Real-time iterative validation of system integrity protection scheme architecture

System Integrity Protection Schemes (SIPS) enhance grid stability by preventing cascading failures from contingencies like equipment loss or overloading. The complexity of modern power systems demands SIPS to operate within Wide Area Protection schemes, coordinating with multiple substations and control stations. However, traditional testing methods fail to holistically validate SIPS, often neglecting coordination and communication between protection equipment, sensors and actuators. This research presents a comprehensive iterative validation methodology for SIPS, suited to diverse architectures and communication technologies. It focuses on iterative test setup development, enabling continuous refinement of experiments based on test results, assumptions and limitations to achieve the appropriate level of fidelity. This validation methodology is demonstrated through a real-time Controller-Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation of a centralised SIPS architecture using IEC 61850 GOOSE messages, as implemented on a transmission network with an offshore wind farm. The grid was modelled in DIgSILENT PowerFactory and three contingencies were simulated in real-time using OPAL-RT ePHASORSIM. The central SIPS Intelligent Electronic Device was emulated on both an OPAL-RT simulator and a Beckhoff PLC. Results show the deterministic temporal performance of the SIPS with a precision of 0.1 ms on both devices, thereby confirming the architecture’s feasibility for field deployment.