IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. 47, NO.

6, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

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Distribution System Analysis and the

Future Smart Grid
Robert F. Arritt, Member, IEEE, and Roger C. Dugan, Fellow, IEEE

AbstractThe smart grid refers to various efforts to modernize the power grid through the application of alternate sources
of energy and intelligent devices. The present national interest in
smart grid applications has generated many questions concerning
the role of distribution engineering in the future. What features
do utility engineers need in distribution system analysis tools to
support the future smart grid? This paper will discuss some relevant Electric Power Research Institute research in this area that
focuses on selected issues related to smart grid analysis relevant to
rural utilities. The essential characteristics of distribution system
analysis tools to support analysis of these issues are discussed.
Index TermsPower distribution system analysis, smart grid.

I. I NTRODUCTION

HE SMART grid means different things to different people. To some, it is an emphasis on communications and
control, which have not typically been represented in distribution system analysis. To others, the smart grid means distributed
resourcesgeneration, storage, and demand response. These
issues have been addressed by many authors since the early
1990s, and many distribution system analysis tool suppliers
have already implemented some capabilities to model distributed resources. However, there remains much work to do.
The Distribution System Analysis Subcommittee (DSAS) of
the IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) Power Systems
Analysis, Computing, and Economics Committee presented a
paper at the 2010 IEEE PES General Meeting on this subject
[1]. This paper discusses selected subjects from the DSAS
paper in the context of distribution engineering in rural electric
utilities. The Distribution Test Feeders Working Group (WG) of
the DSAS has already done work on related subjects, for example, to address the concern for having large induction generators
(e.g., wind turbine generators) on distribution feeders [2]. Part
of the motivation for that work was the concern expressed by
rural electric utility engineers. The WG is continuing to work in
this area and in other areas related to smart grid and distribution
system analysis tool development. Distributed generation (DG)
is not the only concern. Other perspectives on the smart grid
Manuscript received December 26, 2010; revised August 10, 2011; accepted
August 17, 2011. Date of publication September 22, 2011; date of current
version November 18, 2011. Paper 2010-REPC-553.R1, presented at the 2011
Rural Electric Power Conference, Chattanooga, TN, April 1013, and approved
for publication in the IEEE T RANSACTIONS ON I NDUSTRY A PPLICATIONS
by the Rural Electric Power Committee of the IEEE Industry Applications
Society.
The authors are with the Electric Power Research Institute, Knoxville, TN
37932 USA (e-mail: rarritt@epri.com; r.dugan@ieee.com).
Color versions of one or more of the figures in this paper are available online
at http://ieeexplore.ieee.org.
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/TIA.2011.2168932

contain an emphasis on such things as extensive monitoring,

intelligent protection, microgrids, and energy efficiency.
What kind of distribution system analysis framework is
needed to support the features being proposed for the smart
grid? Will there be a need for distribution system analysis
if everything is monitored thoroughly? What can be done if
more is known about the system? What different approaches
to designing distribution system analysis tools will be required
to support this? These are questions that this paper explores.
It certainly seems likely that there will be some kind of
convergence of distribution system planning, distribution system monitoring, and distribution state estimation (DSE) into
distribution management systems (DMSs). Exactly how that
happens remains an open question. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is actively involved with smart grid
demonstration projects as well as exploring advanced distribution system analysis concepts. Selected relevant issues are
discussed in this paper.
II. S MART G RID C HARACTERISTICS
Research is just beginning on many issues related to the
smart grid, and its features continue to be defined. Those
features likely to have an impact on the direction of distribution
system analysis include [1] the following:
1) distributed resources:
a) generation;
b) renewable generation (variable resources);
c) energy storage;
d) demand response;
2) communications and control:
a) advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) deployed
throughout the system;
b) high-speed communications to metering and controls;
c) state estimation;
3) improved reliability:
a) automated fault location;
b) automated restoration;
c) planning (switch locations);
d) improved asset utilizations;
4) improved energy efficiency:
a) end-use efficiency;
b) delivery efficiency;
c) at the planning stage;
d) operationally (active voltage regulation, etc.).
Smart grid issues will accelerate a natural evolution toward
more optimization, real-time operation, and intelligent algorithms in distribution system analysis. There is also a need to

0093-9994/$26.00 2011 IEEE

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cosimulate power and communications networks for integrated

design of power, control, sensor, and communication systems.
In the past, data uncertainties have been cited to justify approximate analysis methods. In the future, integrated systems and
real-time state estimation will require the best available models.

