Accelerating Transient Simulation – Could AI Push While Grid Evolution Pulls?

Ravinder Venugopal – OPAL-RT

The evolution of the grid in the last decade, with the introduction of widespread inverter-based resources and load increases from electrified transportation in addition to a rapidly growing number of data centers, has driven the need for both a larger number as well as more detailed power-system transient simulations. Grid operators and equipment manufacturers face challenges in completing comprehensive studies while meeting tight project deadlines. Conventional offline simulations, while very accurate, run slowly on currently available computing platforms. Real-time simulation approaches reduce simulation time by making computational trade-offs, mostly by reducing iterative calculations. Recent developments in AI show promise in addressing some of the current challenges in transient simulation – from computationally-efficient data-driven models trained on physical simulation data to automated model development and debugging. This presentation will explore some of the possibilities with AI and also initiate further discussion on future needs and developments.