Overview

As the distribution system is undergoing a digital transformation, there is a vast amount of data being collected. At the same time distribution engineers are increasingly reliant on modeling to inform operations and planning decisions. Advanced analytical solutions that can support, and bridge across, operations and planning are needed.
This project set provides engineers with the analytics necessary to modernize how existing assets/data and new resources are modeled/simulated for grid analysis. As new technologies are integrated into the grid, both planning and operational grid models and solutions need to evolve in order to properly capture the effect of these resources. Additionally, modeling of existing resources connected to distribution need to evolve to more effectively achieve the goal of a digitized electric grid.

Key Research Areas

Enhanced Grid Modeling

Improve distribution grid models and the processes to develop them to meet the needs of operations and planning engineers

Utilizing Measurement Data

Enable utilities to fully leverage new and existing data to support distribution planning and operations decisions.

Wide-Area Distribution Assessments

Develop tools and analytics to enable effective and efficient analysis of wide area grid impacts from electrification, decarbonization, extreme events, etc.

Research Value

This project set will leverage extensive experience from a large group of modeling and simulation experts as well as distribution operators and planning engineers capturing years of experience developing and applying new analytics, modeling, processing, and digitization techniques. This project set will also utilize tools such as OpenDSS, EPRI DRIVE™, and Python for developing, implementing, and demonstrating new modeling techniques that can be leveraged within existing toolsets to enable the planning and operations engineers with better ways of digitizing the electric grid.

• Time-saving analytics to inform strategic distribution planning decisions
• Enable the use of both grid data and measurement data as a fundamental utility asset
• Expand the utilization of grid data
• Improve grid models used in planning and operational studies
• Reduced engineering time spent resolving modeling and data integration issues
• Create consistent, efficient, and effective analytics used for wide-area distribution assessments
• Improve confidence in model-based analytics used to support operations and planning decisions

Task Force

This task force consists of utility subject-matter experts in areas related to distribution planners, grid modeling engineers, and data analytics engineers. It is a good opportunity to network with your peers at other utilities, understand how to apply the latest findings, and advise the EPRI research throughout the year.

This task force meets roughly every month via webex. That latest calendar can be found here. Members are encouraged to participate in several ways:

• Attend task-force meetings and provide input on projects
• Provide data on your utility’s system
• Provide information on your utility’s methods, tools, and practices (a survey for example)
• Review and comment on reports and findings

If you have questions about the task force, contact Lindsey Rogers

Related Research

Supplemental Projects

Application Opportunities

• Grid Model Data Requirements and Roadmap
• Electrification Grid Readiness Assessments
• Wide-area Distribution Assessments

For more on supplemental project opportunities, click here. To discuss project ideas, contact Lindsey Rogers