Interfacing PowerFactory: Co-simulation, Real-Time Simulation and Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop Applications

Abstract

Various possibilities exist to interface the power system model and simulation engine of PowerFactory. These interfaces open applications for co-simulation, real-time simulation for controller hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) set-ups or automation and control of simulation. This chapter gives a comprehensive overview of the various interfaces PowerFactory provides—namely to MATLAB, external C++ functions, OPC, RCOM, API and DGS—as well as typical applications for their use. An example for connecting to an external controller for automated voltage control of an on load tap changer using common TCP/IP connections is elaborated in detail.