Stochastic Impacts of Metaheuristics from the Toaster to the Turbine [Technology Leaders]

Okay, let's be honest-there's pretty much nothing on metaheuristics in this article other than one short section, so don't let the title distract you. The focus of this issue of IEEE Electrification Magazine and of this article is on understanding and demonstrating how transactive energy systems can have an impact on nonbulk power applications. So what does that include? Well, as it turns out, a lot. The bulk power system with its larger generators and high-voltage transmission lines requires lots of planning, investment, and maintenance. These are assets that have lives measured in decades, and much of their topology is relatively fixed. The bulk system is also well monitored and heavily networked, i.e., there are multiple paths for the electricity to flow, and therefore alternative paths for power flow in the event of a disturbance.