Tools for modelling and simulating the Smart Grid

TL;DR

This paper reviews various modelling and simulation tools for the Smart Grid, highlighting their features and how they support analysis of complex cyber-physical energy systems.

Contribution

It compiles and delineates available M&S tools for Smart Grid power systems and ICT, providing insights into their features and combinations.

Findings

Provides a comprehensive list of M&S tools for SG.

Highlights major features and evolution of tools over the years.

Assists modellers in selecting appropriate tools for SG analysis.

Abstract

The Smart Grid (SG) is a Cyber-Physical System (CPS) considered a critical infrastructure divided into cyber (software) and physical (hardware) counterparts that complement each other. It is responsible for timely power provision wrapped by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for handling bi-directional energy flows in electric power grids. Enacting control and performance over the massive infrastructure of the SG requires convenient analysis methods. Modelling and simulation (M&S) is a performance evaluation technique used to study virtually any system by testing designs and artificially creating 'what-if' scenarios for system reasoning and advanced analysis. M&S avoids stressing the actual physical infrastructure and systems in production by addressing the problem in a purely computational perspective. Present work compiles a non-exhaustive list of tools for M&S of interest when tackling SG capabilities. Our contribution is to delineate available options for modellers when considering power systems in combination with ICT. We also show the auxiliary tools and details of most relevant solutions pointing out major features and combinations over the years.