Designing a power system planning tool around real-time models

Experience using real-time full-topology models in the planning environment has revealed some important differences between how contingency actions and other devices are modeled between real-time and planning power system models. Full-topology models include the full node and breaker detail of a power system while a planning model includes only bus-branch detail. The differences in the modeling appear because of the absence of breakers and other switching devices in the planning model. If these differences are not properly accounted for, incorrect simulation results can occur. In addition to reconciling these differences, this paper will also discuss software solutions which make those accustomed to using a planning model more comfortable using the full-topology model.