Artelys improves the grid power flow of the PowSyBl open-source project for RTE

The algorithm is used for transmission expansion planning, transmission capacity calculation, grid contingency security analysis, grid merging and exchange of data using the CGMES (Common Grid Model Exchange Standard) format defined by ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity).

Grid analysis and simulation

RTE is the French electricity Transmission System Operator (TSO). RTE is responsible for the safe operation of the French power grid and of its adequate development to enable the energy transition. Grid simulations are extensively needed in order to make sure. In 2018, RTE decided to foster the adoption of open-source software. Consequently, as a founding member of LF Energy, RTE brought the PowSyBl grid simulation project under the umbrella of the foundation in order to give it momentum. The computational foundation of PowSyBl is its power flow. It simulates how the electricity flows over the meshed grid from generation to loads when the grid is complete as well as in situations where outages occur. Its performances are critical for the majority of PowSyBl’s features like contingency-based security analysis, cross-border capacity calculation, contingency remedial action optimization, transmission expansion planning, etc.

Optimizing the power flow algorithm performance

Artelys consultants have assisted RTE in the design and implementation of a fast method to compute PTDFs (Power Transfer Distribution Factors) in base state (N) and after removing some network elements (N-K) based on the Woodbury formula. This method brings tremendous performance improvements to Security-Constrained DC approximation Optimal Power Flow (SC DC OPF) used in transmission expansion planning as well as in capacity calculation and remedial action optimization tools like Farao. Artelys consultants contributed to write a tutorial to explain how to benefit from these improvements when performing load flow computations. Artelys has also contributed to making the power flow fit for the European Merging Function (EMF) whose goal is to generate pan-European grid models from individual grid models provided by each TSO in CGMES format.

Through these contributions, Artelys continues to develop its expertise in the provision of solutions combining advanced optimization techniques and excellent understanding of the underlying phenomena for European TSOs. This expertise is notably at work in the context of the provision of the Libra market-clearing module for Replacement Reserves (RR) and manual Frequency Restoration Reserve (mFRR).

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