III. S TATE OF THE A RT

From the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, distribution system
analysis computer programs evolved from simple balancedload voltage drop calculators that automated hand calculations
to sophisticated systems with databases and interactive graphics. The system models were still largely based on the simplified
radial circuit techniques of the voltage drop calculations. Many
power engineers who have been involved largely with transmission system problems and are not intimately familiar with the
industry are under the mistaken impression that this is still the
state of the art in distribution system analysis. There have been
many significant advances since that time.
Key vendors began to adopt three-phase models in the 1980s.
The rural electric power industry played an important role in the
development of this capability with educators and consultants
promoting methods such as those described in W. H. Kerstings
book [3]. The basic need that this satisfied was to enable unbalanced feeder modeling. In the 1990s, another driver emerged:
DG. DG modeling forced most distribution system analysis
tools to have full three-phase modeling capability for both urban systems and rural systems. For those analysis packages that
provide it, harmonics analysis was another influential driver.
The norm today for distribution system analysis packages is to
provide for full three-phase circuit power flow and short-circuit
analysis.
The following list was published in [1] in an attempt to
concisely capture essential features of the present state of the
art in distribution system analysis tools.
1) Most distribution system analysis tools can perform full
three-phase analysis; some, such as EPRIs OpenDSS [4],
can go well beyond three phases.
2) Most utility distribution system analysis is performed
using tools originally designed to assess power delivery
at one point in time.
3) A few tools have the capability to perform simulations
over periods of time such as a day, week, month, or year.
4) Tools and techniques are designed for uniprocessors,
which is generally satisfactory for present needs.
5) Many tools, particularly those designed for the North
American market, exploit the typical radial nature of
medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV) distribution
systems for certain simulation efficiencies even if they
also offer meshed network analysis.
6) Harmonics analysis, if available, is an optional feature.
7) Time-domain packages exist, but frequency-domain
packages are preferred for distribution analysis.
8) Dynamics analysis is uncommon with distribution system
analysis tools.
9) Distribution planning and distribution operation tools are
largely separate modules with differing capabilities.

10) Modeling of the distribution system generally ignores the

secondary (LV) distribution system.
11) Modeling of end-use loads is generally with timeinvariant ZIP models.
These are necessarily generalizations of the state of the
art, and the list is not intended to be comprehensive. Specific
packages offer more advanced capabilities in one or more of
these areas. The intent is to highlight certain capabilities that
could be impacted by needs to analyze smart grid capabilities.
What new modeling capabilities will distribution system
analysis tools of the future need? The authors have been involved in several smart grid research efforts using the EPRI
OpenDSS computer program [4]. This program has a common
heritage with distribution system harmonics solution engines
and, therefore, has some capabilities that may seem unusual
in a distribution system analysis tool. EPRI has made this
program available in open source to encourage the evolution
of features to provide distribution planners with the tools that
they will need to analyze and support the smart grid. Some of
the capabilities of this tool that EPRI is encouraging vendors
to adopt for supporting its member utility needs include the
following.
1) Sequential-time power flow solutions, in various time
step sizes ranging from less than 1 s to 1 h, to accommodate analysis of such things as voltage regulation issues
stemming from renewable generation and storage.
2) Meshed network solutions are handled as easily as radial
circuit solutions.
3) Modeling of controllers is separate from circuit elements,
better enabling modeling of various smart grid controller
functionalities such as voltvar control of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation.
4) Advanced flexible load and generation modeling.
5) Detailed high-phase order circuit modeling capability to
enable analysis of such things as follows:
a) neutral-to-earth voltages (NEVs);
b) crowded rights-of-way with several circuits;
c) atypical, but common, fault conditions such as transmission overbuild falling on distribution.
6) Integrated harmonic solution capability to enable analysis
of, for example, NEV (typically fundamental and third)
and higher frequencies that might come from inverters.
7) Scriptable behavior to enable modeling of situations not
anticipated by the software developers.
8) Dynamics analysis for investigating islanding concerns as
well as open-conductor faults involving machines.
The relevance of these capabilities should become apparent
as these topics are discussed in the following sections.
IV. ROLE OF D ISTRIBUTION S YSTEM A NALYSIS
What kinds of analyses will distribution engineers want to
perform for the future smart grid? In some visions of the smart
grid, the distribution system is saturated with voltage, current,
and power monitors with all the data being available online in
a matter of seconds. Some who have this vision foresee a more
limited role for distribution planning than today. They suggest

