UNSW Sydney's Real-Time Simulations Laboratory (RTS@UNSW): Supporting Power Electronics Defined Power Systems, Down Under

Abstract

Real-time simulations (RTS) and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing are becoming increasingly vital to the power industry in order to support the pace of the ongoing energy transition. Such methods enable the optimization of power systems and validation of solutions, applications and components under realistic operational conditions while minimizing associated risks. The Real-Time Simulations Laboratory at The University of New South Wales, in Sydney Australia (RTS@UNSW) is a dedicated research facility built with a focus on enabling and advancing the use of RTS and HiL in Australia. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art simulators and testing equipment supporting integration of power electronics at scale and the development and deployment of power electronics defined power systems. This paper will provide a brief introduction to the Australian context related to the energy transition, an overview of the available facilities, and some of the key research and industry-related projects that it supports.

Keywords

• Co-simulation
• engineering education
• hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing
• large-scale modeling
• rapid control prototyping (RCP)
• real-time digital simulation (RTS)