Superstep is a new tool allowing users to simulate a large portion of the network with a larger timestep, running together with the main simulation. Superstep offers an alternative approach to using a system equivalent to model a large portion of the network. Superstep provides significantly more detail than a system equivalent: it retains the detail of EMT simulation, allows the user to model the system’s control elements, and represents system frequency deviations. Rather than a multi-domain or hybrid simulation, Superstep is a robust, numerically-stable EMT simulation based on the Dommel Algorithm.
HOW SUPERSTEP WORKS
Use of a larger simulation timestep significantly increases the modelling capabilities of the RTDS Simulator hardware. The user defines the portion of the network they want to run using Superstep by placing those components in a hierarchy box.
- The Superstep hierarchy box runs at a timestep which is an integer multiple of the main simulation timestep — it can be 2x, 3x, 4x, or 5x the main timestep.
- The Superstep network portion runs together with the main simulation on its own core of the NovaCor hardware. The Superstep network solution, power system components, and controls are all simulated together on the same core.
- Multiple Superstep boxes can be run on different cores of a chassis and can be interconnected to one another, or to the main timestep network, using travelling wave transmission lines.
- Each hierarchy box contains hundreds of nodes.
PROVIDING DETAIL
Maintains EMT simulation for the entire network, providing the user with critical detail such as high-frequency transients.
SAVING TIME
Eliminates the complex process of determining where equivalents are appropriate and accurately reducing the network.
REDUCING INVESTMENT
Simulates a larger network with fewer hardware resources, reducing the cost required to represent a large-scale network.
LIMITATIONS AND COMPATIBILITY
For some users, a large area of interest means that their power system must be reduced in order to run in real time on available RTDS Simulator hardware. Typically, this reduction is achieved by representing large portions of the system using equivalent machines or sources. This can significantly affect the behavior of the system. The RTDS Simulator now features two new tools that offer alternatives to the simple network equivalent.