ARRITT AND DUGAN: DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND THE FUTURE SMART GRID

that distribution system analysis tools will seldom be needed if

engineers can simply sit at their desks and obtain the voltage
and power consumption at every customer. Planning becomes
more of a straightforward bookkeeping problem. On the other
hand, as has happened for many technological advances, there
could be a greater need for detailed distribution system analysis
to better manage all the technology.
Functions such as reconfiguration after an emergency will
likely still require significant distribution system analysis capability. With widespread monitoring, the analysis may be simpler
if one is able to easily tabulate available paths to find one with
sufficient remaining capacity. Of course, this function needs
to be fast, since the implementation is real time, and it must
account for such things as missing data due to failed communications channels. Modeling analysis is likely to remain a strong
component of the reconfiguration function.
EPRIs vision is that distribution planning and DMSs with
access to real-time loading and control data will converge into
a unified set of analysis tools. That is, real-time analysis and
planning analysis will merge into common tools. Distribution
system analysis tools will continue to play an important role,
although they might appear in a much different form than today.
While some may think of rural electric utilities as lagging behind in technological development, the small-to-moderate size
of these utilities can make it more practical to implement smart
grid technology system-wide than it is for large urban utilities.
Therefore, it is expected that some rural electric utilities will be
among the early adopters of advanced DMS tools.
V. M ODELING C APABILITIES N EEDED FOR S MART G RID
The following section highlights a few of the key needs.
A. Modeling for DG
The addition of DG to the electrical distribution system has
been one of the key drivers in the evolution of distribution
system analysis tools over the last 15 years. Three-phase circuit
modeling and other advanced features have been added to
accommodate the needs of DG modeling.
Introducing DG into existing systems requires that it be
carefully integrated with the power system operating practices.
The key concerns include the following:
1) voltage rise and regulation;
2) voltage fluctuations;
3) protective relaying and control functions;
4) impact on short-circuit analysis;
5) impact on fault location and clearing practices;
6) need for an interconnection transformer;
7) transformer configuration;
8) harmonics;
9) response to system imbalances such as open-conductor
faults due to failing splices.
The authors are actively involved in research projects in highpenetration DG. Of particular interest as of this writing is solar
PV generation. One possible result of higher penetrations of DG
on the smart grid is that distribution system designs will evolve
to better accommodate DG. For example, voltage regulators

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Fig. 1. Simulation of regulator response to solar ramp function.

may be set a few percent lower to allow for voltage rise (as well
as drop) due to DG output. If not, situations like that shown in
Fig. 1 will occur for solar ramping events.
Solar PV generation is subject to cloud transients. When a
cloud obscures the sun, the PV output ramps down, resulting
in a drop in the voltage. After timing out, the regulators tap up
to correct for the drop in voltage. When the cloud passes, the
PV output ramps back up with the regulator tap too high for the
power level. The voltage is pushed over 105% when the solar
output recovers from a cloud transient until the regulators again
compensate by tapping down. This analysis requires a series of
solutions at a time step of 1 s and an accurate regulator model.
A typical finding in our ongoing research in high-penetration
PV is that utility voltage regulator targets will have to be set
1%2% lower to provide sufficient headroom to accommodate this kind of power swing.
DG analysis will likely require further enhancements to distribution system analysis tools, such as better meshed network
analysis for modeling spot networks, dynamics analysis, etc.
This is already apparent by observing the new features showing
up in the major distribution system analysis packages.
B. Time Series Simulations
The ability to perform time series simulations like that shown
in Fig. 1 will be a key feature of software to support the
smart grid.
Few of the present commercial tools were designed to efficiently perform such simulations and manage the large amounts
of result data that this analysis produces. Most distribution
system analysis tools were originally designed to support the
traditional planning analysis of designing to meet peak demand.
Thus, the main task was to solve the power flow for one
specific point in time: the predicted peak demand. The smart
grid, as envisioned by many, will have varying generation,
dispatchable generation, controllable loads, and controllable
voltage regulation devices. Solving for only peak demand can
fail to properly reflect the actual annual load profile.

