Core Concepts
PowerSimulations.jl is an open-source, flexible, and modular power systems operations simulation tool developed in Julia, enabling reproducible research and analysis of power system operations, including Production Cost Modeling.
Abstract
The article introduces PowerSimulations.jl, an open-source power systems operations simulation tool developed in the Julia programming language. The key highlights are:
Motivation: With the increasing integration of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in power grids, there is a need for flexible and robust simulation tools to assess the effects of VRE expansion and demonstrate the value of novel operational strategies. However, existing commercial and open-source tools have limitations in terms of transparency, reproducibility, and flexibility.
Objectives: PowerSimulations.jl aims to enable a scientific approach to power systems operations simulation and reduce model-limited choice when framing simulation experiments. It provides the necessary utilities to develop simulations at a scale and scope comparable to commercial tools.
Definitions: The paper defines two types of operation problems used in the simulation - decision problems and emulation problems. Decision problems calculate the desired system operation based on forecasts, while emulation problems mimic the system's behavior subject to incoming decisions and realizations of uncertain inputs.
Implementation: PowerSimulations.jl is designed to be modular, allowing the formulation of decision models and emulation models that can be solved independently or in an interconnected fashion. It addresses common issues in operations simulations, such as time series data handling and results sharing between models.
Validation and Examples: The paper includes a publicly-available validation of classical operations simulations as well as examples demonstrating the advanced features of PowerSimulations.jl.