Next Article in Journal
Performance Evaluation of Analytical Methods for Parameters Extraction of Photovoltaic Generators
Next Article in Special Issue
Evaluation of Grid Capacities for Integrating Future E-Mobility and Heat Pumps into Low-Voltage Grids
Previous Article in Journal
Energy-Based Vibration Modeling and Solution of High-Speed Elevators Considering the Multi-Direction Coupling Property
Previous Article in Special Issue
Voltage and Reactive Power Optimization Using a Simplified Linear Equations at Distribution Networks with DG
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Review

Review of Steady-State Electric Power Distribution System Datasets

1
Department of Energy Management and Power System Operation (e2n), University Kassel, 34121 Kassel, Germany
2
Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology (IEE), 34119 Kassel, Germany
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Energies 2020, 13(18), 4826; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184826
Submission received: 12 August 2020 / Revised: 9 September 2020 / Accepted: 11 September 2020 / Published: 15 September 2020
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electric Distribution System Modeling and Analysis)

Abstract

:
Publicly available grid datasets with electric steady-state equivalent circuit models are crucial for the development and comparison of a variety of power system simulation tools and algorithms. Such algorithms are essential to analyze and improve the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in electrical power systems. Increased penetration of DERs, new technologies, and changing regulatory frameworks require the continuous development of the grid infrastructure. As a result, the number and versatility of grid datasets, which are required in power system research, increases. Furthermore, the used grids are created by different methods and intentions. This paper gives orientation within these developments: First, a concise overview of well-known, publicly available grid datasets is provided. Second, background information on the compilation of the grid datasets, including different methods, intentions and data origins, is reviewed and characterized. Third, common terms to describe electric steady-state distribution grids, such as representative grid or benchmark grid, are assembled and reviewed. Recommendations for the use of these grid terms are made.

1. Introduction

The world wide paradigm shift from fossil fuels to sustainable and low-carbon energy systems brings profound changes to the way power systems are operated and planned. This is accompanied by numerous studies in the field of renewable energy source grid integration [1], such as studies to analyze distributed energy resources (DERs) hosting capacities [2,3,4], to analyze cost-efficient and secure grid planning for grids with a high share of DERs [5,6], or to simulate new solutions for smart grid operation [7]. Most of the simulations within these studies are based on steady-state power system analyses which require datasets of the respective grid models.
The fact that power system operators treat their grid data as confidential is a challenge for the scientific community, which relies fundamentally on the reproducibility of scientific studies [8]. To make power system research more available and comparable, a large body of openly available grid datasets, which can be used for research purposes, has been accumulated in the public domain. These datasets differ greatly with regards to aspects, such as the grid size, the applicability of different analyses, the intended use cases, the origin of the data, or the used generation methodologies. Therefore, it is a challenge for researchers to find and select appropriate grid datasets for their individual studies.
As stated in [9,10], grid datasets are often used beyond the originally intended use cases. Often, researchers are not aware of the scope of the provided datasets due to the lack of documentation. A concise overview of existing power system datasets and their intended use case and scope is therefore needed.
Power systems are constantly evolving and investigated use cases change. As a result, for many studies no suitable dataset might be available in the public domain. It is therefore also necessary to document methodologies and algorithms that can be used to generate new power system datasets.

1.1. Related Literature and State of the Art

A number of grid datasets are available in the Christie’s Power Systems Test Case Archive [11] and on newer websites [12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19]. Open source power system analyzisation and optimization tools, such as MATPOWER [20] or pandapower [21], include grid datasets in the respective format.
In recent years, the articles [10,22,23] have compiled valuable information on grid data. However, an overview with comprehensive information about the variety of different grid datasets is difficult to find [22]. Specifically, what is still missing to support researchers in selecting appropriate grid datasets is an overview of the types of power system analyses for which the grid datasets are applicable.
In [10,22,23], information about intended use cases and also some about the geographical origin is collected. However, information on the methodologies used to compile the datasets is lacking, although it is also relevant for selecting appropriate grid datasets or for creating new datasets.
Due to the large amount of available datasets, they are often characterized or classified with terms such as reference network, representative grid, or benchmark grid in the literature. However, as far as the authors are aware, there is no standard by a standardization committee, for instance IEC, ISO, IEEE, or CENELEC, which defines the meaning of these basic terms. Subsequently, the terms are not always used consistently in literature. This can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect expectations of grid datasets.

1.2. Contribution of the Paper and Structure

To close the identified gaps in review literature, this paper has three major objectives: First, it gives a concise overview of existing distribution grid datasets as an appropriate starting point for researchers (Section 2). Second, the paper presents background information of these grid datasets, such as intended use cases and grid compilation methodologies. This can help researchers, who need to select an existing or create a new grid, to understand the design and the purpose of existing grid dataset (Section 3). Third, the paper proposes a consistent nomenclature for common terms of distribution grids to facilitate clear communication between researchers (Section 4). Finally, a summary and conclusion is given in Section 5.

2. Available Grid Datasets

Using publicly available distribution grid data makes studies easily comparable to other work. When selecting an appropriate existing grid dataset, it is necessary to get an overview of the available grids and their properties. The resources available for researchers to get an overview of existing datasets [10,12,22,23] are enhanced by Table 1 to show which power system analyses are applicable to the grid datasets.
While this paper focuses primarily on distribution grids, four prominent transmission system datasets have been added to the grid selection. This gives an outlook for the expandability of the overview.
The overview provides information on the year in which the different grids were published, the voltage levels, and the number of buses. Since modeling of switches is an important factor for several analyses in distribution systems, the level of detail of switch information is also given. This is divided into three categories: no modeling (-), simple marking of the switchable lines ( (✓) ), and indication of the position of the switch between nodes and branch elements with optional annotation of the switch type (✓). Furthermore, the table provides specific information on which analysis types the grid data are suitable for. The analysis is assumed to be possible (✓), if the relevant input parameters are included in the grid dataset. For example, state estimation relies on measurement data and optimal power flow (OPF) analysis relies on information about generation costs and operational limits for the different electric elements. The availability of geographic coordinates (GIS) is stated because this are relevant for network expansion planning, for example. Finally, the overview includes whether time series data of loads and generators are given (✓), or at least an exemplary plot corresponding to the grid is drawn ( (✓) ).
Several original datasets are modified or enhanced by additional information to facilitate further analysis. For example, system dynamic data are available for the IEEE RTS [56,57] and OPF data have been provided for the IEEE Case 9 [20]. Since there are multiple and sometimes conflicting derivatives of the original datasets, the overview in Table 1 considers solely the data contained in the initial publication.

3. Compilation Process of Grid Datasets

Table 1 gives an overview of grid data properties and possible analyses types. To check the suitability of a dataset for a specific use case, it can, however, also be relevant to know how and with what intention the grid dataset was compiled. While grid models and their parameters can be specified clearly by mathematical formulas and numbers, this type of background information is more difficult to precisely communicate. Therefore, a concise overview of intended use cases, data origins and compilation methodologies of several grid datasets is difficult to find. This section provides such an overview.