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The time increment will be different for simulations of

various smart grid features. Some of the issues and typical time
step sizes are as follows [1]:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)

electric vehicle charging (minutes, hours);

solar and wind generation (seconds);
dispatchable generation (minutes to hours);
storage simulations (minutes to hours);
energy efficiency (hours);
DSE (seconds, minutes);
end-use load models (minutes to hours);
end-use thermal models (minutes to hours).

The duration of these simulations will be from a few minutes

to days and years. In any case, key requirements for distribution
system analysis software will be as follows:
1) to perform fast solutions;
2) to capture and process voluminous results.

C. Modeling for Imbalances

The differences between a symmetrical component model
and an unbalanced phase-domain model can yield quite different results. A symmetrical component model uses only the
positive- and zero-sequence impedances to represent overhead
and cable line segments as balanced impedances. However,
asymmetries in the mutual coupling between adjacent phases,
adjacent feeders, and conductors yield impedances that are not
balanced between phases. Distribution System Analysis (DSA)
has come a long way over the years because most distribution
system analysis tools can perform full three-phase analysis;
however, few programs exist that can go beyond three phases.
More and more of the circuits that the authors have analyzed
include multiple feeders sharing right-of-ways with as many as
17 conductors on the same pole sharing a common neutral (as
well as several communications messengers).
As an example, consider two heavily loaded long feeders
sharing the same pole construction and static wire like that
shown in Fig. 2. This should be modeled with at least six
coupled conductors to properly model the coupling between
the two adjacent feeders. The currents computed for each phase
using a detailed 6 6 impedance matrix are shown in the figure.
Fig. 3 shows the results computed for a positive-sequence
model of each feeder. All line currents in the symmetrical
component model come out balanced.
Fig. 4 shows the differences between these two models for
the phase voltages computed at bus A (at the end of feeder A).
In the detailed model, the voltages vary from 0.972 p.u. on
phase A to 1.026 p.u. on phase B, which may prove to be too
much imbalance for some three-phase loads. In the positivesequence model, the computed phase voltage is approximately
1.0 p.u. on all three phases, which would indicate no problems for three-phase loads. The impacts of unequal phase impedances become a greater issue as line currents are increased
on the feeders sharing common construction over a significant
distance.
This is just one illustration of a coupled set of conductors
requiring more than three-phase solutions to get the correct

Fig. 2. Heavily loaded feeder A and feeder B sharing the same pole construction with full-phase model results.

Fig. 3.

Symmetrical component model of feeder A and feeder B.

Fig. 4.

Bus voltage at the end of radial feeder A.

answer. Several situations arise in NEV simulations where there

may be over 15 conductors on a pole (see the NEV test case in
the IEEE Test Feeders [7]).

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D. Large Systems
It is common for distribution planners to model only one
feeder at a time. One thing that is almost certain to occur
from the implementation of the smart grid is the need to model
several feedersor even several substationssimultaneously.
At a minimum, adequate tools should be able to represent all
feeders fed from a common bus. It is frequently not possible
to capture the true benefits of distributed resources, or the full
extent of operating problems that might occur, without this
model.
Another issue requiring this capability would be the representation of switching between feeders. Various other proposals
require modeling of a defined distribution planning area that
includes a few substations. To accomplish this, tools would
have to be able to accommodate 10 000100 000 buses.
The authors routinely model circuits consisting of 5000
10 000 buses. There is a project currently scheduled to begin in
2011 that will require a 100 000-bus model, and inquiries have
been received about capabilities to solve an 800 000-bus model.
While million-bus models may seem far-fetched now, expected advances in computer technology could make this practical in just a few years. Parallel computing could be one
approach. Developing algorithms for dividing the problem into
a series of smaller ones is another approach. When doing such
analyses as simulating distribution automation over several
substations, it is an advantage if one is able to model a large
part of the system all at once.

