Bo Yang, Yanzhu Ye, Anthony Hoang, Hitachi America, Matthew Tisdale, Gridworks, Panitarn Chongfuangprinya, Natsuhiko Futamura,
Abstract
GridLAB-D is a power system simulation tool developed by the U.S. Department of Energy that provides valuable information to users who design and operate distribution systems and to utilities that want to take advantage of the latest energy technologies. A barrier to widespread use of GridLAB-D is the existence of only a command-line interface, which requires users to know how to use computer coding language to operate the program. This results in increased training costs for new personnel and delayed adoption of the tool, which in turn limits the deployment of advanced grid technologies that only GridLAB-D can model.
The outcome of this project is GridLAB-D Open Workspace or GLOW. GLOW is an open-source distribution planning platform for GridLAB-D. The web-based graphical user interface of GLOW augments the command-line interface for GridLAB-D in a more intuitive, user-friendly manner, contributing to wider use of the simulation technology. GLOW graphically and spatially displays the large amounts of data that GridLAB-D simulations generate in an easy-to-understand way. GLOW effectively facilitates the design, testing, and experiment of various distribution analyses for different stakeholders. GLOW is available in two versions: (1) GLOW as a cloud service and (2) Download Version.
GLOW benefits California electricity ratepayers by supporting the goals of the CPUC Distribution Resources Plans proceeding, as well as the broader goals of the state to support integration of DERs and planning for the grid of the future.
