Title: An interdisciplinary approach to long-term modelling for power system expansion

Authors: Aleksandar Dimitrovski, Andrew Ford, Kevin Tomsovic

Addresses: School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University, P.O. Box 642752, Pullman, WA 99164, USA. ' Program in Environmental Science and Regional Planning, Washington State University, P.O. Box 644430, Pullman, WA 99164, USA. ' School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University, P.O. Box 642752, Pullman, WA 99164, USA

Abstract: This article describes an interdisciplinary approach to computer modelling of large-scale power systems over a long-term horizon. The goal is to simulate the interplay between the economic, technical and environmental factors in the system. Our approach is illustrated with a model based on data from the Western Electric Coordination Council (WECC). We present simulations to show the change in the WECC system over 20 years. We explain the challenge of simulating short-term behaviour such as hourly wholesale electricity prices within the longer-term model. The usefulness of the model is illustrated by showing simulated impacts on the WECC system due to a market for carbon allowances. This research demonstrates the importance of simulation models that are designed for interactive use by policymakers, engineers and researchers.

Keywords: interdisciplinary modelling; power system planning; system dynamics; transmission congestion; carbon markets; critical infrastructures; electricity infrastructures; EPNES; efficiency; security.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCIS.2007.011553

International Journal of Critical Infrastructures, 2007 Vol.3 No.1/2, pp.235 - 264

Published online: 01 Dec 2006 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article