LABSEF can be described as a digital version of tomorrow’s power system. The laboratory creates
and tests complex phenomena from start to finish, based on the interoperability of innovation
projects between the CRHQ’s facilities and a virtual power grid.
In this energy system, the condition of assets, customer habits and grid status are monitored in
real time. The laboratory’s activities are aimed to help improve the planning, operation and
self-resiliency of Hydro-Québec’s grid.
LCCT is outfitted with experimental infrastructure used to design and validate new cybersecurity
solutions for the power grid.
It is also equipped with telecommunications and power co-simulation platforms, emulation
environments and data-processing platforms that rely on artificial intelligence tools. LCCT’s
experimental environment helps model cyberthreats and analyzes their impact and mitigation
measures.
The distribution test line is unique in North America. It covers almost a square kilometre and
has a complete 25-kV distribution system with overhead and underground components. The test line
is linked by various communication technologies to wind and solar facilities, and to battery
storage systems.
The system is connected to a distribution substation equipped with an independent transformer
that allows for different types of tests.
Wide-scale integration of renewable energy sources in the context of energy transition requires
adaptable, high-performance simulation tools. The goal is to conduct studies and tests on
increasingly complex and sophisticated systems.
Since the early 1980s, Hydro-Québec has operated a real-time power system simulation laboratory
at IREQ. The laboratory is fully digital and runs Hypersim, a real-time and deferred digital
simulation technology for power grids.
Hypersim simulates large, complex systems by integrating generation, transmission and
distribution as well. It uses a parallel architecture and runs on the computing power of
supercomputers. It basically consists of three software components: a power system modeling and
simulation environment; an application for acquiring, processing and analysing results; and a tool
for test scheduling and automation.
Hypersim can be connected to various types of external equipment to create a closed-loop system
(called “hardware in the loop” or HIL): replicas of control systems, interconnection protection
systems, compensation systems, a flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) or
automated control systems.
Since several testing areas can be operated simultaneously, various projects can be carried out
in parallel, including real-time system studies, equipment commissioning and the development or
optimization of system automation algorithms (new controls or protection).
The SimP power simulator is a new generation of research and testing infrastructure for creating
experimental transmission and distribution systems.
Part of these systems is real and consists of actual distribution equipment and decentralized
energy resources (RED). The other part is virtual and simulated. This infrastructure is used to
develop, test and validate the technologies of future systems.
The complete infrastructure results from the connection of IREQ’s electricity distribution test
line to the Hypersim real-time electricity transmission systems digital simulator.
These two generating stations, which supply 9.5 MW, have several objectives:
- Increase Hydro-Québec’s expertise in solar generation to complement other generation sources
- Assess centralized generation of photovoltaic solar energy in Québec and build on
Hydro-Québec’s knowledge of its effects on the power grid and on the management of its
generating fleet
- Determine which photovoltaic technology is best suited to Québec’s specific conditions and to
Hydro-Québec’s grid
Learn more about the photovoltaic
solar generating stations at La Citière and IREQ
The PoNT laboratory is dedicated to digitizing transmission substations for
pre-deployment operational tests of an actual transmission substation. This platform provides a
better understanding of how an actual facility performs in different situations and helps to carry
out tests in a virtual environment in order to limit the risks for real facilities.
This laboratory also provides an excellent setting for validating new concepts and determining
which technologies should be the focus of the future.
The mission of the digital production laboratory is to develop and validate standardized digital
technological solutions that will upgrade monitoring, protection and control systems that have
become obsolete.
The work carried out in this laboratory aids in:
- mastering new technologies (understanding how they work and assessing their maturity)
- helping to determine which technologies to implement and to what extent
- reducing the risks associated with new technologies
- accelerating commissioning