A REST based co-simulation interface for distributed simulations

Smart grid co-simulations are growing in popularity. A recent survey [1] showed their increasing usage for addressing complex questions regarding modern power systems. Coupling different models and simulations in a co-simulation allows for studying the complex behavior of smart grids or similar complex systems. One particular problem in such a scenario is the way the coupling is performed: this paper presents a reliable REST based web interface, to successfully couple simulations through standardized interfaces that are widely used in the internet. We are showing its capabilities and how disconnects are handled. Two applications are presented, demonstrating the versatility as well as the limits of such an interface.