Heterogeneous LANs as asynchronous distributed planning and problem solving environments

Power system planning and decision support is a complex process requiring large scale modelling, analysis and optimisation. There is consequently a growing need for a computer based comprehensive planning and problem solving environment. Such environments must be flexible, scalable and provide long term solutions that not only meet today's needs, but can also support evolving applications. Progress in computer, database and networking technologies has made it possible to attempt to design and implement an integrated comprehensive distributed planning and problem solving environment. We describe the development of an asynchronous distributed planning and problem solving environment (ADP&PSE) for power systems. The distributed platform consists of a network of interconnected personal computers (PCs) and other peripheral devices. The primary aim of the research reported was to implement a comprehensive and graphically integrated software environment on a heterogeneous LAN based computing hardware platform. The environment will also provide tools for the user to model, simulate and analyse large scale power systems