Yvon Besanger

Van Hoa Nguyen, Yvon Besanger, Quoc Tuan Tran et al.

Composed of a large variety of technologies and applications with unprecedented complexity, the smart grid, as a cyber-physical energy system, needs careful investigation of the interactions between the various domains involved, especially the coupling between the power and information systems. In this paper, two modern ways of modeling and simulating complex cyber-physical energy systems are considered: Co-simulation and Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop experiments. An analysis of these two approaches shows that a complementary and joint setup with realistic behaviors of hardware equipment under a variety of complex environments, co-simulated by several simulators from different domains, create a complete and high performance environment to achieve a holistic approach for smart grid validation and roll out. In the scope of coupling these two techniques, major technical challenges are identified and advanced solutions are outlined.

Van Hoa Nguyen, Yvon Besanger, Quoc Tuan Tran et al.

The integration of distributed renewable energy sources and the multi-domain behaviours inside the cyber-physical energy system (smart grids) draws up major challenges. Their validation and roll out requires careful assessment, in term of modelling, simulation and testing. The traditional approach focusing on a particular object, actual hardware or a detailed model, while drastically simplifying the remainder of the system under test, is no longer sufficient. Real-time simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) techniques emerge as indispensable tools for validating the behaviour of renewable sources as well as their impact/interaction to with the cyber-physical energy system. This paper aims to provide an overview of the present status-quo of real-time and HIL approaches used for smart grids and their readiness for cyber-physical experiments. We investigate the current limitations of HIL techniques and point out necessary future developments. Subsequently, the paper highlights challenges that need specific attention as well as ongoing actions and further research directions.

Van Hoa Nguyen, Quoc Tuan Tran, Yvon Besanger et al.

Strong digitalization and shifting from unidirectional to bidirectional topology have transformed the electrical grid into a cyber-physical energy system, i.e. smart grid, with strong interdependency among various domains. It is mandatory to develop a comprehensive and holistic validation approach for such large scale system. However, a single research infrastructure may not have sufficient expertise and equipment for such test, without huge or eventually unfeasible investment. In this paper, we propose another adequate approach: connecting existing and established infrastructures with complementary specialization and facilities into a cross-infrastructure holistic experiment. The proposition enables testing of CPES assessment research in near real-world scenario without significant investment while efficiently exploiting the existing infrastructures. Hybrid cloud based architecture is considered as the support for such setup and the design of cross-infrastructure experiment is also covered.

Minh Tri Le, Van Hoa Nguyen, Quoc Tuan Tran et al.

With high penetration of distributed renewable energy resources along with sophisticated automation and information technology, cyber-physical energy systems (CPES, i.e. Smart Grids here) requires a holistic approach to evaluate the integration at a system level, addressing all relevant domains. Hybrid cloud SCADA (Supervisory, Control And Data Acquisition), allowing laboratories to be linked in a consistent infrastructure can provide the support for such multi-platform experiments. This paper presents the procedure to implement a CIM (Common Information Model) compliant hybrid cloud SCADA, with database and client adaptive to change in system topology, as well as CIM library update. This innovative way ensures interoperability among the partner platforms and provides support to multi-platform holistic approach for CPES assessment.