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2006 - Electric Power System Simulator
Lecturer: Magdalena Dilimot, Caterpillar
Abstract:
Many industries have long recognized the merits of using virtual environments to develop products. Aircraft companies use simulators for evaluating flight controls, ergonomics concepts, and pilot training; automotive companies for developing powertrains, active steering and engine controls. These hardware-in-the-loop simulations allow designers to assess control hardware by mating it to computers that reproduce system dynamics and behavior. It enables evaluation in a nondestructive, virtual environment where design changes can often be accomplished without expensive hardware iterations. This results in shorter development times as well as lower overall project costs.
The Systems Integration Test Facility at Caterpillar is a real-time simulator providing an optimum blend of actual hardware and computer simulations. It applies hardware-in-the-loop technology and simulates the functions of an entire electric power distribution system. The primary system components include: 1) UPS (uninterrupted power supply); 2) ATS (automatic transfer switch); 3) switchgear; 4) variable speed drive with motor/generator controls; and 5) dSPACE system.
The dSPACE hardware used in this application is in a parallel processor configuration consisting of three DS1006 Processor Boards, one DS2211 HIL I/O board, and two DS4003 Digital I/O Boards. This powerful computational environment allow us to replicate the dynamic behavior of an entire electrical power system, and to command the motor/generator units to reproduce system voltages and frequencies, and all the control and instrumentation type signals you would normally find in a modern multiple genset electrical power system installation. Specifically, a 2 MW generator set distribution system is emulated using computer models and a 10 KW variable-speed motor-generator set. Aside from the reduced power level, this combination is functionally equivalent without the challenges associated with combustion engines. This platform provides the infrastructure required to support system integration initiatives. It allows us to evaluate configurations for robustness and performance, adding value to future development of standard offerings. We may test prototypes, verify plug-and-play properties, and reproduce real-life operating conditions. We may also identify system redundancies, vulnerabilities, and explore new ways to optimize controls. This is truly a “first of its kind” simulation tool for the power generation industry.
Abstract:
Many industries have long recognized the merits of using virtual environments to develop products. Aircraft companies use simulators for evaluating flight controls, ergonomics concepts, and pilot training; automotive companies for developing powertrains, active steering and engine controls. These hardware-in-the-loop simulations allow designers to assess control hardware by mating it to computers that reproduce system dynamics and behavior. It enables evaluation in a nondestructive, virtual environment where design changes can often be accomplished without expensive hardware iterations. This results in shorter development times as well as lower overall project costs.
The Systems Integration Test Facility at Caterpillar is a real-time simulator providing an optimum blend of actual hardware and computer simulations. It applies hardware-in-the-loop technology and simulates the functions of an entire electric power distribution system. The primary system components include: 1) UPS (uninterrupted power supply); 2) ATS (automatic transfer switch); 3) switchgear; 4) variable speed drive with motor/generator controls; and 5) dSPACE system.
The dSPACE hardware used in this application is in a parallel processor configuration consisting of three DS1006 Processor Boards, one DS2211 HIL I/O board, and two DS4003 Digital I/O Boards. This powerful computational environment allow us to replicate the dynamic behavior of an entire electrical power system, and to command the motor/generator units to reproduce system voltages and frequencies, and all the control and instrumentation type signals you would normally find in a modern multiple genset electrical power system installation. Specifically, a 2 MW generator set distribution system is emulated using computer models and a 10 KW variable-speed motor-generator set. Aside from the reduced power level, this combination is functionally equivalent without the challenges associated with combustion engines. This platform provides the infrastructure required to support system integration initiatives. It allows us to evaluate configurations for robustness and performance, adding value to future development of standard offerings. We may test prototypes, verify plug-and-play properties, and reproduce real-life operating conditions. We may also identify system redundancies, vulnerabilities, and explore new ways to optimize controls. This is truly a “first of its kind” simulation tool for the power generation industry.