Fig. 5. Computed and AMI voltages at customer during peak week.

single sourced and radial. After connecting DG units to the

distribution system, this assumption is no longer valid. Also,
DG is often protected with voltage relays and multifunction
relays that are monitoring quantities other than overcurrent.
Sometimes, the protection devices are communicating to other
control devices.
This is often best analyzed by event-based simulation of
the entire protection and control system response, which is
not always easy to represent with TCC plots. This is another
function that will require time series simulation. The time step
size would be in milliseconds.

E. DSE
DSE will be a key feature of distribution system analysis
software intended to support smart grid applications. DSE
could enable real-time optimization, adaptive protection and
control, pricing signals for demand response, and many other
smart grid features. Widespread deployment of AMI, sensors,
and automated devices will provide more data than ever before, so that robust state estimation becomes more feasible.
Transmission state estimators are well developed, but those
techniques do not all apply well to distribution systems. Some
of the barriers to DSE include the following:
1) low X/R ratios;
2) phase imbalances;
3) prevalence of current magnitude, voltage magnitude, and
demand interval measurements;
4) communication latency and bandwidth;
5) nonsimultaneous samples;
6) still not enough measurements to make the feeder
observable.
DSE will be a key component of DMSs. It is also likely
to become a key component of distribution planning. In fact,
DSE, DMS, and distribution planning functions are expected to
merge.
F. Protective Relay Coordination Simulation
Conventional protection coordination is based on timecurrent curves (TCCs), assuming that distribution systems are

G. AMI Load Data

The improvement in metering data accompanying the anticipated expansion of AMI and other smart grid applications
will provide better inputs to distribution system models. The
ability to collect load data over a long period of time is critical
to understanding a circuits behavior. An improved model will
provide better data on end-use patterns and diversity factors
for better quantification of distribution system efficiency and
improving automation simulations.
Efforts are currently underway to use the AMI data for both
inputs to and verification of distribution models. Typically,
substation metering power data are used to allocate loads
and provide the yearly load shape information. As AMI data
become available, each load can be allocated separately with
its own annual load shape. This provides additional insight to
the circuit; however, this is easier said than done as the AMI
data are often not synchronized with other AMI metering on the
same feeder, sampling rates may vary from minutes to hours,
and the vast amount of data slows computation time.
EPRI has begun work on incorporating AMI data into DSA.
In the EPRIs Green Circuit initiative, AMI data were available
on selected circuits. Fig. 5 shows an example of using AMI data
to compute a customers voltage during the peak week. The raw
AMI data at the customer in this example were sampled at a
15-min interval and are compared to the voltages computed in
the model using an hourly load shape derived from AMI data.
As shown in Fig. 5, reasonable results can be computed and

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verified through the use of the customers AMI data; however,

much work still remains in determining the optimal usage of
AMI data.
H. Modeling Controllers
Controllers are a key component of smart grid visions.
Whether smart or dumb, they can have significant impact on the
solution. Controllers in common usage today include capacitor
switch, load tap changer (LTC), voltage regulator, tie switches,
reclosers, sectionalizers, and breaker controls. Various visions
of the smart grid would add such things as generator dispatch,
energy storage control, microgrid control, electric vehicle control, and demand response control.
Modeling of controllers is weak and inconsistent in todays
distribution system analysis tools. For example, it is common
to assume that the substation LTC can correct the voltage to
the desired level without actually simulating it to see if it is
possible. Also, the state of controllers is not easy to determine
with a static power flow solution. It is frequently necessary to
simulate the daily load shape to get all the voltage regulation
devices (principally capacitor and regulators) to arrive at the
proper values. The desire to have this type of simulator is likely
to increase with the introduction of more controlled devices in
a smart grid implementation.
I. Modeling Communications
Communications bandwidth and latency are topics of high
interest. What good does it do to have the distribution system
saturated with monitors and controllers if it is not possible to
communicate with them fast enough to achieve an improvement
over existing system designs? This issue is currently being
studied at several institutions, e.g., [11] and [12].
Simulating the latency has significant implications for distribution system analysis tools. While loading simulations can
be adequately performed with time increments no less than
1015 min, latency simulations involving multiple controllers
and monitors would ideally be performed in time intervals of
a few seconds or even millisecond intervals. Simulating large
systems for a day, week, month, or year at such a small interval
would place severe demands on distribution system analysis
tools and the computer systems on which they would run. This
is a challenge for any simulation where small time steps are
required over long periods of time, e.g., millisecond time steps
for months. However, it may be necessary to get the right
answer. Advancements in parallel computing will hopefully
enable this simulation.
J. Work Flow Integration
At the same time that life as an engineer is becoming more
complicated with smart grid implementation, the time pressure
to deliver has also increased. Some utilities are being inundated
with DG applications for multi-megawatt projects, and the
regulatory requirement to complete an impact study is typically
one month. In some cases, screening decisions must be made
in two weeks. No matter what new analysis capabilities are de-

