CICL Tools

CICL’s Real-time Co-Simulation Runtime Example

The CICL’S VELP uses Real-time Digital Simulator (RTDS) and Novacor simulator integrated with real-field devices and systems such as protection relays and merging units. The platform uses processing and networking cards such as PB5 to run power flow, GTNetX2 to support communication protocol, GTFPGA to generate Sampled Value Streams, GTSynch for synchronization, GTDO/DI to support digital inputs/outputs, and GTAO/GTIO to support analog inputs/outputs.

To gain access to, or work with this platform, please contact Dr. Moein Manbachi.

CICL’s Human Machine Interface Platform

The platform in CICL employs two real-time HMI systems for monitoring and control; an industrial HMI from Siemens and one real-time monitoring platform created in the runtime. The HMI system includes one HMI PC and another PC for backup. Both runtime and industrial HMI platform could provide trainees the opportunity to observe how data can be received from different components, how control commands can be sent to the field devices and how the whole critical energy infrastructure can be monitored.

CICL has had the opportunity to be the host lab for several BCIT courses such as ELEX 3404 and INCS 2210 and so far has served more than 250 students. Through its various ready modules as well as the VELP, the lab is able to host webinars, online or in-person workshops, training sessions and courses in microgrid operation and control, substation automation systems, power system protection, and control, critical infrastructure cybersecurity, virtualization of critical energy infrastructures, and IEC 61850 standard.
VELP’s architecture to run individual-based training modules

SIPROTEC Digital Twin for CICL’s VELP

The CICL platform uses SIPROTEC digital twins regarding protection and automation studies. Upon request and approval, trainees will receive the appropriate username and password to log in to this app.

• Request access
• Login to Spirotec digital twins app

The CICL’s VELP uses SIPROTEC Dashboard and SICAM Navigator applications from Mindsphere platform to monitor its modeled systems and gather data for further analysis. Upon request and approval, trainees will receive the appropriate username and password to log in to this app.

• Request access
• Login to these cloud applications

DEOP Tool for CICL’s VELP

The CICL’s VELP uses Distributed Energy Optimizer (DEOP) for microgrid monitoring, control, and analysis purposes. Upon request and approval, trainees will receive the appropriate username and password to log in to this app.

• Request access

Claroty Platform for CICL’s VELP

To keep the whole system cybersecure and to train users on advanced threat detection techniques, CICL’s VELP uses Claroty CTD and EMS solutions. Upon request and approval, trainees will receive the appropriate username and password to log in to these cybersecurity threat detection and enterprise management systems.

• Request access

The lab uses the Generic Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) for the optimization of critical energy infrastructure problems in operation, planning, resource allocation, integration, and generation expansion, maintenance, reliability and resiliency. You can download GAMS here.

Upon request and approval, trainees will receive the proper license to use this software.

• Request access

To study critical energy infrastructure environmental impacts, planning, monitoring, and implementation, CICL uses RETScreen software from the Government of Canada. You can download RETScreen here.

Upon request and approval, trainees will receive the proper license to use this software.

• Request access