Innovations in Teaching Energy Systems Utilizing an Integrated Simulation with Hardware in the Loop

This paper presents the latest efforts by the authors in the development of integrated drive simulation environment. Furthermore, we will present the utilization of these research developments into the classroom and how it can be integrated into lectures. We want to help students acquire the knowledge related to actual operations of integrated power systems, for example, the physical behavior of various electrical components, interactions of the individual components with each other during dynamic operations. We could also show component reactions to changes in system parameters or operational conditions as well as study the effects of design changes. The development of physical component modeling and the integrated coupling of these realistic physical modeling with the over all system have led to the creation of realistic practical system that is capable of simulating dynamic operations. This environment also includes hardware-in-the-loop ability along with distributed simulation in order to achieve research innovations in addition to the associated education benefits.