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Hierarchical Simulation ​

About ​

On this page, you can run time-series simulations using grid data like smart meter or voltage measurements. Load and generation defined in the grid model can be included via built-in models (some categories may not be supported yet). For large grids, simulations can be split and run hierarchically, meaning the grid is divided into subgrids that are simulated individually but in a coordinated way to improve performance and scalability.

Running a Simulation ​

When you click on the Gear ICON, simulation options are opened.

IMAGE - general settings tab

In the General settings you can enter:

  • Simulation name
  • Scenario
  • Start Date & Time
  • End Date & Time
  • Time zone
  • Time resolution as step length in minutes
  • Simulate subgrids

Scenarios ​

Applying a scenario simulates your grid in a different load/generation situation. A scenario scales existing load/generation and/or adds additional load/generation.
For example, a scenario can:

  • Scale up all installed loads by 20%
  • Install 30 new PV generators
  • Add 20 new electric cars

Scenarios are created and modified in Grids page.

Modules ​

Modules fulfill different tasks during the simulation and can be activated or deactivated individually. There are three categories:

  • Voltage Modules
    Apply previously imported real transformer measurements or simulated voltages. If none are selected, the nominal voltage of the slack bus is used.

  • Power Modules
    Define how load and generation are considered. Power can come from:

    • Imported smart meter measurements
    • Load/generation models (convert static power definitions into time-series)

  • Operational Limits
    Define limits for bus voltage and line/transformer loading. Violations are recorded and shown in results. Changing limits does not affect running or finished simulations.

  • Result Modules
    Define the type and amount of data recorded. Most record aggregated data. The Detailed Results module records all data but is not recommended for large grids or long simulations due to performance and storage concerns.

Results Dropdown ​

Shows all running and finished simulations. You can:

  • View results by clicking
  • Delete a simulation
  • Rename a simulation

Log ​

The log lists events during the simulation, sorted by severity:

  • Error
  • Warning
  • Info

Examples:

  • Non-convergence of a power flow (warning)
  • Voltage measurement not covering the full simulation time (info)

Clicking on an entry expands it to show:

  • Problem description and fix
  • Duration (simulation time range)
  • IDs of affected elements (e.g., bus IDs)

Plots ​

Plots are displayed in the upper left part of the page. Select different plots using the dropdown. The result modules Alerts, Quantiles, and Histograms determine available plots.

You can zoom into a plot by drawing a rectangle with the mouse.

Plot Types ​

  • Alerts Plot
    Shows warnings and violations per simulation step. For lines, line length is shown instead of count. Green area shows total elements. Useful for identifying peak violation times.

  • Quantile Plot
    Shows value ranges per simulation step for selected quantities (e.g., bus voltage, line loading). Displays:

    • Median
    • 50% range
    • Min and max values
      Useful for checking if grid assets operate within limits.

  • Histogram Plot
    Shows how many elements had max/min values within a range.
    Example: 5 buses had max voltage between 1.1 and 1.12 pu.
    Useful for identifying elements operating near or beyond limits.

Alerts ​

Alerts are shown in the lower left part of the page (if the Alerts module is activated). They represent violations of operational limits.

Each alert category shows a colored bar:

  • Green: OK
  • Yellow: Warning
  • Red: Violation This coloring is also used in the grid viewer. Clicking a grid element in the table focuses on it in the viewer.

View Modes ​

  • Grids: Lists subgrids, sorted by most violations.
  • Assets: Lists individual elements, sorted by highest violation.

Filters ​

Filters can be used in hierarchical simulations to view:

  • Selected grid
  • Subgrids
  • Both

Filters affect both plots and alerts.