Demystifying Black-Box Controller Integration for Inverter-Based Resource Interconnection

important yet often misunderstood aspects of inverter-based resource (IBR) integration: OEM-protected black-box controller modeling. With growing penetration of solar, wind, and battery storage, accurately representing inverter controls is essential to avoid commissioning delays, reduce simulation uncertainty, and ensure safe grid operation. Participants will learn how black-box controllers can significantly enhance model fidelity and how OPAL-RT’s HYPERSIM platform enables seamless integration of Simulink-, C++, and FORTRAN-based black-box models. The session also includes practical workflows and a short demonstration. 🎯 Learning Objectives Understand what black-box controllers are and why OEMs rely on them Learn how black-box integration improves inverter behavior prediction in EMT and real-time simulations Explore integration workflows for Simulink, C++, and FORTRAN-based models within HYPERSIM Identify common challenges in IBR model validation, interoperability, and commissioning Gain practical insights through a real-time demonstration of black-box controller integration 👤 Ideal For Power system engineers, renewable developers, utilities, EPC firms, OEM engineers, grid planners, and professionals involved in modeling, simulation, and interconnection of inverter-based resources. 👨‍🏫 About the Presenters Aditya Ashok (Director – Energy Systems USA, OPAL-RT) Aditya Ashok leads the Energy Systems division at OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES in the United States. He oversees teams specializing in modeling, simulation, and advanced power system studies, while also guiding collaborative R&D initiatives with national labs, universities, utilities, and industry partners. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and previously served as a senior research engineer and team leader at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Zerui Dong (Power Electronics Simulation Specialist, OPAL-RT) Zerui Dong is a Power Electronics Simulation Specialist at OPAL-RT TECHNOLOGIES in Wheat Ridge, CO. His work spans FPGA- and CPU-based real-time simulation, HIL experimentation, and advanced renewable energy modeling. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University, where he also served as a Postdoctoral Fellow before joining OPAL-RT. ✨ Join ElectroMentors for this free webinar and gain practical, industry-ready knowledge on enhancing IBR interconnection studies with accurate black-box controller integration.