Hardware in loop quasi-static simulations dedicated to evaluation of on-load tap changer distribution voltage regulators

Abstract

This paper proposes a new approach for evaluating distribution voltage regulators using quasi-static hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation. Distribution voltage regulators are used to control the voltage using tap change transformers and are equipped with static control algorithms in order to accomplish different configurations of the distribution electric grid with typical load profiles. The growing penetration of renewable energy in electrical distribution systems is a great challenge for this equipment and it becomes paramount that its measurement and control algorithms adapt to this new reality. Hardware in loop testing (HIL) techniques could be used for assessing the performance of the voltage regulator equipment. Most applications of HIL are concerned with accessing the dynamics of electrical system including not only grid modelling, but also the real equipment involved and should be used to test the efficiency of voltage regulation. However, a more simplified approach concerning the HIL tool could be applied to testing distribution voltage regulators