From Hierarchical to Open Access Electric Power Systems

In this paper the modeling, monitoring, and control of electric power systems are presented from the point of view of large-scale dynamic systems. First a summary of current hierarchical operations is given, together with an assessment of the underlying assumptions. Next, the challenge of operating electric power systems over very broad ranges of system conditions is presented as an open sensing, estimation, and control problem. The latter part of this paper is motivated by fundamental technological and organizational changes. These are requiring a shift from hierarchical to multilayered open access modeling, monitoring, and control paradigms for large complex electric power systems. A vision of a novel information-based multilayered Dynamic Energy Control Protocols (DECPs) framework for facilitating evolution into open access just-in-time (JIT) and just-in-place (JIP) electricity services of the future is presented.