PSERC Project T-61
Optimal Model Coordination for Integrated Transmission and Distribution Systems
Project Team:
Wichita State University
Dr. Visvakuamr Aravinthan
Dr. Ward Jewell
Mr. Arun Manoharan (Ph.D. Student)
Ms. Sandhya Nadipalli (Ph.D. Student)
Cornell University
Dr. Lindsay Anderson
Smith College
Dr. Judith Cardell
Project Summary: distribution system, traditional models for T&D networks may not be satisfactory.
Historically, distribution and transmission have been loosely coupled because the
majority of energy resources were interconnected at the transmission system level.
The emerging changes to distribution systems are driving the industry to consider
modeling greater detail of the distribution system, and potentially co-simulation
between transmission and distribution models. The challenge is determining how much
of the distribution system needs to be modeled and whether all three phases (with
unbalance) need to be included in the models. The goal is to provide planners with
sufficient data to form an accurate view of the system with increasing penetrations
of DER.
This project will identify the necessary details that are required to provide a reasonably
accurate picture of future T&D systems. The following questions will be addressed
in this work: (a) With more generation at the distribution level, do all, or only
a subset, of distribution feeders need to be modeled? (b) How effective are composite
load models, as increasing levels of DER are connected? (c) What is the incremental
value of co-simulation? (d) To what extent can existing proprietary
applications such as GE PSLF and Cyme be used to support future needs? Separate models
for transmission that include critical amount of information of
distribution, and for distribution that include relevant transmission characteristics,
in place of a fully combined model will be investigated. Existing models will be
evaluated, and new models will be developed as needed, by comparing with traditional
separated T&D framework and a fully combined T&D co-simulation.