Real-time co-simulation of transmission and distribution networks integrated with distributed energy resources for frequency and voltage support

This paper proposes a real-time co-simulated framework to experimentally validate the dynamic performance of network-level controllers in power systems. The experiment setup includes the coordinated emulation of a transmission network linked to a distribution feeder and real distributed energy sources, working in a multi-platform and multi-manufacturer environment. The operation of an optimal hierarchical controller for voltage and frequency support of the transmission network, which exploits the power injection from battery energy storage systems (BESS), is investigated to demonstrate the feasibility, accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed setup based on a co-simulation environment. The results of different study cases implemented in the laboratory are presented, where a successful interconnection between real-time emulators and real hardware from different manufacturers was realised. The fast and timely response of the controller to disturbances caused by sudden load changes, three-phase faults and renewable generation losses is experimentally validated. Finally, the robustness of the developed test bench against noise and harmonic distortion of real signals is also demonstrated.