3.1. Intended Use Case

Use cases are often the starting points of compiling grid data. The intention in generating grids can range from compiling a simple test grid to compiling grids that represent certain specialized applications or use cases. A frequently occurring use case is the compilation of a grid that is representative of a region or a specific kind of power system structure. The intention for that is to extrapolate findings from this grid to other, unknown grids of the same type.
Even though grid datasets are usually provided with some specifications on the intended use cases, the grids are often applied in different contexts than originally intended [9,10], for example, in [58,59,60,61]. In this case, researchers need to decide, whether the application of the grid allows to draw valid conclusions or whether adjustments to the grids are required. To facilitate the selection of appropriate grid datasets, intended use cases are specified in the first column of Table 2 for all grids introduced in Table 1.

3.2. Region

The geographical origin of the data is a relevant information, since the power system layout with regard to frequency, voltage levels and phase symmetry can significantly differ in different regions of the world. Consequently, a power system dataset compiled with North American data might not be appropriate for use cases in Europe and vice versa. This is especially relevant for distribution system datasets, where layouts vary greatly between North America, Europe or Asia.

3.3. Grid Compilation Methodology

In this section, three common methodologies to compile power system datasets are presented and compared.

3.3.1. Introduction of Common Grid Compilation Methodologies

Figure 1 shows the relation between the distribution of available real grid data (top) and resulting, published grids (bottom) with regard to the three methodologies discussed below. For a clear illustration, the figure is two-dimensional. In practice, more than two parameters are usually used to describe and classify grids. Which parameters are suitable and, thus, label the labels of the axes of the figures depend on the use case.
A common method is to select grids based on expert selection decisions (see Figure 1, left). The selection is based on the data requirements derived from the intended use case. While small adjustments might be made to the grid to better fulfill the requirements, the resulting grids are of real grids origin. This method is often used for transmission systems, where the number of grids is relatively low and experts have a good overview of the characteristics of different grids. It has also been applied within the CIGRE benchmark system process [38].
A method to compile grid data based on predefined classes is shown in the center of Figure 1. In [40,63,64], the approach separates the grids into urbanization classes, such as rural, suburban, urban, or commercial. These classes has been defined with regard to non-electrical parameters, such as floor-space index, site occupancy index, or buildings per area. Finally, for each class, grids are synthesized using the knowledge about the parameters of the grids. Within these implementations, the approach is based on the assumption that the grids can be classified by the supply task, especially by the urbanization character.
In contrast to the before mentioned method, the classes of the method depicted on the right of Figure 1 are not defined beforehand, but compiled with mathematical clustering analyses. Multivariate, heuristic methods such as k-means or ward’s method allow analyzing (dis-)similarities and appropriate groupings of the set of objects. While the resulting clusters might be interpreted as classes of grids such as urban or rural, the methodology analyzes solely the mathematical similarities. After finding a number of classes, there are two kinds of obtaining the grids, each representative of one class:
(I)
The best existing real grid of each class is selected, i.e., the grid with the least distance to the cluster center [65,66,67,68].
(II)
The parameter values of the center of each cluster are used to generate a synthetic grids with the parameters that are characteristic of the respective cluster [46,69]. As a rule, a few assumptions about the topology or parameters with missing information are required to create the grids.

3.3.2. Comparison of Methodologies

The different available methodologies each have different advantages and disadvantages, so that the appropriate method depends on the use case. Important factors in choosing a method are:
(i)
What is the intended use case of the dataset?
(ii)
Which data base can be provided for the compilation process?
(iii)
May data from selected grids be published or must the data be kept confidential?
The predefined classification method and the clustering methods are appropriate if the intended use case requires grids that represent a variety of real grids. If the objectives of the study already suggest certain classes of grids, the predefined classification method is suitable. For example, a study about the difference between rural and suburban power system needs to classify grids within these predefined categories. In use cases where this is not necessary, clustering methods can be used to provide the classification analyses. These are recommended over the predefined classification method, since they are based on unbiased mathematical clustering. Compared with approaches using expert knowledge, however, clustering analyses have disadvantages, such as considering causality. This can be essential depending on the intended use case. Then, either steps for selecting or adapting the grids resulting from the clustering must be added or the experts decision method needs to be applied. Notably, in [4,62], combinations of mathematical analyses and experts knowledge are implemented.
The requirements of the experts decision method for the data base are limited: The data considered for the decision and the data provided as resulting grids are needed. On the contrary, the predefined classification method and the clustering method require data of the investigated parameters of all investigated grids. The investigated parameters, such as rated powers of transformers, line lengths, and line types, are usually extracted from the datasets of the electric models of the real grids. Consequently, the effort for data provision and data analysis can be estimated as increasing from left to right in Figure 1. However, a selection of grids can be comprehensibly reasoned by a data analysis, whereas a selection based on the experts decision method can only be reasoned due to its applicability to the use case. This is because the data of the real grids that are not selected are usually not allowed to be disclosed.
If no data that are provided by system operators may be published, grids must be generated synthetically. Accordingly, two clustering methods has been differentiated and two different symbols has been used in Figure 1. Since a classification into these two categories is not complete, this subject is elaborated in Section 3.4.

3.4. Methodic Origin of Data

Grid datasets are classified regarding how and which data sources are used to compile the grids.
Two types of grids that data are derived from models of real grids are found: First, as with Su’s TDG [35] and with the RTE cases [54], electrical parameters are, except of conversion issues, provided as they are. Second, similar to the IEEE 8500 NTF [39], the PEGASE cases [55] and the CIGRE systems [38], grid datasets are published with reference to modifications. The kind and extent of the modifications differ. As with the IEEE 8500 NTF, some elements of the grids may be changed and added, or, as with the CIGRE systems, the grids may be reduced in size.
Different types of synthetic generation of grids exist. For several studies, e.g., [40,46,69,70], grids are synthesized by filling assumed topologies with values of parameters from data analyses. In other sudies, such as [49,71,72,73], greenfield planning approaches are implemented. In contrast, structures like the IEEE case 9 [52] or the systems of Cinvalar [29] and Baran [30] appear simpler and could be constructed manually.
Besides grids that are compiled in a synthetic way and grids that are derived from models of real grids, different hybrid methods are possible. Differences between adapting real grids and creating synthetic grids that are gradually adapted to real networks, can be difficult to discern.
Unfortunately, several grid documentations do not specify information on the methodology and the origin of data. Especially in case of simple grids for testing, this is often skipped. Similarly, information on origins of real grid data may be omitted due to privacy concerns. As a result, some information remains unclear in Table 2 (N/A).

