Page 290 - Modern Control of DC-Based Power Systems

CHAPTER SEVEN

Hardware In the Loop
Implementation and Challenges

7.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter introduces the implementation of the control strategies
on digital controllers and the interaction with real-time digital simulators.
The chapter describes some techniques for defining the discretized con-
trol algorithms to be performed in digital devices, such as FPGAs or
microcontrollers.
This section is divided as follows: In the first part the Hardware in the
Loop technique is presented, giving a general description. Thereafter, the
discretization technique of the controllers is presented.

7.2 THE HARDWARE IN THE LOOP

The Hardware in the Loop (HiL) simulation is a technique that
consists of replacing the physical system with its mathematical representa-
tion. The mathematical model is simulated in a real-time simulator where
the measurements of the system are converted into physical signals that
are sent towards the hardware device to be tested.
This technique presents the benefit of running tests that could be dan-
gerous for the plant and gives the possibility of studying systems before
developing a real one, in order to evaluate possible errors and find some
changes to improve the quality of the overall system.
In the Electrical Power System the HiL can be used, as an example,
for testing digital controllers, the integration of Distributed Generators
on the grid and monitoring platforms.

Modern Control of DC-Based Power Systems. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-813220-3.00007-7 All rights reserved. 249