Connectivity

Connection between the host computer and the OPAL-RT simulator

The host computer and the OPAL-RT simulator (i.e., target) can be linked in several different ways as shown in Figure 3.2.

Figure 3.2.- Connection configurations between OP5600/OP4510/OP7000 real-time simulators and host computers.

LAN Connection: In this configuration, the host computer communicates with the OPAL-RT simulator through a Local Area Network (LAN). This connection allows the host computer to locally/remotely manage/have access to more than one real-time simulator connected to the LAN. Conversely, multiple host computers running RT-LAB can access a simulator through this configuration (Figure 3.2.a).

Network switch connection: The simulator target and the host computer can be connected to the same physical network switch, which in turn does not need to be connected to a LAN (Figure 3.2.b).

Direct connection through Ethernet interface: If there is no need to access the real-time simulator from multiple terminals or if simply neither a LAN nor a network switch is available, users can directly connect the host computer and the simulator through an Ethernet adapter (Figure 3.2.c). A standard Ethernet cable suffices if the host’s Ethernet adapter supports Auto-MDIX (Auto-Medium Dependent Interface Crossover), which is the case for most modern Users, they are advised to verify the system documentation. In case the adapter does not support Auto-MDIX or if the user is not sure, an Ethernet cross-over cable must be used (Auto-MDIX will also support a crossover cable). Further instructions on the configuration of the host computer are covered in Appendix 3: Direct Ethernet connection between the OPAL-RT simulator and a host computer.

LAN/Network switch connection

The LAN and Network Switch connections are recommended since they do not require any special configuration of the network adapter. If the host Ethernet adapter is configured to obtain an IP address automatically it will be capable of detecting a simulator connected to the same switch/LAN.

For both these configurations, connect the OPAL-RT simulator’s Ethernet port to a network switch. The network switch in turn is linked to the host PC or the LAN where the intended host is connected, as exemplified in Figure 3.3.

Control connections between OPAL-RT’s hardware and FESTO’s 8540 dynamometer

Two control links are necessary between OPAL-RT’s hardware (comprising the OPAL-RT simulator and the OP8660 module) and the 8540 dynamometer: one is the serial asynchronous communication link and the other is the ABZ encoder link.

Serial Asynchronous link between the OPAL-RT simulator and the 8540 dynamometer’s A-800 inverter.

FESTO’s 8540 dynamometer is based on Mitsubishi’s A-800 frequency inverter. Configuration and control of Mitsubishi’s A-800 can be conveniently performed through a serial interface. The RCP-EC2K kit includes a special DB9 to RJ-45 serial cable (part number 88362) that performs a built-in conversion from serial RS- 232 communication standard (in the Opal-RT simulator) to RS-485 communication standard (in the A-800 driver). To communicate the OP5600/OP4510/OP7000 simulator to the A-800 inverter, start by removing the FR-DU07 control module from A-800’s front panel so that the RJ-45 serial jack is accessible, as shown in Figure 3.4.a. Next, connect the RJ-45 and DB-9 plugs of the 88362 cable to their corresponding jacks in the A-800 inverter and the OPAL-RT simulator as exemplified in Figure 3.4.b with an OP5600 simulator.

ABZ encoder link between the OP8660 and the 8540 dynamometer

OPAL-RT’s conditioning module OP8660 provides inputs for two ABZ encoders which are ultimately accessible to the OPAL-RT simulator via a set of digital inputs. In turn, FESTO’s 8540 dynamometer includes a 1024-pulses-per-revolution ABZ encoder output that can be used for control purposes to establish the position/speed/acceleration of the dynamometer itself and any machine coupled to its shaft (i.e., the 8505 WRIM). Connection between the 8540 dynamometer’s encoder output and OP8660’s encoder input is straightforward using the provided cable, as shown in Figure 3.5.

Control connections between OPAL-RT’s hardware and FESTO’s 8857 inverter

OPAL-RT’s OP8660 module provides two 6-pulse inverter outputs that can control FESTO’s 8857 IGBT inverters. The voltage levels of the inverter outputs are specifically conditioned to directly drive the 8857 inverter. Connection between the OP8660 and the 8857 inverter is straightforward: employ the provided DB9 cables to connect the selected OP8660 inverter output to the corresponding inverter input in the 8857 inverter, as shown in Figure 3.6.

Power connections

OP5600/OP4510/OP7000 and OP8660

Make sure to connect both the OPAL-RT simulator and the OP8660 to a 120/208 AC power outlet. The back of the OP8660 displays a set of 4 LEDs indicating that all the DC levels (+5, +12, and ±15 V) required for the correct operation of the OP8660 are working properly.

FESTO’s 8857 inverter modules

FESTO’s 8857 inverter modules need to be connected to a 24 [V] AC source to supply the power for the control logic and IGBT switching. The power inputs of the 8857 modules can be daisy-chained to be connected to the 24[V] AC power output in FESTO’s 8525 power source module, as shown in Figure 3.7.

FESTO’s 8525 power source

Make sure to connect FESTO’s 8525 power source to a suitable 120/208 AC power outlet. The RCP-EC2K kit includes FESTO’s 8895 power splitter which can split a single incoming three-phase power circuit into two circuits. The rating of the 8895 splitter allows the connection of both the 8525 power source and the 8540 dynamometer.