4. Terminology to Characterize Distribution Grid Datasets

As the previous section has shown, properly describing the methodology and the intended use case of grid datasets can be a complex task. Therefore, researchers often use short and succinct terms, such as reference grid, synthetic grid, or test case, to describe grid datasets. While this can facilitate the communication, it can also lead to misunderstandings if the terms are not clearly defined. This section reviews the use of common grid terms in the literature while considering the intrinsic meanings of the terms (the discourse on common grid terms is about the terms describing the grid rather than the terms system, network, grid, or case. These four terms are considered as synonyms and are applied in common usage in this paper).
Moreover, a recommendation for the terminology is provided.

4.1. Review of Grid Term Nomenclature in Literature

4.1.1. Synthetic Grids

Grids are called synthetic to describe the origin of the data, e.g., in [11]. These grids are neither models of real grids nor directly derived from such. They are artificially created, for example by green field methods [73]. In [70,73], a number of synthetic grids are generated to achieve study results with validity. That is because simulation results can be more relevant if the algorithms run with several (types of) grids. Similarly, a large number of grids can be used to extrapolate results to real grid areas.

4.1.2. Example and Test Grids

Various research projects require grid data to exemplify or validate case studies. Well known example data are the IEEE Case 9 [52], the systems of Baran [30], Cinvalar [29], and Salama [34] as well as the ICPSs [24,25,26,27]. Real grids [74,75] and synthetically generated grids [73,76] are both named test network. Likewise, the number of buses varies widely depending on the use case [20]. Often, the dataset qualification for more than one use case is not considered since the test case creation have subordinate priority compared to the focus of the study.

4.1.3. Benchmark Grids

Benchmarking does not originate from the field of electrical power supply but from testing and comparing the performance of business processes or software tools based on trusted procedures or datasets [22]. The IEEE test feeders are called test cases or test feeders, although they are intended to serve as a benchmark for different algorithms, such as unbalanced power flow [31,32,33,36,37], calculation of full-size distribution systems [39,48], or handling of highly meshed low voltage grids [47]. The CIGRE systems [38], Dickert’s LVDNs [46], and the transmission grid presented in [77] themselves are named benchmark networks while having the same intention to be appropriate to be used as a dataset to benchmark algorithms and methods.
Since system operators of several countries are regulated and receive incentives for efficiency, grid planning and operation management is often viewed from a financial perspective. This lead to a second understanding: A grid with which other grids are to be compared financially is named benchmark grid or, as mentioned in Section 4.1.7, reference network [78]. However, usually the process of comparing the performance of system operators, which is subject to some challenges, is called benchmarking rather than the network itself [79].

4.1.4. Representative Grids

Representative is used to express a relation of a grid to real grids. Comparing algorithms gets more convincing by performing the algorithms on grids with reference to reality, i.e., on representative grids [38,45]. Furthermore, representative grids are used to elaborate technical conclusions, recommendations, and estimative projections about real grids [40,70,80]. Often several representative grids are created, each representing a different class. These classes of grids could be a subset of all grids distinguished between geographic aspacts, urbanization characteristics, or electrcal parameters, e.g., coastal grids, rural grids, or grids with long lines. With these findings, the methods using predefined classification and clustering, depicted in Figure 1, clearly belong to representative grids.

4.1.5. Generic Grids

The intrinsic meaning of the term generic virtually corresponds to general or universal. Thus, generic grids should be characteristic of (a class of) grids to bring a large number of grids together.
In [81], for instance, the generic distribution grids denote several grids of different types, generated with varying parametrization. In [82], a specific system, which is intended to be particularly suitable for testing dynamic wind studies, is introduced. Here, the proposed parameters of the dynamic models are open for modifications while the steady-state parameters are intended to be fixed.
There are also term usages that do not fit the intrinsic meaning of the word. For example, in [83] generic is referred to a grid which is derived from a real grid to allow analyzing algorithms for DER integration. The data and intended use cases of UKGDSs correspond more closely to representative grids than to the meaning of generic. This is not resolved in the referred papers [84,85].

4.1.6. Typical Grids

Parameters with the most frequent occurrence are described as typical. Composing these parameters, a typical grid can be formed. Since grids named typical are also described as representative [86] or generic [84], the difference seems small or unclear. In [87], the IEEE 13-Node Test Feeder [48] is also named typical. However, since this very small grid is generated to test common features of distribution analysis software and originally named as test feeder, it is more closely related to the other IEEE test feeders than to other grids named typical.

4.1.7. Reference Grids

The term reference grid is also used differently. To conclude these understandings, it is used as:
(a)
Synonym for representative grids [44,45,75,86];
(b)
Synthetic network, planned optimally from greenfield [49,72,78];
(c)
Simplified test case [69,88];
(d)
Best or worst case grid (to compare to); derived from representative grids by optimal choice of variable parameters [89].

4.2. Recommended Terminology

The previous section showed that several terms are used inconsistently throughout the literature. To eliminate ambiguities and improve the communication in scientific language, a terminology is proposed in Table 3.
To exemplify the proposed terminology, in Table 4 the widespread grid datasets introduced in Table 1 are assigned to the discussed grid terms from the steady-state power flow perspective. A distinction is made between a well-suited term (✓), a partially fitting term that does not correspond to the primary focus of the original activity generating the grid dataset ( (✓) ), and a term that does not correspond to the recommended terminology (-). As with Table 2, information is missing to assign the term synthetic to every grid (N/A).
Baran’s, Cinvalar’s, and Salama’s System as well as the IEEE Case 9 are classified as example/test cases in Table 4, although they are used frequently as benchmark grids nowadays. However, as stated in Section 2, the intentions of the initial publications are considered here. These do not indicate that significant effort was spent in compiling the grids or that they should be appropriate for a further use case.
It should be noted that the intrinsic meanings of the grid terms and, thus, the recommendations do not address all types of information, mentioned in Section 3, at the same time. For example, synthetic specifies the origin of data, whereas benchmark expresses the intention to be used as a database to compare algorithms. As a result, terms might also be combined and grids are assigned to multiple terms in Table 4. The EREDNs, for instance, can be classified as synthetic reference grid, since they are synthetically created and optimally planned by a greenfield planning approach.
Grids can be applied in several ways. Hence, different terms may be appropriate depending on the context. For example, a grid that was intended to be a generic grid to derive scientific conclusions about grid stability, may also be used as a benchmark grid to compare the performance of two optimization algorithm.

