Effective Test Method of QAB Converter-Based LVDC Distribution System Using Power HIL Simulation Test-bed

Abstract

In this paper, an effective power hardware in-the-loop(PHIL) simulation test-bed is proposed. Using a real-time simulator, the proposed test-bed can simulate an actual low-voltage direct current (LVDC) distribution system. It consists of customer side loads, an energy storage system (ESS), and photovoltaics (PV), The proposed test-bed can provide a test environment similar to a real LVDC grid. In addition, the electrical interaction between the virtual LVDC distribution system and real power converters is possible by using a power amplifier connected to the real-time simulator. Therefore, it enables testing the converter's power control algorithm under various operating conditions such as overloads, PV generation status, ESS charging status, etc. The proposed LVDC test-bed is verified using the real-time simulator of OP5700 manufactured by Opal-RT and a 3-kW quadruple-active-bridge(QAB) converter prototype.