Due to the size and complexity of electrical power systems, experimental investigations in laboratory environments and, in particular, in the field are only possible to a limited extent. Direct interventions in the public power grid are generally not feasible due to the stringent requirements for maintaining a secure and reliable electricity supply.
In this context, real-time simulation provides a powerful means of investigating the behaviour of electrical power systems under realistic operating conditions. For this purpose, physical devices and equipment are coupled to a virtual power grid simulated in real time via suitable interfaces, measurement systems, and power amplifiers. This approach allows the interactions between real-world components and the simulated power grid to be investigated without posing risks to the operation of the actual electricity network.
The research area covers both Control Hardware-in-the-Loop (C-HIL) and Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (P-HIL) approaches. The main research topics include power system stability, protection systems, power system operation and control, and power quality. In addition, innovative control strategies, algorithms, and AI-based assistance systems are developed, implemented, and tested under realistic operating conditions.