5. Conclusions

Numerous distribution grid datasets are available for power system research in the public domain. This paper provides an overview of well-known and widespread publicly available grid datasets. This includes fundamental information on each dataset; descriptive information on intention, methodology, and data origin; and information on the applicability of the grid data for different power system analyses. This overview can help researchers to select appropriate grid data for their studies. As a consequence, less supplementary data and assumptions need to be added, which would take time and could inhibit transparency and comparability.
New challenges in power system operation and planning, such as the continuous increase of DER penetration in many power systems worldwide, require periodically new or modified grid datasets. Therefore, three common methodologies for creating grid datasets are discussed to facilitate studies in the generation of new grid datasets.
Short descriptive terms are common to inform about the type of grid datasets. However, these terms, such as reference network, representative grid, or benchmark grid, are often used inconsistently. Therefore, the usage of common grid terms in the literature is reviewed in this paper. Regarding that and the intrinsic meanings of the terms, recommendations for grid term usage are provided to improve scientific communication on steady-state electric power distribution systems. In this way, the proposed terminology can be a valuable first step for future standardization activities. The terminology is exemplified by assigning the defined terms to the reviewed grid datasets.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, methodology, validation, writing–original draft preparation, writing– review and editing, visualization: S.M. and L.T.; formal analysis, investigation: S.M.; supervision, project administration, funding acquisition: M.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and the Projektträger Jülich GmbH (PTJ) within the framework of the project SimBench (FKZ: 0325917A). The authors are solely responsible for the content of this publication.Energies 13 04826 i001

