Compositional Models for Power Systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a categorical framework for managing and reasoning about multiple models of distributed energy resources in power grids, facilitating integration and implementation of power distribution solutions.

Contribution

It presents a novel methodology using categorical databases and symmetric monoidal categories for specifying and managing models of DERs in smart grids.

Findings

A categorical approach enables effective model management in power systems.

The framework connects high-level specifications with numerical solvers.

It supports reasoning about power distribution with multiple overlapping models.

Abstract

The problem of integrating multiple overlapping models and data is pervasive in engineering, though often implicit. We consider this issue of model management in the context of the electrical power grid as it transitions towards a modern 'Smart Grid.' We present a methodology for specifying, managing, and reasoning within multiple models of distributed energy resources (DERs), entities which produce, consume, or store power, using categorical databases and symmetric monoidal categories. Considering the problem of distributing power on the grid in the presence of DERs, we show how to connect a generic problem specification with implementation-specific numerical solvers using the paradigm of categorical databases.