An environment for the coordinated simulation of power grids together with automation systems

Today an increasing complexity can be observed due to the ongoing technical developments in the power and energy domain. More and more components of the electric power system, especially in the distribution grid, are equipped with digital communication interfaces and intelligent controllers. This allows a better and more comprehensive management and diagnostic of the whole electric energy system as it was the case before. This means that the future distribution system becomes a Smart Grid. In order to develop new automation and control systems as well as to train grid operators on new functions of the Smart Grid appropriate methods and tools are necessary. The goal of this paper is to introduce and describe a simulation/emulation environment which covers the physics as well as control of power systems, including supervisory tasks and communication issues. A selected example of the proposed coordinated simulation is provided and discussed.