Power simulator upgrade for smart grid algorithm development and testing

This thesis describes the conversion of WVU\u27s analog power simulator into a micro-grid of the future test bed by installing digital relays and intelligent electronic switches. The simulator is a hardware representation of the grid which contains traditional hardware, both digital and analog as well as the recent addition of highly connected, via Ethernet and potentially wireless communication, smart switching and monitoring devices. These new devices were chosen specifically for their cyber security capability to explore that facet of smart grid development. It is important to note that this simulator is a hardware implementation and as such is capable of testing smart grid ideas in the most realistic setting available without affecting real customers. This simulator also has the potential to have renewable resources like wind and solar as well as fuel cell and battery storage distributed resources tied in to test smart grid adaptability to these next generation ideas.;New digital relays were installed. Micro controller units and energy meter integrated circuits were investigated based on the desire to provide many modes of communication and as much processing power as was available in a small package. Solid state switches were designed and implemented for speed, compactness and reduced power consumption