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Developing a general and stable numerical interface for power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) applications is a major challenge. This paper proposes a stable, robust and precise implementation of a multi-time-step interface for a PHIL simulator based on the Bergeron transmission line model (BTLM). Two limitations of the transmission-line-based interface were identified, and remedial strategies were formulated in order to ensure that the interface was compatible with the PHIL application. Stability and passivity analyses were then conducted on the resulting interface to verify its performance. The proposed interface was implemented in an experimental 3-kVA PHIL setup, using a custom-made switching power amplifier (PA). Multiple tests were performed in order to demonstrate the stability and accuracy of the closed-loop system under a wide range of operating conditions and with various devices under test (DUTs). Experimental results were obtained from islanding tests involving different simulated load configurations and solar inverter responses to network disturbance while operating in a closed-loop configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study establishes a new basis for understanding the stability of power hardware‐in‐the‐loop (PHIL) systems considering their hybrid (analogue/digital) nature. Such systems are known to have closed‐loop stability issues due to delays between the simulator and the power amplifier (PA). This work demonstrates that the conventional method for determining the stability criterion, which considers the system as a continuous model, is not appropriate. A new method of assessing the stability of a PHIL system based on discrete‐time impedance frequency responses is thus presented. Hydro‐Québec's Research Institute will use this innovative approach for the development of its own PHIL system, which will involve connecting the institute's real‐life experimental distribution test line to its large‐scale real‐time digital simulator through a 25‐kV, 10‐MVA PA. The validity of the new method is demonstrated for simulation models of a well‐known inductive system and of a distribution feeder connected to a large‐scale power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]