On Modeling Depths of Power Electronic Circuits for Real-Time Simulation – A Comparative Analysis for Power Systems

This paper presents a comparative analysis of modeling depths for power electronic circuits used in real-time simulation of power systems. Three modeling depth levels are defined and analyzed: averaged models, switched models, and detailed switching models including parasitics. The trade-off between simulation fidelity and computational complexity is quantified using metrics such as total harmonic distortion (THD), switching losses, and execution time. Case studies on voltage source converters and DC-DC converters demonstrate the impact of modeling depth on simulation accuracy and real-time feasibility.