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

References

  1. Söder, L.; Pellinger, C.; Lopez-Botet Zulueta, M.; Milligan, M.; Kiviluoma, J.; Flynn, D.; Orths, A.; Silva, V.; O’Neill, B. Comparison of Integration Studies of 30–40 percent Energy Share from Variable Renewable Sources. In Proceedings of the 16th International Workshop on Large-Scale Integration of Wind Power into Power Systems as well as on Transmission Networks for Offshore Wind Power Plants, Berlin, Germany, 25–27 October 2017. [Google Scholar]
  2. Jain, A.K.; Horowitz, K.; Ding, F.; Gensollen, N.; Mather, B.; Palmintier, B. Quasi-Static Time-Series PV Hosting Capacity Methodology and Metrics. In Proceedings of the 2019 IEEE Power Energy Society Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference (ISGT), Washington, DC, USA, 18–21 February 2019; pp. 1–5. [Google Scholar]
  3. Gensollen, N.; Horowitz, K.; Palmintier, B.; Ding, F.; Mather, B. Beyond Hosting Capacity: Using Shortest-Path Methods to Minimize Upgrade Cost Pathways. IEEE J. Photovoltaics 2019, 9, 1051–1056. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Breker, S.; Rentmeister, J.; Sick, B.; Braun, M. Hosting capacity of low-voltage grids for distributed generation: Classification by means of machine learning techniques. Appl. Soft Comput. 2018, 70, 195–207. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Scheidler, A.; Thurner, L.; Braun, M. Heuristic Optimization for Automated Distribution System Planning in Network Integration Studies. IET Res. J. 2018, 12, 530–538. [Google Scholar]
  6. Thurner, L.; Scheidler, A.; Probst, A.; Braun, M. Heuristic optimisation for network restoration and expansion in compliance with the single-contingency policy. IET Gener. Transm. Distrib. 2017. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Menke, J.H.; Schaefer, F.; Braun, M. Performing a Virtual Field Test of a New Monitoring Method for Smart Power Grids. In Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Communications, Control, and Computing Technologies for Smart Grids, Aalborg, Denmark, 29–31 October 2018. [Google Scholar]
  8. Bell, K.R.W.; Tleis, A.N.D. Test system requirements for modelling future power systems. In Proceedings of the IEEE PES General Meeting, Providence, RI, USA, 25–29 July 2010; pp. 1–8. [Google Scholar]
  9. ARPA-E. Grid Data Program Overview—Generating Realistic Information for the Development of Distribution and Transmission Algorithms. 2016. Available online: https://arpa-e.energy.gov/?q=arpa-e-programs/grid-data (accessed on 26 August 2020).
  10. Marcos, P.; Fernando, E.; Mateo Domingo, C.; Gómez San Román, T.; Palmintier, B.; Hodge, B.M.; Krishnan, V.; De Cuadra García, F.; Mather, B. A review of power distribution test feeders in the United States and the need for synthetic representative networks. Energies 2017, 10, 1896. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  11. Christie, R.D. Power Systems Test Case Archive; University of Washington: Seattle, WA, USA, 1999; Available online: http://www2.ee.washington.edu/research/pstca/ (accessed on 20 February 2020).
  12. Meinecke, S.; Drauz, S.R.; Pogacar, S. SimBench—Simulation Data Base for a Consistent Comparison of Innovative Solutions in the Field of Grid Analysis, Grid Planning and Grid Operation Management, 2016–2020. Available online: www.simbench.net (accessed on 13 March 2020).
  13. Fuller, J.; Dent, C.; Lima, L. Links to test cases. IEEE Power Energy Soc. 2017. Available online: http://sites.ieee.org/pes-tccwg/links-to-test-cases/ (accessed on 19 June 2020).
  14. Farid, A.M. LIINES Smart Power Grid Test Case Repository. Laboratory for Intelligent Integrated Networks of Engineering Systems. 2016. Available online: http://amfarid.scripts.mit.edu/Datasets/SPG-Data/index.php (accessed on 19 June 2020).
  15. Panumpabi, P. Power Cases. Illinois Center for a Smarter Electric Grid (ICSEG). 2017. Available online: http://icseg.iti.illinois.edu/power-cases/ (accessed on 19 June 2020).
  16. Weckesser, T. Power System Data and Test Cases. Available online: https://tweckesser.wordpress.com/power-system-data-and-test-cases/ (accessed on 19 June 2020).
  17. Birchfield, A. Electric Grid Test Cases. Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2016–2020. Available online: https://electricgrids.engr.tamu.edu/electric-grid-test-cases/ (accessed on 19 June 2020).
  18. Burkish, W.; McKinnon, K. Network Data of Real Transmission Networks; University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh, UK, 2013; Available online: http://www.maths.ed.ac.uk/optenergy/NetworkData/ (accessed on 19 June 2020).
  19. Kavasseri, R.; Ababei, C. REDS: REpository of Distribution Systems; Marquette Embedded SystemS Laboratory, ECE Marquette University: Milwaukee, WI, USA; Available online: http://www.dejazzer.com/reds.html (accessed on 19 June 2020).
  20. Zimmerman, R.D.; Murillo-Sanchez, C.E.; Thomas, R.J. MATPOWER: Steady-State Operations, Planning, and Analysis Tools for Power Systems Research and Education. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2011, 26, 12–19. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  21. Thurner, L.; Scheidler, A.; Schäfer, F.; Menke, J.; Dollichon, J.; Meier, F.; Meinecke, S.; Braun, M. Pandapower—An Open-Source Python Tool for Convenient Modeling, Analysis, and Optimization of Electric Power Systems. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2018, 33, 6510–6521. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  22. Bialek, J.; Ciapessoni, E.; Cirio, D.; Cotilla-Sanchez, E.; Dent, C.; Dobson, I.; Henneaux, P.; Hines, P.; Jardim, J.; Miller, S.; et al. Benchmarking and validation of cascading failure analysis tools. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2016, 31, 4887–4900. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  23. Schneider, K.P.; Mather, B.A.; Pal, B.C.; Ten, C.; Shirek, G.J.; Zhu, H.; Fuller, J.C.; Pereira, J.L.R.; Ochoa, L.F.; de Araujo, L.R.; et al. Analytic Considerations and Design Basis for the IEEE Distribution Test Feeders. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2018, 33, 3181–3188. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Tripathy, S.C.; Prasad, G.D.; Malik, O.P.; Hope, G.S. Load-Flow Solutions for Ill-Conditioned Power Systems by a Newton-Like Method. IEEE Trans. Power Appar. Syst. 1982, PAS-101, 3648–3657. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. Zollenkopf, K. Load-flow calculation using loss-minimisation techniques. Proc. Inst. Electr. Eng. 1968, 115, 121–127. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  26. Stott, B.; Alsac, O. Fast Decoupled Load Flow. IEEE Trans. Power Appar. Syst. 1974, PAS-93, 859–869. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. Iwamoto, S.; Tamura, Y. A Load Flow Calculation Method for Ill-Conditioned Power Systems. IEEE Trans. Power Appar. Syst. 1981, PAS-100, 1736–1743. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. Alsac, O.; Stott, B. Optimal load flow with steady-state security. IEEE Trans. Power Appar. Syst. 1974, 745–751. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  29. Civanlar, S.; Grainger, J.J.; Yin, H.; Lee, S.S.H. Distribution feeder reconfiguration for loss reduction. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 1988, 3, 1217–1223. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  30. Baran, M.E.; Wu, F.F. Network reconfiguration in distribution systems for loss reduction and load balancing. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 1989, 4, 1401–1407. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Kersting, W.H. Radial distribution test feeders. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 1991, 6, 975–985. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  32. Kersting, W.H. Radial distribution test feeders. In Proceedings of the Power Engineering Society Winter Meeting, Columbus, OH, USA, 28 January–1 February 2001; Volume 2, pp. 908–912. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  33. Kersting, W.H. A comprehensive distribution test feeder. In Proceedings of the IEEE PES T & D 2010, New Orleans, LA, USA, 9–22 April 2010; pp. 1–4. [Google Scholar]