veloped, the utility engineer cannot spend weeks learning new

research-grade software tools and then more weeks developing
separate models for each tool. The new tools have to be robust
and integrate seamlessly with corporate data systems and other
software systems, such as the geographic information system
now used at most utilities.

VI. N EXT S TEPS

A. Advancing Distribution System Analysis Tools
Many of the expected advancements in distribution system
analysis tools will come directly from the commercial vendors
as their user communities demand new features. The IEEE will
also play a role. Groups such as the IEEE PES DSAS play
a significant role in advancing tools by making sure that the
analysis and modeling needs of the smart grid can be met.
The DSAS fills this role as follows:
1) by developing new benchmarks that stretch the capabilities in various ways (see the next section);
2) by supporting data exchange standards such as the
following:
a) IEC 61968 and the Common Information Model [14];
b) National Rural Electric Cooperatives MultiSpeak
[15];
3) by producing a recommended practice that defines many
of the terms, quantities, and procedures used in distribution system analysis, i.e., IEEE Standard P1729, Recommended Practice for Electric Power Distribution System
Analysis;
4) by organizing paper and panel sessions as well as other
means of technology transfer to keep the industry informed of advances and needs.

B. Test Feeders
The Test Feeders WG of the DSAS has published several
test feeders [7] and is in the process of developing new cases.
These test feeders will be central in the effort to verify which
distribution system analysis software is suitable for the simulation needs for smart grid modeling. The test feeders will also
be drivers of advancements in distribution system analysis technology, being designed to incrementally stretch the capabilities
of the tools.
As an example, the WG has recently introduced an
8500-node test feeder [9] to help benchmark the ability of software and proposed analysis algorithms to handle larger circuits
like those encountered in many rural locations (Fig. 6). Distribution planners today commonly work with system models
consisting of several thousand buses. Given the needs identified
for supporting smart grid applications, planners will want to
model even larger systems. Therefore, any algorithm intended
for distribution system analysis tools of the future must scale
up from the small system models used to test the algorithm to
many thousands of elements and buses.
The 8500-node test feeder has also been designed to present
challenges to distribution system analysis software which are

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2349

Additional test feeders planned by the WG include the

following:
1) NEV;
2) short-circuit benchmarks;
3) DG protection;
4) larger distribution system models;
5) inverter-based DG models;
6) asymmetrical contingency test feeder.
VII. C ONCLUSION

Fig. 6.

One line of the 8500-node test feeder circuit.

Fig. 7.

Residential load configuration in the unbalanced secondary model.

common in smart grid modeling. The challenges include the

following:
1) constructing models of large unbalanced distribution
feeders;
2) solving large distribution systems containing numerous
imbalances;
3) modeling the 120/240-V center-tapped transformer common in North American systems (see Fig. 7);
4) modeling LV (secondary) distribution;
5) heavily loaded systems that are near convergence limits;
6) advanced controls.
The 8500-node test feeder includes many elements that
may be found on a North American rural distribution feeder:
multiple feeder regulators, multiple switched capacitor banks,
secondaries, and service transformers. While the likely initial
use of the test feeder will be to simply prove that a method
can solve the power flow for the defined loads in an acceptable
amount of time, the test feeder was also selected for its potential
for serving as the basis for future advanced test feeders. Two
examples for which there is presently interest are as follows:
1) distribution automations, including voltage and var control simulation;
2) annual load shape simulation for evaluating energy efficiency options, renewable generation, and electric vehicle
impacts.

