Agent-based Discrete-Event Simulation Environment for Electric Power Distribution System Analysis

The ongoing transformation of the entire power system with a simultaneous convergence of different, previously separated energy sectors poses new challenges, especially for the energy transport infrastructure at the distribution level. Due to its important role for society as a whole, careful planning and stable, secure operation of this infrastructure are essential. Accordingly, the introduction of necessary innovative operational concepts or the exploration of new planning approaches in the context of the energy transition cannot take place in the real system.

One possibility to evaluate new, innovative methods without endangering the real system is simulation. However, the complexity of the electrical infrastructure at the distribution level, the large number of heterogeneous technical systems and the influence of individual, human-centric behavior pose a number of challenges for existing approaches.

In the context of the present work, an agent-based modeling approach is combined with a discrete-event simulation approach to form the agent-based discrete-event simulation model SIMONA. Based on experiences gained with existing preliminary work, an existing agent-based model is revised, remodeled, and implemented from scratch, discrete-event simulation logic is introduced, and further necessary adjustments are made. The new model enables large-scale simulations of the electrical distribution grid while taking into account individual behavior of connected grid assets, innovative grid operation concepts and flexible system participant behavior. It is published and maintained as open-source code, enabling researchers and practitioners to generate extensive, detailed time series usable for grid planning, operation, and analysis purposes.