Existing Capabilities and Anticipated Challenges of Power System Modelling

Power system modelling is used by all of the network companies, the System Operator (SO), Transmission Owners (TOs) and Distribution Network Owners/Operators (DNOs), to plan and operate their networks.

The principal aims of this paper are to describe the current capabilities of the Great Britain (GB) network companies in the field of power system modelling, and identify known and anticipated challenges as the operational philosophy of networks evolve and the landscape of the power industry is drastically altered out to 2030.

The current position of the GB network operators is presented initially, which highlights differences in the modelling tools used by network operators for planning purposes. This is not perceived as a disadvantage; rather it is encouraging innovation with network operators undertaking new projects in a wide range of modelling aspects and tools.

Operationally, there is alignment through the DNO companies whereby the majority use the same distribution management software however each system is customised to DNO preferences and requirements. The modelling tools used by the TOs for planning are becoming more aligned owing to the need to share data more frequently.