Development of new approaches for improved stability and robust ness of PHIL simulations (DevA_PHIL)

The report, titled "The Development of New Approaches for Improved Stability and Robustness 
of PHIL Simulations," presents the findings of the DevA-PHIL project during the laboratory 
visits by the JRC team to the RSE (Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico) laboratory in Milan. This 
project aimed to enhance real-time simulations, particularly those involving Power Hardware
in-The-Loop (PHIL) setup, which is essential within the European ERIGrid 2.0 project. 
The primary objective was to study the behaviour of complex power systems through real-time 
simulations, addressing operational challenges posed by the rise of renewable energy 
sources. The project focused on conducting delay analysis, characterizing harmonic spec
trums, developing transfer functions for real systems, and validating models to assess PHIL 
simulations' sensitivity to delays and disturbances. 
The report highlights the importance of these simulations in the backdrop of the EU's decar
bonization targets, which require enhanced operational capabilities in the electricity network. 
PHIL and CHIL simulations represent an asset for testing new technologies and predicting their 
real-world performance. This collaborative effort included experiments to address PHIL setups' 
stability and accuracy, involving delay analysis, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis, and 
developing transfer functions. 
The experimentation provided crucial insights into time delays affecting PHIL simulations, in
fluenced by the simulator and the hardware. By refining loop delays, the project achieved en
hanced reliability, a critical advancement for efficiently deploying new energy strategies. The 
significant reduction of time delays and development of reliable mathematical models improved 
system stability and sensitivity assessment. Accurate transfer functions ensured reliable sys
tem behaviour representation and the use of low-pass filters has been considered crucial for 
more robust energy systems. 
In conclusion, the project underscores the critical role of PHIL and real-time digital simulations 
in the EU's decarbonization efforts. The ERIGrid 2.0 programme collaboration achieved signif
icant progress in managing the variability introduced by renewable energy sources in electricity 
systems. As scenarios grow more complex, ongoing research in PHIL simulations is vital for 
developing resilient and efficient energy solutions.  
Ultimately, precise PHIL simulations can significantly influence the successful integration of 
renewable energy sources into the grid, crucial for Europe's energy transition. Continued ex
ploration will deepen understanding and improve PHIL technique applications.