Keynote Title: FPGA-Based EMT Simulation of Data-Centre Power Supply Systems and Large-Scale Stability Assessment of Inverter-Dominated Grids

Abstract: T&D systems are rapidly evolving from networks dominated by synchronous generation and passive loads into highly interconnected systems dominated by power electronic converters. This transformation is driven by the large-scale integration of renewable energy, HVDC transmission, distributed photovoltaic generation, bidirectional EV charging, battery energy storage, and the rapid growth of data centres equipped with local generation, inverter-based UPS systems, and advanced AC/DC and DC/DC power conversion architectures. We discuss usage of FPGA-based EMT simulation for accurate modelling and real-time testing of complex power electronic systems used in both HV grid applications and MV DC power supply systems for data centres. Focus is on multilevel converter topologies, high-frequency solid-state transformers, resonant LLC converters, and other advanced architectures where switching behaviour, modulation strategy, control dynamics, and protection interactions must be represented with very high fidelity. Achieving nanosecond-range simulation time steps for such converters, while interfacing with actual controller hardware under test, remains a major technical challenge. We also address the practical usability of FPGA-based simulation. Tools like OPAL-RT’s eHS enables power electronics specialists, researchers, and students to describe complex converter topologies through an accessible interface and deploy models to FPGA hardware within seconds, rather than requiring long manual FPGA design cycles. This capability is essential for rapid design iteration, controller validation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and education in advanced converter systems. Beyond individual converter validation, the presentation will examine the system-level challenge of assessing the transient stability of grids with large concentrations of inverter-based resources and inverter-based loads, including data centres, distributed energy resources, EV charging infrastructure, microgrids, and HVDC-connected networks. The co-simulation of multiple data-centre power supply systems and distributed energy resources with large AC and HVDC grid models using HYPERSIM for EMT and ePHASORSIM for RMS-domain will be presented as a practical approach for evaluating fault response, converter interactions, power quality, and the ability of inverter-dominated grids and microgrids to return to stable operating conditions after disturbances.