Smart grids are complex electrical systems made up of power devices and communication systems that interact with each other, both locally through measures and generally through the exchange of information on communication networks. In this article, the simulation of a smart grid including the emulation of the communication network behavior together with the physical hardware devices is proposed using Hardware-in-the-Loop methodology. The original aspect of the technique is related to the fact that the models are generated in a tool that is independent of the real-time simulator using a model-based design approach, then the code is generated and deployed in a real-time simulator coupled with hardware devices such as low voltage protection units. The proposed framework is used to test the protection coordination that employs the IEC-61850 communication protocol. A test case is shown demonstrating the coordination of switches and the emulation of the PV system in Hardware-in-the-Loop, focusing on the implementation of the interface algorithm over Ethernet using the UDP communication protocol.

The problem of estimating the parameters of induction motor models is considered, using the data measured by a circuit breaker equipped with industrial sensors. The breaker acquires three-phase stator voltage and current derivative, which are used to formulate an optimization-based identification problem. This setup is novel with respect to the literature, where voltage and current are used. Several algorithmic aspects and improvements are discussed. The presented experimental results indicate that the circuit breaker is able to accurately estimate the machine parameters. The identified motor models can then be used for several applications within a smart grid scenario.

IEC61850 is commonly used in substations and in Medium Voltage distribution. Its advantages include interoperability among vendors, data standardization and possibility of computer-assisted protection system design. This paper shows that such advantages can be extended to Low Voltage if circuit breakers with embedded IEC61850 interface are used: an architecture for MV/LV substations based on such a concept is presentedalong with results of tests of relevant IEC61850 features, namely logic selectivity, breaker failure protection and real-time diagnostics.