The ability to accurately model distribution systems with

smart grid components and associated behaviors will require
distribution system analysis tools to evolve significantly to meet
the challenges. Key challenges include the following:
1) merging planning and real-time analysis;
2) very large system models;
3) system communication simulation;
4) handling a large volume of AMI data;
5) AMI-based decision making;
6) time series simulations;
7) DSE;
8) detail modeling (service transformers and service
wiring);
9) distribution models, including the effects of multiple
feeders, transmission, and subtransmission systems;
10) DG integration and protection;
11) generator and inverter models;
12) regulatory time pressures;
13) control systems and control system interactions (i.e.,
DMSs, distributed controllers, distributed resource controls, etc.);
14) modeling of intelligent end-use devices and systems (i.e.,
smart appliances, demand response, price response, etc.).
Newer faster computing methods will continue to be a key
emphasis of tool development in distribution system analysis to
support the smart grid. The ready availability of multiprocessor
computers will likely play a key role. Software to exploit
these machines for distribution system analysis needs to be
developed. This may require looking at distribution system
analysis methods in completely different ways than the way that
it is done today.
While this paper deals mostly with simulation capabilities,
user interface will have to evolve with the capabilities.
EPRI is cooperating with and helping lead IEEE efforts
in assessing distribution software tools and developing test
benchmarks. The creation of new test feeders will include the
expanding capabilities of distribution system analysis software
tools, particularly those capabilities necessary to support smart
grid components and behaviors.
R EFERENCES
[1] R. C. Dugan, R. F. Arritt, T. E. McDermott, S. M. Brahma, Sr., and
K. Schneider, Distribution system analysis to support the smart grid,
in Proc. IEEE Power Energy Soc. Gen. Meeting Conf., 2010, pp. 18.
[2] R. C. Dugan and W. H. Kersting, Induction machine test case for the
34-bus test feeder-description, in Proc. IEEE PES Gen. Meeting, Jul.
2006, pp. 14.

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Robert F. Arritt (M96) received the B.S.E.E.

degree from West Virginia Institute of Technology,
Montgomery, in 2000, and the M.S.E.E.
degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute,
Worcester, MA, in 2005.
He is currently a Power Systems Engineer with the
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Knoxville,
TN. His employment experience included Raytheon,
Sudbury, MA, where he worked in the Power and
Electronic Systems Department. He has spent most
of his career designing and modeling power systems
from the electronics level to ac generation. Recently, he has been actively
involved in distributed generation impact studies and the EPRI Green Circuits
effort.
Mr. Arritt was the recipient of the 2006 Raytheon Technical Honors Award
for Peer and Leadership Recognition for Outstanding Individual Technical
Contribution and the 2005 Raytheon Authors Award for work on phase-shifted
transformers for harmonic reduction.

Roger C. Dugan (M74SM81F00) received the

B.S.E.E. degree from Ohio University, Athens, in
1972, and the M.Eng. degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, in 1973.
From 1992 to 2004, he was a Senior Consultant
with Electrotek Concepts, Knoxville, TN. From 1973
to 1992, he held various positions in the Systems
Engineering Department, Cooper Power Systems, in
Canonsburg, PA, and Franksville, WI. He is currently
a Senior Technical Executive with the Electric Power
Research Institute, Knoxville. He has worked on
many diverse aspects of power engineering over his career because of his
interests in applying computer methods to power system simulation. The focus
of his career has been on utility distribution systems. He is the coauthor of
Electrical Power Systems Quality (McGraw-Hill, 2003).
Mr. Dugan was the recipient of the 2005 IEEE Excellence in Distribution
Engineering Award. He is the Chair of the Test Feeder Working Group of the
Distribution System Analysis Subcommittee of the IEEE Power and Energy
Society Power Systems Analysis, Computing, and Economics Committee.