| Work Detail |
MathWorks, a leading developer of mathematical computing software, has partnered with Eversource Energy, New England’s largest energy utility, to enhance its system planning capabilities with probabilistic load flow (PLF) technology. As the energy sector transitions rapidly toward greener sources, including electric vehicles, heat pumps, and solar panels, the traditional methods of electric distribution planning have faced increasing challenges due to the added uncertainty. To address this, Eversource has implemented a probabilistic power flow system that enables the utility to process and prioritize millions of grid scenarios based on their likelihood and associated risks. One of the key hurdles in the U.S. energy transition is integrating renewable generation capacity into the grid. For instance, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts the addition of 26 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in 2025 and 22 GW in 2026. Eversource found that traditional modeling scenarios were insufficient for planning the future energy system. To overcome this, the utility incorporated PLF automation into its power system analysis, enabling it to simulate a wide range of scenarios and enhance its distribution modeling capabilities. This automation supports Eversource’s investments in improving its data analytics solutions and overall energy planning. MATLAB, MathWorks’ flagship programming and numeric computing platform, was the primary environment used to develop and implement the PLF system at Eversource. MATLAB’s robust tools for numerical parallel processing enabled the utility to efficiently distribute processes across multi-core CPUs and GPU banks, making it possible to handle large-scale simulations and complex data analysis. Tony Lennon, Simscape Products Market Manager at MathWorks, said in a statement, “The growing needs in modern system planning present both a challenge and an opportunity. Using MATLAB® and MathWorks consulting services, Eversource optimized their infrastructure investments and proactively addressed potential issues, ensuring a stable and efficient energy supply for their customers.” John Kreso, Senior Engineer, Advanced Forecasting and Modeling at Eversource, mentioned, “With the unprecedented energy transition currently taking place in New England, distribution system planning is more complex than ever before and critical to ensuring safe, reliable service for our customers. Through our new PLF solution, we are reducing simulation time by 95%, assessing grid reliability, and making data-driven decisions – playing an important role in our ability to optimize investments in infrastructure upgrades and ensure we can proactively address potential issues.” The integration was seamlessly achieved using the MATLAB ActiveX server, which facilitated direct communication between MATLAB and DNV Synergi Electric Solver without the need for additional programming languages. Additionally, MATLAB’s Monte Carlo simulation tools were instrumental in implementing probabilistic modeling. These simulations allowed Eversource to assess numerous scenarios by randomly sampling values from probability distributions of input parameters, providing a more accurate representation of potential grid performance. MATLAB’s data visualization tools were crucial in interpreting the results of the PLF simulations. These visualizations enabled Eversource to create clear and detailed representations of the grid’s behavior under various conditions, helping to identify potential issues and areas for improvement in the system. By leveraging these advanced capabilities, Eversource is better positioned to manage the complexities of integrating renewable energy sources and optimize its grid operations for the future. |
