Grid-Forming Inverter Validation with P-HIL and RegaLink RT
REGATRON now introduces ACS.RegaLink RT, a new high-speed fibre-optic interface that connects TC.ACS grid simulators directly with leading Real-Time Simulator platforms for advanced Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop (P-HIL) testing and Grid-Forming validation. This new interface addresses the growing need for realistic, high-performance Grid-Forming inverter validation under dynamic grid conditions.
Why Grid-Forming Validation Matters
The rapid growth of renewable energy, battery storage and inverter-based power generation is transforming modern power systems. As conventional synchronous generators are increasingly replaced by power electronic converters, maintaining stable grid operation requires new control strategies and more sophisticated validation methods.
Unlike traditional Grid-Following inverters, Grid-Forming (GFM) inverters actively establish and regulate voltage, frequency and phase angle. This capability allows them to support weak grids, stabilize microgrids and contribute directly to the resilience of future renewable-dominated power systems. These advanced grid-support capabilities must therefore be validated under realistic operating conditions before Grid-Forming inverters are deployed in actual power systems.
Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing for Grid-Forming Validation
Grid-Forming Testing and Validation Requirements
Validating these advanced control functions requires realistic and repeatable testing environments. Engineers must evaluate synchronization behaviour, dynamic stability, frequency support, changing grid impedance conditions and islanding scenarios long before deployment in the field.
P-HIL testing allows these Grid-Forming validation scenarios to be reproduced under controlled and repeatable conditions while the inverter interacts with a dynamically simulated grid.
P-HIL as a Validation Method
Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop (P-HIL, also commonly referred to as PHIL) combines real-time simulation with physical power hardware in a closed-loop test environment. P-HIL testing enables engineers to evaluate the interaction between simulated grid conditions and physical power equipment in real-time. Modern Grid-Forming validation increasingly relies on Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop methodologies. In a typical setup, a Real-Time Simulator executes detailed grid models while programmable power hardware reproduces the electrical environment at full power, creating a realistic closed-loop test platform. Implementing such a P-HIL environment requires power hardware and real-time simulation to interact with low latency and deterministic communication.
REGATRON P-HIL Architecture with TC.ACS, G5 and RegaLink RT
In closed-loop P-HIL testing, low communication latency and deterministic data exchange are essential for maintaining accurate real-time interaction between the simulated grid and the physical power hardware. Together, TC.ACS, G5 power systems and RegaLink RT create a complete P-HIL platform for advanced Grid-Forming validation. This enables engineers to perform highly realistic laboratory testing under safe, repeatable and controlled conditions.
RegaLink RT for Real-Time Simulator Connectivity
Based on the Aurora Protocol, RegaLink RT provides deterministic high-speed communication between TC.ACS systems and leading Real-Time Simulator platforms including OPAL-RT, RTDS, Speedgoat and Typhoon HIL. The digital interface reduces communication latency, eliminates analog signal conversion and simplifies overall system integration.
By combining TC.ACS, G5 and RegaLink RT, engineers gain a powerful foundation for next-generation Grid-Forming validation, enabling the evaluation of synchronization performance, dynamic stability, weak-grid behaviour and interoperability with other grid-connected assets.
Interested in upgrading ACS.RegaLink RT in your HIL environment?
RegaLink RT is available as a retrofit solution for existing TC.ACS systems. Contact our team to discuss compatibility, integration and upgrade options for your setup.
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