GridLAB-D: A Unique Tool to Design the Smart Grid

GridLAB-D™ is an open-source project for developing a next-generation power system simulation technology. GridLAB-D™ is an electric power distribution system simulation and analysis tool that provides valuable information to users who design and operate distribution systems, and to utilities that wish to take advantage of the latest energy technologies such as distributed energy resources (DERs), power flow, load, and energy market modeling, among others. GridLAB-D™ incorporates advanced load modeling techniques, with high-performance solution algorithms to deliver end use load modeling, coupled with power system models, market models, distribution automation models, and software integration tools for users of many power system analysis tools.

GridLAB-D™ was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) with funding from the Office of Electricity and continues to be developed in collaboration with industry and academia.

What is GridLAB-D™?

GridLAB-D™ is a flexible simulation environment that can be integrated with a variety of third-party data management and analysis tools. The core of GridLAB-D™ has an advanced algorithm that simultaneously coordinates the state of millions of independent devices, each of which is described by multiple differential equations. The advantages of this algorithm over traditional finite difference-based simulators are as follows:

  1. Unusual situations are managed with greater accuracy.
  2. It handles widely-disparate time scales, ranging from sub-seconds to many years.
  3. Easy integration with new modules and third-party systems.

In simplest terms, GridLAB-D™ examines in detail the interplay of all parts of a distribution system. GridLAB-D™ does not require the use of reduced-order models for the aggregate behavior of consumer or electrical systems, which averts the danger of erroneous or misapplied assumptions. It becomes an essential tool that enables industry and government planners to design more effective and efficient programs to manage load growth and improve system reliability.

Who should use GridLAB-D™?

GridLAB-D™ incorporates an extensive suite of tools to build and manage studies and analyze results, including:

  1. Agent-based and information-based modeling tools that allow users to create detailed models of how new end use technologies such as DERs, distribution automation, and retail markets interact and evolve over time.
  2. Tools to create and validate rate structures, examine consumer reaction, and verify the interaction and dependence of programs with other technologies and wholesale markets.
  3. Interfaces to industry-standard power systems tools and analysis systems.
  4. Extensive data collection tools to permit a wide variety of analyses.

How do I cite GridLAB-D™?

Chassin, David P., Fisher, Andy, Tugurlan, Cristina, Tuffner, Frank, Vyakaranam, Bharat, Fuller, Jason, Schneider, Kevin, Subbarao, Kris, Hauer, Matt, Prakash-Kumar, Nirupama, Doroshchuk, Ruslan, Pratt, Robert G., & USDOE - Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (2011). GridLAB-D/SG. https://doi.org/10.11578/dc.20220718.49

See OSTI.gov page for more information.