Application of a MW-scale motor-generator set to establish power-hardware-in-the-loop capability

This paper presents a Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop (P-HiL) testbed coupled to a MW-scale Motor-Generator (MG) set. The P-HiL configuration interfaces an 11 kV physical distribution network with a transmission network modeled in a Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) through the MG set. Uniquely, and in contrast with other P-HiL arrangements, the MG set used is equipped with a proprietary frequency controller with an inherent response that does not provide the desired characteristics to cater for a P-HiL interface. The paper describes a methodology to tackle this problem associated with undesirable response of the MG set’s existing controller by introducing additional frequency and phase control loops. Experimental results are presented and show that the P-HiL testbed is capable of maintaining a high level of synchronization during disturbances and allows the power interaction between the model and physical network. The testbed offers a realistic and flexible testing environment for prototype systems connected to distribution networks with a specific focus on testing systems that control demand side resources for frequency response during loss of generation events.