tutorials, workshops, and a summer school, to advance the capabilities of researchers and industry stakeholders in real-time simulation. Below is a brief summary of four of them:
1. SPEEDAM 2024 Tutorial: Real-Time HIL Simulation for Active Power Systems
This event, held at the International Symposium on Power Electronics, Electrical Drives, Automation and Motion (SPEEDAM) 2024 in Ischia (Naples, Italy) demonstrated the potential of real-time HIL simulation in enhancing grid performance. Attendees gained insights into testing methods for inverters and protection systems, and case studies illustrated practical applications of the technology.
Image 1: Dr. Pablo Eguia from the University of the Basque Country – UPV/EHU (right) and Dr. Manuel Barragán from the University of Seville – USE (left) at the tutorial.
2. Tutorial at IEEE PES ISGT Europe 2024: HVDC Control with RTDS Simulation
This tutorial, part of the IEEE PES ISGT Europe 2024 conference in Dubrovnik (Croatia), offered attendees in-depth knowledge of HVDC control through hands-on experience with RTDS simulators. Supported by RTDS and TU Delft, the event included presentations on HIL testing and power electronics control, as well as a practical session led by experts, where advanced simulation tools for renewable energy integration and power system testing were showcased.
Image 2: Tutorial organizers (from left to right): Janez Zakonjsek (RTDS), Kati Sidwall (RTDS), Remko Koornneef (TUD), Vaibhav Nougain (TUD), Milovan Majstorović (ETF), Aleksandra Lekić (TUD) and Pablo Eguia (UPV/EHU).
3. Summer School in Belgrade: From Simulation to Prototyping
Held at the University of Belgrade (Belgrade, Serbia), the summer school provided hands-on training in HIL applications for grid protection and VSC control. Participants worked with cutting-edge tools like Typhoon HIL simulators, bridging the gap between theoretical models and real-world applications.
Image 3: Dr. Jelena Stojkovic Terzic (right) from the School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade – ETF at the opening session of the summer school, presenting of the SUNRISE project.
4. Workshop on Digitizing Power Systems
Also held at the University of Belgrade, where experts from academia, industry, and government convened to discuss the challenges of power system digitization. The event underscored the importance of collaboration in deploying smart grid solutions to meet future energy demands.
Image 4: Open discussion and Q&A session moderated by Dr. Mileta Žarković from the School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade – ETF.
Looking Forward
The work achieved under SUNRISE exemplifies the transformative power of real-time simulation in the energy transition. By enabling detailed, safe testing of novel grid configurations and control mechanisms, real-time HIL simulations empower engineers to design grids that are both resilient and adaptable.
As energy systems evolve, the tools and methodologies refined by projects like SUNRISE will be pivotal in ensuring that grids can support a sustainable, reliable energy future. Through its collaborative efforts, the project is not only advancing research but also equipping the next generation of engineers to tackle the energy challenges of tomorrow.