Intelligent Electronic Device-in-the-Loop: A Real-Time Simulation as Modern Educational Aid

Abstract

Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) have a crucial role in modern power systems. These IEDs can enhance power systems by providing up-to-date information to operators and ensuring proper operations of power system components. However, incorrect configuration settings in IEDs can trigger malfunctions, such as unintended circuit breaker trips, leading to cascading failures, widespread outages, and reduced power system reliability. Therefore, before deploying IEDs in an actual power system, it is essential to validate their settings to prevent potential catastrophic incidents. To ensure an effective testing environment for modern IEDs, it demands not only technical proficiency but also a thorough understanding of the underlying principles governing their operation. Accordingly, many power engineers have to undergo specialised training provided by companies and vendors to acquire the requisite skills and knowledge for their roles. However, in educational institutions, equipping future power engineers with the necessary knowledge and skills for testing IEDs has remained challenges. These difficulties stem from the need for specialised, often costly equipment, along with a flexible academic environment that accommodates both in-person and remote learning. With the support of real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop technologies, these challenges can be addressed by utilising virtual and realistic IED devices, making it easier for learners to gain hands-on experiences in a controlled and safe environment without disrupting actual power supplies or damaging expensive equipment. For this reason, this article introduces the concept of “IED-in-the-loop” as an educational aid to enhance the existing electrical power engineering curriculum. This concept helps students gain a basic understanding of real-world devices through laboratory experiments, paving the way for future power engineers. Furthermore, universities, research institutes, and industry companies can use this aid as an additional training course for their students and employees.

Keywords

• IEDs
• hardware-in-the-loop
• protection relays
• real-time simulation
• relay testing