Integrated modeling of the electric grid, communications, and control

• Published in: International journal of energy sector management Vol. 2; no. 3; pp. 420 - 438
• Main Authors: Nutaro, James, Teja Kuruganti, Phani, Shankar, Mallikarjun, Miller, Laurie, Mullen, Sara
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Group Publishing Limited 01.01.2008
• Subjects: Algorithms; Automation; Behavior; Communication; Communication technologies; Communications networks; Computer based modeling; Electric power; Electric power systems; Electricity; Electricity distribution; Modelling; POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION; Simulation; Software; Studies; Communication technologies; Modelling; Simulation; Electricity; Electric power systems
• ISSN: 1750-6220; 1750-6239
• DOI: 10.1108/17506220810892955

Purpose - This paper aims to address a central concern in modeling and simulating electric grids and the information infrastructure that monitors and controls them. The paper discusses the need for and methods to construct simulation models that include important interactions between the physical and computational elements of a large power system.Design methodology approach - The paper offers a particular approach to modeling and simulation of hybrid systems as an enabling technology for analysis (via simulation) of modern electric power grids. The approach, based on the discrete event system specification, integrates existing simulation tools into a unified simulation scheme. The paper demonstrates this approach with an integrated information and electric grid model of a distributed, automatic frequency maintenance activity.Findings - Power grid modernization efforts need powerful modeling and simulation tools for hybrid systems.Research limitations implications - The main limitation of this approach is a lack of advanced simulation tools that support it. Existing commercial offerings are not designed to support integration with other simulation software products. The approach to integrating continuous and discrete event simulation models can overcome this problem by allowing specific tools to focus on continuous or discrete event dynamics. This will require, however, adjustments to the underlying simulation technology.Originality value - This paper demonstrates an approach to simulating complex hybrid systems that can, in principle, be supported by existing simulation tools. It also indicates how existing tools must be modified to support our approach.