Decentralized HIL Testing for Distributed DER Asset Managers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centralized control and simulation methods for power distribution networks are inefficient and prone to cascading vulnerabilities, necessitating improved decentralized testing and control strategies for microgrids.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized hardware-in-the-loop scheme is implemented using distributed asset managers that solve their respective asset models, with a simplified HIL platform communicating with these managers to simulate and test the DERs system without direct simulation between a central controller and the managers, allowing for real-time, realistic testing and improved model accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized control and simulation methods are used for power distribution networks, then control and planning can be implemented, but the system is prone to cascading vulnerabilities and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control system into multiple distributed asset managers, each responsible for specific assets. This segmentation eliminates single-point failures and cascading vulnerabilities while maintaining comprehensive control capability across the microgrid system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hardware-in-the-loop simulation dimension that operates parallel to the physical system. This allows virtual testing and validation of control strategies without disrupting actual operations, adding a safety layer that improves reliability without increasing operational complexity.
2Productivity
If direct simulation between central controller and distributed asset managers is implemented, then system control can be achieved, but testing efficiency and model accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simplified hardware-in-the-loop platform as an intermediary between the physical assets and the simulation environment. This intermediary enables high-fidelity model testing while maintaining efficient parallel operation with the physical system, resolving the trade-off between testing efficiency and model accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary virtual testing of control strategies through hardware-in-the-loop simulation before deploying them to the physical system. This preliminary action allows thorough model validation and optimization without risking actual system performance, thereby improving both testing efficiency and model accuracy.
3Loss of time
If decentralized hardware-in-the-loop scheme is implemented, then testing speed and model accuracy improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the physical asset managers with their corresponding virtual models in a hardware-in-the-loop configuration. This merging allows simultaneous operation of physical and virtual systems, enabling parallel testing that dramatically reduces testing time while the modular architecture keeps system complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method tests the configuration of an aggregated DERs system using distributed asset managers in a decentralized hardware-in-the-loop (“HIL”) scheme. The managers contain the model of the asset they are meant to control. The method programs an asset manager with a model of a DERs asset. A plurality of asset managers are connected to a central controller. The plurality of asset managers are also connected to a simplified hardware-in-the-loop platform. The simplified HIL platform is configured to solve a network model, a load model, a non-controllable asset model, and a grid model. The method tests the DERs system control structure by using: (a) the simplified HIL platform to solve the network model, the load model, the non-controllable asset model, and the grid model, and (b) the asset manager to solve the model of the DERs asset, without any simulation between the central controller and the distributed asset managers.