Presenter: Dr. Ritula Thakur

Host: Kimberly Borini

Agenda: The increasing complexity of modern engineering systems such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, microgrids, and smart power converters requires advanced testing and validation techniques before field deployment. Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation has emerged as a powerful methodology that enables real-time interaction between physical hardware and high-fidelity simulation models.
HIL allows engineers to test controllers and embedded systems under realistic operating conditions without the risks, cost, and time associated with full-scale hardware prototypes. By integrating real-time simulators with physical control hardware, HIL provides a safe and flexible environment for rapid prototyping, validation of control algorithms, and system-level performance evaluation.
This tutorial will introduce the principles of real-time simulation and HIL architectures, including Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) and Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL). The session will discuss practical implementation aspects such as model development, real-time execution constraints, interfacing techniques, and system stability considerations. Demonstrative examples from power electronics, electric drives, electric vehicle powertrains, and microgrid systems will be presented using model-based design and Typhoon HIL, a real-time platform.
The tutorial is intended for researchers, graduate students, and practicing engineers interested in adopting HIL techniques for rapid control prototyping and validation of advanced energy and control systems.