  34. Salama, M.M.A.; Chikhani, A.Y. A simplified network approach to the VAr control problem for radial distribution systems. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 1993, 8, 1529–1535. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  35. Su, C.T.; Chang, C.F.; Chiou, J.P. Distribution network reconfiguration for loss reduction by ant colony search algorithm. Electr. Power Syst. Res. 2005, 75, 190–199. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  36. Sunderman, W.G.; Dugan, R.C.; Dorr, D.S. The neutral-to-earth voltage (NEV) test case and distribution system analysis. In Proceedings of the 2008 IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting—Conversion and Delivery of Electrical Energy in the 21st Century, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 20–24 July 2008; pp. 1–6. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  37. Penido, D.R.R.; Araujo, L.R.; Carneiro, S.; Pereira, J.L.R. Solving the NEV test case using the current injection full-newton power flow. In Proceedings of the 2008 IEEE/PES Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition, Bogota, Columbia, 13–15 August 2008; pp. 1–7. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Strunz, K.; Hatziargyriou, N.; Andrieu, C. Benchmark systems for network integration of renewable and distributed energy resources. Cigre Task Force C 2009, 6, 78. [Google Scholar]
  39. Arritt, R.F.; Dugan, R.C. The IEEE 8500-node test feeder. In Proceedings of the IEEE PES T & D 2010, New Orleans, LA, USA, 19–22 April 2010; pp. 1–6. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  40. Kerber, G. Aufnahmefähigkeit von Niederspannungsverteilnetzen für die Einspeisung aus Photovoltaikkleinanlagen (Hosting Capacity of Low-Voltage Distribution Grids for Small Scaled PV Systems). Ph.D. Thesis, Technische Universität München, München, Germany, 2011. [Google Scholar]
  41. Centre for Sustainable Electricity and Distributed Generation (SEDG). UKGDS: United Kingdom Generic Distribution System, April 29, 2015. Available online: https://github.com/sedg/ukgds (accessed on 15 February 2020).
  42. Kiaee, M.; Cruden, A.; Infield, D. Demand side management using alkaline electrolysers within the UKGDS simulation network. In Proceedings of the CIRED—21st International Conference on Electricity Distribution, Frankfurt, Germany, 6–9 June 2011. [Google Scholar]
  43. Pilo, F.; Pisano, G.; Scalari, S.; Canto, D.D.; Testa, A.; Langella, R.; Caldon, R.; Turri, R. ATLANTIDE—Digital archive of the Italian electric distribution reference networks. In Proceedings of the CIRED 2012 Workshop: Integration of Renewables into the Distribution Grid, Lisbon, Portugal, 29–30 May 2012; pp. 1–4. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  44. Celli, G.; Pilo, F.; Pisano, G.; Soma, G.G. Reference scenarios for Active Distribution System according to ATLANTIDE project planning models. In Proceedings of the 2014 IEEE International Energy Conference (ENERGYCON), Cavtat, Croatia, 13–16 May 2014; pp. 1190–1196. [Google Scholar]
  45. Bracale, A.; Caldon, R.; Celli, G.; Coppo, M.; Dal Canto, D.; Langella, R.; Petretto, G.; Pilo, F.; Pisano, G.; Proto, D.; et al. Analysis of the Italian distribution system evolution through reference networks. In Proceedings of the 2012 3rd IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Europe (ISGT Europe), Berlin, Germany, 14–17 October 2012; pp. 1–8. [Google Scholar]
  46. Dickert, J.; Domagk, M.; Schegner, P. Benchmark low voltage distribution networks based on cluster analysis of actual grid properties. In Proceedings of the PowerTech, 2013 IEEE Grenoble, Grenoble, France, 16–20 June 2013; pp. 1–6. [Google Scholar]
  47. Schneider, K.; Phanivong, P.; Lacroix, J. IEEE 342-node low voltage networked test system. In Proceedings of the 2014 IEEE PES General Meeting | Conference Exposition, National Harbor, MD, USA, 27–31 July 2014; pp. 1–5. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  48. IEEE PES AMPS DSAS Test Feeder Working Group. Test Feeders Resources. Available online: http://sites.ieee.org/pes-testfeeders/resources/ (accessed on 12 March 2020).
  49. Mateo, C.; Prettico, G.; Gómez, T.; Cossent, R.; Gangale, F.; Frías, P.; Fulli, G. European representative electricity distribution networks. Int. J. Electr. Power Energy Syst. 2018, 99, 273–280. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  50. Meinecke, S.; Sarajlić, D.; Drauz, S.R.; Klettke, A.; Lauven, L.P.; Rehtanz, C.; Moser, A.; Braun, M. SimBench—A Benchmark Dataset of Electric Power Systems to Compare Innovative Solutions based on Power Flow Analysis. Energies 2020, 13, 3290. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  51. Probability Methods Subcommittee. IEEE Reliability Test System. IEEE Trans. Power Appar. Syst. 1979, PAS-98, 2047–2054. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  52. Anderson, P.M.; Fouad, A.A. Power System Control and Stability; Iowa State University Press: Iowa City, IA, USA, 1980. [Google Scholar]
  53. Uchida, N.; Kawata, K.; Egawa, M. Development of test case models for Japanese power systems. In Proceedings of the 2000 Power Engineering Society Summer Meeting (Cat. No.00CH37134), Seattle, WA, USA, 16–20 July 2000; Volume 3, pp. 1633–1638. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  54. Josz, C.; Fliscounakis, S.; Maeght, J.; Panciatici, P. AC power flow data in MATPOWER and QCQP format: iTesla, RTE snapshots, and PEGASE. arXiv 2016, arXiv:1603.01533. [Google Scholar]
  55. Fliscounakis, S.; Panciatici, P.; Capitanescu, F.; Wehenkel, L. Contingency Ranking With Respect to Overloads in Very Large Power Systems Taking Into Account Uncertainty, Preventive, and Corrective Actions. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2013, 28, 4909–4917. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  56. Porretta, B.; Kiguel, D.L.; Hamoud, G.A.; Neudorf, E.G. A comprehensive approach for adequacy and security evaluation of bulk power systems. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 1991, 6, 433–441. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  57. Grigg, C.; Wong, P.; Albrecht, P.; Allan, R.; Bhavaraju, M.; Billinton, R.; Chen, Q.; Fong, C.; Haddad, S.; Kuruganty, S.; et al. The IEEE Reliability Test System-1996. A report prepared by the Reliability Test System Task Force of the Application of Probability Methods Subcommittee. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 1999, 14, 1010–1020. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  58. Li, C.; Dong, Z.; Chen, G.; Luo, F.; Liu, J. Flexible transmission expansion planning associated with large-scale wind farms integration considering demand response. IET Gener. Transm. Distrib. 2015, 9, 2276–2283. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  59. Wang, H.; Chen, Z.; Jiang, Q. Optimal control method for wind farm to support temporary primary frequency control with minimised wind energy cost. IET Renew. Power Gener. 2015, 9, 350–359. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  60. Pazouki, S.; Mohsenzadeh, A.; Ardalan, S.; Haghifam, M. Optimal place, size, and operation of combined heat and power in multi carrier energy networks considering network reliability, power loss, and voltage profile. IET Gener. Transm. Distrib. 2016, 10, 1615–1621. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  61. Xing, H.; Cheng, H.; Zhang, Y.; Zeng, P. Active distribution network expansion planning integrating dispersed energy storage systems. IET Gener. Transm. Distrib. 2016, 10, 638–644. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  62. Meinecke, S.; Bornhorst, N.; Braun, M. Power System Benchmark Generation Methodology. In Proceedings of the NEIS 2018, Conference on Sustainable Energy Supply and Energy Storage Systems, Hamburg, Germany, 20–21 September 2018. [Google Scholar]
  63. Kerber, G.; Witzmann, R. Statistische Analyse von NS-Verteilnetzen und Modellierung von Referenznetzen (Statistical Analsysis of Distribution Grid and Modelling of Reference Networks). eW, March 2008; 22–26. [Google Scholar]
  64. Scheffler, J.U. Bestimmung der Maximal Zulässigen Netzanschlussleistung Photovoltaischer Energiewandlungsanlagen in Wohnsiedlungsgebieten (Determination of the Maximum Permissible Power of Photovoltaic Power Plants in Residential Areas). Ph.D. Thesis, Technische Universität Chemnitz, Chemnitz, Germany, 2002. [Google Scholar]
  65. Schneider, K.P.; Chen, Y.; Engle, D.; Chassin, D. A Taxonomy of North American radial distribution feeders. In Proceedings of the 2009 IEEE Power Energy Society General Meeting, Calgary, AB, Canada, 26–30 July 2009; pp. 1–6. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  66. Broderick, R.; Williams, J.; Munoz-Ramos, K. Clustering Method and Representative Feeder Selection for the California Solar Initiative; Technical Report; Sandia National Laboratories: Albuquerque, NM, USA, 2014. [Google Scholar]
