The Office of Electricity’s (OE) Advanced Grid Modeling program leads research activities to develop robust model-based solutions for the current and future electric power grid that result in new software and analytical toolsets for operators and planners. The program builds capacity and capability within the electric sector to analyze the electricity delivery system using data, advanced mathematical theory, and high-performance computing to assess the current state of the grid, mitigate reliability risks, and understand future needs.
The power system relies upon models to support system operation, planning, and markets. Because the power system is so large and complex, models provide system planners and operators with manageable tools to characterize the past, current, and future system conditions. Grid modeling is a careful balance between getting enough detail in system models and simulations to make decisions while balancing the speed and accuracy of computation. Detailed data about system conditions from new sensing devices has helped researchers better understand how the power grid can evolve to meet 21st Century needs. Making sure grid models fully capture the most important system dynamics from new types of customer loads, grid resources, and topology changes, is critical to improve electric delivery system efficiency, reliability, security and affordability.
Significant advancements in algorithms and computational approaches are needed to improve system models for grid planning and operation. Building and maintaining effective public-private partnerships is vital to our success. In achieving this vision, OE is fostering strategic, university-based power system research capabilities.
Research Capabilities
- New grid models and simulation tools: Developing next-generation mathematical and statistical algorithms to study and manage a modern electrical power grid.
- Electromagnetic transient simulation (EMT): Developing new computational approaches for faster and more detailed EMT models to support better system control and operational studies.
- Quantum computing for Grid Modeling: Exploring the application of quantum technology into electric power systems.
- Advanced Protective Relaying: Advancing protective relaying methods to improve the functional integrity and effectiveness of proactive corrective actions to prevent misoperations and to mitigate power outages when they occur.
- North American Energy Resilience Model (NAERM): Managing and developing the North American Energy Resilience Model, which is a comprehensive modeling system for U.S. energy and communications infrastructure for use by energy system planners, operators, and government stakeholders.