Dynamic control validation of the power generation system of an offshore platform through real-time digital simulation

The dynamic control of the power generation system is one of the most important elements in an offshore platform, since it is responsible for maintaining the electrical system stability both in steady‐state and transient operation, thus avoiding the complete loss of power supply and, consequently, large economic losses. In this regard, the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) becomes an important tool, as it allows to simulate the generation system dynamic in real-time with the possibility of testing actual control and protection devices, through a hardware-in-the-loop scheme. Typically, offline simulation studies of the generator dynamic control are carried out with limited information from manufacturers, which leads to the use of typical data for models and, therefore, the obtention of unreliable responses. However, to obtain a realistic behavior of the electrical system dynamic in the RTDS, an accurate representation of its models is necessary. In this sense, this paper presents the dynamic control validation process of the power generation system of an oil extraction platform in the RTDS, through the use of field data, such as actual regulators' parameters and field tests records. Several simulations of transient phenomena were carried out and the dynamic responses of speed and voltage regulators were analyzed. Comparative analysis between field and laboratory test results demonstrates the validation of the simulation model developed in the RTDS.