Simulation-based Validation of Smart Grids - Status Quo and Future Research Trends

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current state and future research directions of simulation-based validation methods for smart grids, emphasizing their importance in complex, cyber-physical energy systems with renewable integration.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of existing simulation approaches and identifies key future research trends in smart grid validation methods.

Findings

Simulation-based validation is increasingly vital for smart grid development.

Current approaches support system development and deployment.

Future research should focus on enhancing simulation accuracy and scalability.

Abstract

Smart grid systems are characterized by high complexity due to interactions between a traditional passive network and active power electronic components, coupled using communication links. Additionally, automation and information technology plays an important role in order to operate and optimize such cyber-physical energy systems with a high(er) penetration of fluctuating renewable generation and controllable loads. As a result of these developments the validation on the system level becomes much more important during the whole engineering and deployment process, today. In earlier development stages and for larger system configurations laboratory-based testing is not always an option. Due to recent developments, simulation-based approaches are now an appropriate tool to support the development, implementation, and roll-out of smart grid solutions. This paper discusses the current state of simulation-based approaches and outlines the necessary future research and development directions in the domain of power and energy systems.