5 challenges solved by the RTDS Real-Time Simulator

The integration of renewable energies into electrical grids presents significant challenges for operators, such as the need for dynamic studies that include these types of sources to ensure grid stability. For this, it is essential to test the intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) that will be installed in the grid beforehand in the laboratory. The algorithms implemented in these IEDs are quite complex, and their functionality must be thoroughly tested in the lab to minimize the risk of incidents once they are in service.

Electrical grid simulation positions itself as a solution to reduce uncertainty for grid operators in this context. Simulation is a crucial technology that allows safe and accurate modeling, analysis, and management of systems. With the growth of electrical demand and the inclusion of renewable sources, electrical grids face stability challenges that must be deeply analyzed.

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Preparing the industry for the future of the energy

In the coming years, Spain expects a significant increase in electricity demand, driven by industrial electrification and the transition to renewables. According to the updated National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) for the 2023-2030 period, electricity demand is expected to grow by 34%, with renewables reaching an 81% share in total energy generation. How can we increase security and reliability in the electrical grids in this context? Real-time simulators are a solution to mitigate the risks of testing various potential grid problems in a real-world environment.

CIRCE – Technological Center has recently acquired the new Novacor 2.0, the most advanced real-time simulator for electrical grids on the market, capable of modeling networks with a larger number of nodes and complex controls. This new equipment can help grid operators understand the performance of services, algorithms, or automation implemented in IEDs, such as Power Plant Controllers (PPCs), electrical protection relays, Wide Area Protection Systems (WAMPAC systems), renewable generation plant controllers, control and protection cabinets, virtualized control and protection systems, among others, before their installation in the substation. This is crucial for anticipating problems and quickly fine-tuning equipment operation, ensuring the reliability of the final solution.

What challenges does the new RTDS Novacor 2.0 Simulator solve?

1. Improves the reliability of the electrical grid, ensuring that protection and control systems operate correctly under demanding operational scenarios. It allows for fault detection and correction before field commissioning, assessing real-time system behavior as a whole.
2. Anticipates and mitigates stability and overload issues in networks caused by malfunctioning control or protection devices. This is essential to avoid blackouts or quality problems in supply.
3. Safely assesses the integration of multiple renewable energy sources.
4. Prepares, trains, and equips operators and technicians to effectively respond to incidents.
5. Integrates different real protection and control equipment within a simulated electrical system in real-time, allowing it to evaluate their behavior as a complete system.

With this new RTDS simulator, the energy sector can advance in its development by performing dynamic testing of functionalities implemented in IEDs.

If you want to learn how Novacor 2.0 can help you, get in touch with us.