Automated Initialization of Large-Scale Real-Time EMT Simulation Studies using Measured Data

The increasing presence of high-bandwidth inverter-based resources, FACTS devices, and other components with fast dynamic characteristics requires more robust simulation methods to accurately capture the interactions of these components with more traditional power system components and their effects on the behavior of the bulk system. Many phenomena cannot be modeled with positive sequence programs alone, such as transformer saturation and power electronic device switching. Real-time electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation architectures provide the potential to capture these dynamics in interactive, large-scale simulation models; however, developing, validating, and initializing new models for each individual study can be prohibitively time-consuming. This paper outlines the development of a reusable, modular large-scale, real-time EMT simulation model of Dominion Energy Virginia’s transmission system that can facilitate quick, iterable execution of transmission planning and training studies using architecture from RTDS Technologies. This work also outlines the development of an automated pipeline to initialize this model using data measured from the energy management system (EMS). The efficacy of these tools is demonstrated in a case study of the synchronization of two stable, isolated islands during system restoration.