  67. Walker, G.; Krauss, A.K.; Eilenberger, S.; Schweinfort, W.; Tenbohlen, S. Entwicklung eines standardisierten Ansatzes zur Klassifizierung von Verteilnetzen. In Proceedings of the VDE-Kongress, Frankfurt, Germany, 20–21 October 2014. [Google Scholar]
  68. Rigoni, V.; Ochoa, L.F.; Chicco, G.; Navarro-Espinosa, A.; Gozel, T. Representative residential LV feeders: A case study for the North West of England. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2016, 31, 348–360. [Google Scholar]
  69. Bhakar, R.; Padhy, N.P.; Gupta, H.O. Development of a flexible distribution reference network. In Proceedings of the IEEE PES General Meeting, Providence, RI, USA, 25–29 July 2010; pp. 1–8. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  70. Larscheid, P.; Maercks, M.; Dierkes, S.; Moser, A.; Patzack, S.; Vennegeerts, H.; Rolink, J.; Wieben, E. Increasing the hosting capacity of RES in distribution grids by active power control. In Proceedings of the International ETG Congress 2015, Die Energiewende—Blueprints for the New Energy Age, Bonn, Germany, 17–18 November 2015; pp. 1–7. [Google Scholar]
  71. Kays, J.; Seack, A.; Smirek, T.; Westkamp, F.; Rehtanz, C. The Generation of Distribution Grid Models on the Basis of Public Available Data. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2017, 32, 2346–2353. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  72. Domingo, C.M.; Roman, T.G.S.; Sanchez-Miralles, A.; Gonzalez, J.P.P.; Martinez, A.C. A Reference Network Model for Large-Scale Distribution Planning With Automatic Street Map Generation. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2011, 26, 190–197. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  73. Rui, H.; Arnold, M.; Wellssow, W.H. Synthetic medium voltage grids for the assessment of Smart Grid techniques. In Proceedings of the 2012 3rd IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Europe (ISGT Europe), Berlin, Germany, 14–17 October 2012; pp. 1–8. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  74. Han, X.; You, S.; Thordarson, F.; Victor Tackie, D.; Merete Ostberg, S.; Michael Pedersen, O.; Bindner, H.; Christian Nordentoft, N. Real-time measurements and their effects on state estimation of distribution power system. In Proceedings of the IEEE PES ISGT Europe 2013, Lyngby, Denmark, 6–9 October 2013; pp. 1–5. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  75. Bracale, A.; Caldon, R.; Celli, G.; Coppo, M.; Dal Canto, D.; Langella, R.; Petretto, G.; Pilo, F.; Pisano, G.; Ruggeri, S.; et al. Active Management of Distribution Networks with the ATLANTIDE models. In Proceedings of the 8th Mediterranean Conference on Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Energy Conversion (MEDPOWER 2012), Cagliari, Italy, 1–3 October 2012; pp. 1–7. [Google Scholar]
  76. Seack, A.; Kays, J.; Rehtanz, C. Generating Low Voltage Grids on the Basis of Public Available Map Data; CIRED Workshop: Rome, Italy, 2014; Volume 11. [Google Scholar]
  77. Zhou, Q.; Bialek, J.W. Approximate model of European interconnected system as a benchmark system to study effects of cross-border trades. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2005, 20, 782–788. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  78. Fan, H.; Wang, M.; Ning, X.; Liu, Y. Transmission network expansion based on reference network concept. In Proceedings of the 2016 IEEE PES Asia-Pacific Power and Energy Engineering Conference (APPEEC), Xi’an, China, 25–28 October 2016; pp. 1405–1408. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  79. Mayer, E. Benchmarking performance levels of distribution companies. In Proceedings of the 2001 Power Engineering Society Summer Meeting, Conference Proceedings (Cat. No.01CH37262), Vancouver, BC, Canada, 15–19 July 2001. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  80. Scheidler, A.; Bolgaryn, R.; Ulffers, J.; Dasenbrock, J.; Horst, D.; Gauglitz, P.; Pape, C.; Becker, H.; Braun, M. DER Integration Study for the German State of Hesse—Methodology and Key Results. In Proceedings of the CIRED 2019 (25th International Conference on Electricity Distribution), Madrid, Spain, 3–6 June 2019. [Google Scholar]
  81. Garske, S.; Blaufuß, C.; Sarstedt, M.; Hofmann, L. Reactive power management analyses based on generic distribution grid models. In Proceedings of the 2017 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe (ISGT-Europe), Torino, Italy, 26–29 September 2017; pp. 1–6. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  82. Adamczyk, A.; Altin, M.; Göksu, Ö.; Teodorescu, R.; Iov, F. Generic 12-bus test system for wind power integration studies. In Proceedings of the 2013 15th European Conference on Power Electronics and Applications (EPE), Lille, France, 2–6 September 2013; pp. 1–6. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  83. Kraiczy, M.; Stetz, T.; Braun, M. Parallel operation of transformers with on-load tap changer and photovoltaic systems with reactive power control. IEEE Trans. Smart Grid 2017. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  84. Hernando-Gil, I.; Shi, H.; Li, F.; Djokic, S.; Lehtonen, M. Evaluation of Fault Levels and Power Supply Network Impedances in 230/400 V 50 Hz Generic Distribution Systems. IEEE Trans. Power Deliv. 2017, 32, 768–777. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  85. Shafiu, A.; Jenkins, N.; Strbac, G. Measurement location for state estimation of distribution networks with generation. IEE Proc. Gener. Transm. Distrib. 2005, 152, 240–246. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  86. bin Ibrahim, K.A.; Au, M.T.; Gan, C.K. Generic characteristic of medium voltage reference network for the Malaysian power distribution system. In Proceedings of the 2015 IEEE Student Conference on Research and Development (SCOReD), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 13–14 December 2015; pp. 204–209. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  87. Chen, X.; Lin, J.; Wan, C.; Song, Y.; You, S.; Zong, Y.; Guo, W.; Li, Y. Optimal Meter Placement for Distribution Network State Estimation: A Circuit Representation Based MILP Approach. IEEE Trans. Power Syst. 2016, 31, 4357–4370. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  88. Padhy, N.P.; Bhakar, R.; Nagendran, M. Smart reference networks. In Proceedings of the 2011 IEEE Power and Energy Society General Meeting, Detroit, MI, USA, 24–28 July 2011; pp. 1–6. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  89. Levi, V.; Strbac, G.; Allan, R. Assessment of performance-driven investment strategies of distribution systems using reference networks. IEE Proc. Gener. Transm. Distrib. 2005, 152, 1–10. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Figure 1. Grid selecting illustration of grid generation methods based on experts decisions (left), using urbanization class assumptions (center), without predefined grid classification (right).
Figure 1. Grid selecting illustration of grid generation methods based on experts decisions (left), using urbanization class assumptions (center), without predefined grid classification (right).
Energies 13 04826 g001
Table 1. Overview of grid data properties and possible analyses types of publicly available, widely used distribution grids (top) and four exemplary transmission grids (bottom).
Table 1. Overview of grid data properties and possible analyses types of publicly available, widely used distribution grids (top) and four exemplary transmission grids (bottom).
Grid Datasets a Year PublishedVoltage Levels b Number of BusesSwitch ModelsDynamic ModelsOPF Analysis c Reliability AnalysisState EstimationUnbalanced Power FlowShort Circuit CalculationGIS DataTime Series Data
ICPSs [24,25,26,27]1968, 1974,
1981, 1982
N/A11, 13, 43---------
IEEE Case 30 [28]1974HV30--------
Cinvalar’s System [29]1988MV14(✓)--------
Baran’s System [30]1989MV33(✓)--------
IEEE DTFs [23,31,32,33]1991, 2002,
2010
MV4–123- ,✓-T-----
Salama’s System [34]1993MV34--(L)------
Su’s TDG [35]2005MV84(✓)--------
IEEE NEV [23,36,37]2008MV21 d --T, L----
CIGRE Systems [38]2009LV, MV,
EHV
13–44(✓)G, EN, T,
(L)-L
--(✓)(✓)-(✓)
IEEE 8500 NTF [23,39]2010LV, MV8500 d --T, L----
Kerber Grids [40]2011LV10–386--V, T, L-----(✓)
UKGDSs [41,42]2011MV, HV52–413--------
ATLANTIDE [43,44,45]2012MV97–103(✓)-----
Dickert’s LVDNs [46]2013LV1–150--L------
IEEE LVNTS [23,47]2014LV, MV342 d --T, (L)-----
ELVTF [23,48]2015LV906--T---
EREDNs [49]2016LV, MV13–6921--V, T, L----- e -
SimBench [50]2019LV, MV,
HV, EHV
15–380-V, G, T, L---(✓),
IEEE RTS [51]1979HV, EHV24--C, G, T, L----
IEEE Case 9 [52]1980EHV9-G------
IEEJs [53]2000HV
EHV
236–933
47–115

