Real-time cyber-physical power system testbed for optimal power flow study using co-simulation framework

Today’s power system is transforming into an increasingly complex entity, consisting of numerous components, such as transmission lines, controllable loads, and especially different types of distributed renewable energy sources (DERs). With the growing integration of DERs into the grid, multiple operational challenges arise, including overvoltage, undervoltage, or increased energy losses. Resolving these issues demands the implementation of both advanced and effective control strategies. As the dynamic power system evolves by incorporating new technologies, these control strategies need to consider other different technical aspects, such as communication protocols or real-time considerations. Additionally, the rise of smart metering devices has transformed conventional power systems into cyber-physical power systems (CPPS), which can integrate the advanced control strategies into the cyber layer. Given the operating challenges and the integration of diverse technologies, it is proposed that a CPPS testbed platform constitutes an ideal solution for developing and validating technologies in future smart grids. For this purpose, this paper introduces a co-simulation framework for implementing a CPPS testbed, utilising the real-time simulator, Typhoon HIL, within a laboratory environment. Additionally, it presents a proposed optimal power flow (OPF) control strategy that emphasises two key objectives, minimisation of operating costs and power network loss. The investigation is illustrated by a modified version of IEEE 39-bus test system with the high integration of DERs. The findings indicate that adopting a CPPS testbed can be advantageous for implementing real-time research on monitoring and control in a wide area network.