Addressing the challenge of data interoperability for off-line analysis of distribution networks in the Smart Grid

As utilities move towards a more intelligent, autonomous distribution network with increased penetration of distributed generation there is a requirement for utilities and consultancies to analyze how these changes will affect network operation and performance under varying conditions. This requires a large amount of data and results to be moved on a frequent communications basis between applications from a number of different vendors, all of whom use their own proprietary data formats. This paper will discuss how these challenges are impacting off-line analysis of complex networks and how open standards can enable companies to efficiently share and exchange network models between incompatible applications.