Operating-conditions and decisions-driven test systems (OCDTS)

In this paper we stress that currently available test systems were developed by making major assumptions at the time when this was realistic to do. These test systems are only building blocks of a much larger puzzle that needs to be simulated and tested in the changing electric energy industry. It is practically impossible to integrate several test systems once developed in a stand-alone way into a more functional test systems capable of answering badly needed questions about system performance in the actual operations and over the prolonged periods of time when the conditions vary significantly and are often driven by the decisions along the way. We suggest that test systems for emulating the actual system operation, as well as for guiding the operator to make decisions according to multiple performance objectives are going to be essential to support integration of new technologies. In order to begin to fill this gap, we introduce a notion of “operating conditions and decisions-driven test systems” (OCDTS). We illustrate the applications of such test systems for answering questions concerning the type of dominant operating problem, the most critical constraints and the potential for improving system operations by adjusting other variables. We show how such an approach fundamentally helps those operating the system in making the most out of the available resources over time. Quantifiable benefits in terms of enhancing reliability, efficiency and environmental impacts are described.