EPSIM

Purpose

Formulation, evaluation, comparison and optimisation of alternative power system expansion plans. top

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Programming Language(s)

Graphical User Interface (EPSIME) - MS Visual Basic, Version 6

Load Dispatch Simulation & Economic Analysis (EPSIM) - MS FORTRAN Powerstation, Version 4. top

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Program Authorship

Timothy Wyatt (1999 -) top

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Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows 95, 98, NT4, 2000 and XP. top

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Software Security

Hardware protection device ('dongle'). top

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Simulation Time Step

Calendar month. top

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Generalisation Level

Full. top

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Input Data Editing

PWSC's TEXTEDIT or specified third party editor e.g. MS WORDPAD. top

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Special Features

(i) Specific/optional consideration of transmission lines and losses, multiple demand areas, component dependencies, maximum and minimum monthly plant outputs;

(ii) Detailed modelling of Power Purchase Agreements and Transmission Carriage Tariffs in terms of (monthly) fixed, per MW and per GWh costs;

(iii) Load dispatch simulations, component scheduling and economic analysis conducted on a monthly basis;

(iv) Deterministic or probabilistic load dispatch simulation, with optional consideration of hydro plant, thermal plant and transmission line forced outages;

(v) Up to 5 hydrological conditions (hydro plant capacity and energy availabilities), and 8 load dispatch blocks (LP);

(vi) Recognition of differential demand area unserved energy costs and supply benefits (including exports), and hydrological condition related preventive rationing;

(vii) Explicit separation of investment and operating costs, supply benefits and penalties;

(viii) Fully annotated input and detailed output files together with comprehensive graphical presentation facilities.

(ix) 'Mimic Diagram' playback of system development and load dispatch results. top

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Optimisation Methods Employed

Load Dispatch Simulation/Optimisation : Integrated Load Duration Curve method [Jacoby] or Linear Programming (LP)

Automated Expansion Plan Generation/Optimisation : Monte Carlo sampling or Complete Enumeration. top

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Related PWSC Software

MODESDB - MODES System Database for hydropower plant, thermal plant, transmission line and demand data.

Hydro plant capabilities and/or time series derived operating costs can be obtained from SYSIM or AQUARIUS. top

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Third Party Software Compatibility

Load duration curve demand data formats compatible with WASP III and ASPLAN generation system expansion planning software. top

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Systems Applied To

Example hydro-thermal system with 5 hydro plants (1 existing), 6 thermal plants (1 import and 2 existing), 16 transmission lines (3 existing), 3 demand areas (1 export and 2 existing). top

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Potential Applications

Integrated power system development planning. Economic evaluation of alternative IPP proposals. top

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Further Developments

Automatic generation of input data files from MODES Database. top

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Current Availability

Demonstration CD. (PWSC installation recommended). top

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Indicative Prices

Simulation program £POA. Optimisation module £POA. MODES Database £POA. top

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Associated Consultancy Services

Creation of client system database and input files, installation, model verification, user training and bespoke enhancements. top