HOLEG: A simulator for evaluating resilient energy networks based on the Holon analogy

The process of designing and evaluating distributed Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) is not a trivial task. There are many challenges to tackle such as managing distributed resources, enabling communication between components, and choosing performance metrics to evaluate the “goodness” of the system. Smart Grids (SGs) are prominent representatives of CPSs, a particular type of Critical Infrastructure (CI), whose organizational model is becoming more distributed and dynamic. Due to this paradigm shift, new control and management mechanisms need to be identified and tested to guarantee uninterrupted operation. However, novel approaches cannot always be tested against real networks as the economic cost and risk can be high. In contrast, modeling and simulation techniques are viable evaluation mechanisms that support the continuous evolution of CIs. In this paper, we present an Open Source time-discrete simulation software, called HOLEG, that models and evaluates SGs. The software is based on the Holon analogy, a bio-inspired approach that enables systems resilience through flexible reconfiguration mechanisms. The presented software provides features that enable the integration and execution of optimization algorithms along with their evaluation. To demonstrate HOLEG, a case study is presented where a heuristic algorithm is implemented to minimize wasted energy while preventing network destabilization.