-
-
T, L
G, (L)

-
---
--
(✓)
PEGASE Cases [54,55]2015HV, EHV89–13,659------- e -
RTE Cases [54]2016MV-EHV1888–6515------- e -
a Complete grid names: Ill-Conditioned Power Systems (ICPSs), IEEE Distribution Test Feeders (IEEE DTFs), Su’s Taiwanese Distribution Grid (Su’s TDG), IEEE Neutral-to-Earth Voltage Test Case (IEEE NEV), IEEE 8500-Node Test Feeder (IEEE 8500 NTF), United Kingdom Generic Distribution Systems (UKGDSs), Dickert’s LV Distribution Networks (Dickert’s LVDNSs), IEEE 342-Node LV Networked Test System (IEEE LVNTS), European LV Test Feeder (ELVTF), European Representative Electricity Distribution Networks (EREDNs), IEEE Reliability Test System (IEEE RTS), Grids of the Institute of Electrical Engineers in Japan (IEEJs). b EHV > 145 kV ≥ HV > 60 kV ≥ MV > 1 kV ≥ LV; N/A: No available information within the initial publications. c C: cost data, V: voltage limits, G: generator limits, EN: external net limits, T: transformer limits, L: line limits, (L): line types. d Nodes are counted, i.e., any single electrical point is counted (relevant definition at inconsistent phase systems). e GIS data exist, but are not publicly available.
Table 2. Overview of intentions, generation methodologies and origins of publicly available grids.
Table 2. Overview of intentions, generation methodologies and origins of publicly available grids.
Grid DatasetsIntended Use CasesRegion a Information on MethodologyMethodic Origin of Data
ICPSs [24,25,26,27]ill-conditioned sample systems for power flow methodsN/AN/Asynthetic a
IEEE Case 30 [28]test case for optimal load flow with steady-state securityN/Aadaption of existing test caseN/A
Cinvalar’s System [29]illustrating the problem of switch positioning for minimum distribution grid lossesNorth
America
N/Asynthetic a
Baran’s System [30]test system for loss reduction and load balancing via network reconfigurationNorth
America
N/AN/A
IEEE DTFs [23,31,32,33]testing of new power flow solution methods for unbalanced systemsNorth
America
N/AN/A
Salama’s System [34]application example for the VAr control problemNorth
America
N/AN/A
Su’s TDG [35]example grid for network reconfigurationTaiwanN/Areal
IEEE NEV [23,36,37]examining the voltage rise on the neutral conductorNorth
America
N/AN/A
CIGRE Systems [38]benchmark system for issues of grid operation, planning, power quality, protection, stabilityNorth
America
& Europe
use case driven approach based on experts decisionsderived from real grids
IEEE 8500 NTF [23,39]representative of full-size distribution system with suitable complexityNorth
America
N/Aderived from real grid
Kerber Grids [40]estimation of photovoltaic hosting capacity in low voltage gridsGermanypredefined classification methodsynthetic
UKGDSs [41,42]representative distribution grids to test and evaluate new conceptsUnited
Kingdom
N/AN/A
ATLANTIDE [43,44,45]representative distribution grids to develop and simulate predictive scenariosItalyclustering methodreal
Dickert’s LVDNs [46]low voltage benchmark grids representative of German feedersGermanyprincipal component analysis and clustering methodsynthetic
IEEE LVNTS [23,47]testing of solvers in highly meshed low voltage systemsNorth
America
N/AN/A
ELVTF [23,48]typical test feedersEuropeN/AN/A
EREDNs [49]large-scale distribution grids representative of European gridsEuropegreenfield reference network modelsynthetic
SimBench [12,50]benchmark dataset with multiple voltage levels and data of time series and study cases to compare innovative solutions of multiple use cases based on power flow analysisGermanyuse case driven approach deriving grids from avail- able data with validating against real grids [62]synthetic
IEEE RTS [51]test or compare methods for reliability analysisNorth
America
N/AN/A
IEEE Case 9 [52]small test system for stability studiesNorth
America
N/Asynthetic a
IEEJs [53]testing of power supply restoration planning and reliability analysis algorithms
bulk power systems for load flow and stability studies
JapanN/AN/A
PEGASE Cases [54,55]development of new tools for control and operational planning of the pan-European transmission networkFrance
Europe
N/A
N/A
derived from real grids
synthetic
RTE Cases [54]validation of mathematical methods and toolsFrancesnapshots from SCADAsreal
a Presumably, due to the simple grid structure. N/A: No available information within the initial publications.
Table 3. Recommended terminology of common used grid terms.
Table 3. Recommended terminology of common used grid terms.
TermRecommended Usage
Synthetic GridGrid that either do not model a real grid or that is not obtained by simplifying or modifying models of a real grid.
Example and Test GridGrid that is simply created and used for basic testing, validation, or demonstration of only one issue. Transferring quantitative conclusions from this type of grid to conditions in real grids is doubtful.
Benchmark GridGrid that is used to compare the efficiency or validity of algorithms. When using a benchmark grid, the object of investigation is the algorithm rather than the grid itself.
Representative GridGrid that is created or selected to be considered instead of a number of grids. Since one grid can hardly be representative for all grids, there are usually multiple representative grids to cover different clusters of similar grids.
Generic GridGrid with variable parameters that allow to synthesize different grids through parametrization. While representative grids use multiple grids with fixed parameters to represent different states of grids, generic grids cover multiple states through parameter variation of one grid.
Typical GridGrid with common parameters. While representative grids intend to represent a wide range of possible grids, a typical grid claim solely to cover a common or normal grid type, so that outliers and extreme cases have little or no influence on a typical grid.
Reference GridGrid that is optimal with regard to a specific criterion, such as cost-optimality.
Table 4. Application of the recommended terminology to the well-known grids: well-suited terms (✓), partially fitting terms ( (✓) ), inappropriate terms (-), missing information (N/A).
Table 4. Application of the recommended terminology to the well-known grids: well-suited terms (✓), partially fitting terms ( (✓) ), inappropriate terms (-), missing information (N/A).
GridsSyntheticExample/TestBenchmarkRepresentativeGenericTypicalReference
ICPSs [24,25,26,27] a -----
IEEE Case 30 [28]------
Cinvalar’s System [29] a -----
Baran’s System [30]N/A-----
IEEE DTFs [23,31,32,33]N/A(✓)----
Salama’s System [34]N/A-----
Su’s TDG [35]-(✓)----
IEEE NEV [23,36,37]N/A-----
CIGRE Systems [38]----(✓)-
IEEE 8500 NTF [23,39]------
Kerber Grids [40]--- -
UKGDSs [41,42]N/A-(✓)---
ATLANTIDE [43,44,45]--(✓)---
Dickert’s LVDNs [46](✓)-(✓)--
IEEE LVNTS [23,47]N/A-----
ELVTF [23,48]N/A---(✓)-
EREDNs [49]--(✓)-(✓)
SimBench [50](✓)-(✓)---
IEEE RTS [51]N/A-----
IEEE Case 9 [52] a -----
IEEJs [53]N/A-----
PEGASE Cases [54,55]------
RTE Cases [54]------
a Presumably, due to the simple grid structure.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Meinecke, S.; Thurner, L.; Braun, M. Review of Steady-State Electric Power Distribution System Datasets. Energies 2020, 13, 4826. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184826

AMA Style

Meinecke S, Thurner L, Braun M. Review of Steady-State Electric Power Distribution System Datasets. Energies. 2020; 13(18):4826. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184826

Chicago/Turabian Style

Meinecke, Steffen, Leon Thurner, and Martin Braun. 2020. "Review of Steady-State Electric Power Distribution System Datasets" Energies 13, no. 18: 4826. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184826

APA Style

Meinecke, S., Thurner, L., & Braun, M. (2020). Review of Steady-State Electric Power Distribution System Datasets. Energies, 13(18), 4826. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184826

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop