TDS-CoSim: A Static Co-simulation Tool for Integrated T & D Snapshot Analysis Considering Large Penetration of DERs

The present-day distribution networks are transforming from primarily passive to active due to the massive integration of distributed energy resources. This changing nature of distribution networks calls for the development of static and dynamic tools that can accurately capture distribution networks’ behavior. This paper presents a transmission and distribution (T& D) co-simulation tool that interfaces MATPOWER and OPENDSS to perform snapshot analysis in an integrated manner. The developed co-simulation tool uses a loose coupling protocol at the point of common coupling (PCC) between transmission and distribution networks. The transmission system operator (TSO) can use the tool to perform load flow considering the distribution network model. The distribution system operator (DSO) can use this tool to capture the impact of transmission side changes on the distribution network. The developed tool also consists of a voltage stability assessment framework to identify the most critical transmission bus and posesses ability to quantity the criticality of downstream distribution feeders. Moreover, the tool allows computing the DER hosting capacity of downstream distribution feeders to determine the criticality of feeders in adding more renewable energy. The performance and features of the developed tool are demonstrated with case studies using integrated T& D test system considering IEEE transmission and distribution networks with DER penetration.