Hello,
I am glad to hear that the MATPOWER team is considering adding in
unbalanced functionality - I would love to see this enhancement. I think in
general this is a great idea due to the fact that increasingly researchers
need to consider optimization and OPF on the distribution system level.
Assuming balanced operation for such systems, as is done in most research,
I think is unsuitable.
I can only speak in comparison to GridLAB-D but here are some attributes
and aspects that I think MATPOWER could bring to the table:
- The other distribution system software you have mentioned are
primarily distribution system simulators and have very limited optimization
functionality. Any control/optimization a user wishes to run must be
programmed separately and somehow linked to the simulator, which, speaking
from experience, can be painfully challenging.
- The fact that MATPOWER is effectively a MATLAB Toolbox is a benefit in
itself due to the fact that a user won't have to leave the MATLAB
environment when performing a study. Further, MATLAB's rich library of
functions and features will naturally augment a MATPOWER simulation (e.g.,
control, optimization, machine learning, statistical and other toolboxes).
- For me, the essential perks of MATPOWER are its OPF functions.
Extending this to unbalanced, multi-phase cases would be a great tool for
students/researchers.
- Some other driving points:
- the use of standard multi-phase system case files, for quick
loading, analysis and modification
- the ability to easily add in user-defined constraints
- the ability for a user to choose different system models in the
case of unbalanced, multi-phase networks, specifically AC or linearized
versions (transmission DC assumptions are usually not appropriate for
distribution systems)
This enhancement gets my strong vote and, time permitting, I'd be willing
to assist in its development.
Best regards,
Cody
On Sat, Mar 9, 2019 at 7:40 PM Ray Zimmerman <[email protected]> wrote:
> Hi MATPOWER users,
>
> I have a question (well, maybe several) that I'd love to hear your
> feedback on.
>
> Suppose, hypothetically, that we were to extend MATPOWER to model
> multi-phase, unbalanced networks …
>
> - What are the main features that would set apart such a MATPOWER-based
> tool from existing simulation tools such as OpenDSS and GridLab-D?
> - What are they missing? Or what could a MATPOWER-based tool be uniquely
> suited for?
>
> Looking forward to your replies,
>
> Ray
>
>
>
>
