Open Source GridLAB-D, Next generation Grid Simulator.
Author Naresh
GridLAB-D is going to give tough competition to Leading power system CAD tools like Matlab simulator 'Simulink', PSCAD, E-TAP e.t.c.All the mentioned tools are costly interms of lisence, Support/installation and training. the Govt of US, DOE came up with a simulation tool GridLAB-D that can perform level-1 grid simulations very easily.
GridLAB-D™ is a power distribution system simulation and analysis tool that provides valuable information to users who design and operate distribution systems, and to utilities that wish to take advantage of the latest energy technologies. It incorporates advanced modeling techniques, with high-performance algorithms to deliver the latest in end-use load modeling technology. GridLAB-D is coupled with distribution automation models and software integration tools for users of many power system analysis tools.
GridLAB-D was initially developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), in collaboration with industry and academia. GridLAB-D version 2.0 released in September 2009 includes:
>> Residential end-use models for electric and gas appliances, as well as electric vehicle chargers.
>> Distributed energy resource (DER)
models, including distributed generation
and storage models.
>> Distribution level markers for real-time pricing.
>> External links to Matlab™, Excel, ODBC, and gnuplot.
>> Support for the 24 Modern Grid North American taxonomy feeders.
>> Validation against other end-use models
and standard distribution analysis tools.
>> Appliance-based load shedding technology.
>> Commercial buildings, industrial and agricultural loads.
>> Load and population growth models.
>> Reliability analysis.
The ability to couple the tool with many other
tools offers unparalleled analysis capabilities. GridLAB-D enables detailed analysis of:
>> Rate design to determine whether the price differentials are sufficient to encourage customer adoption.
>> The potential and benefit of deploying DER, such as Grid Friendly™ Appliances (GFA).
>> The business case for technologies such as automated meter reading, distribution automation, or retail markets.
>> The interactions between multiple technologies, such as how underfrequency load-shedding remedial action strategies might interact with appliance-based load-relief systems.
With the ability to study distribution utility system behavior over periods of time that range from a few seconds to decades, GridLAB-D simulates the interaction between physical phenomena, business systems, markets and regional economics, and customer behaviors. The results include many power system statistics, such as reliability metrics (e.g., loss-of-load probability), and business metrics such a profitability, revenue rates of return, and per customer or per line-mile cost metrics.
Price and availability
Licensing: Battelle BSD—style open source license
Availability: Download and support available at http://www.gridlabd.org/
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