Admittance Matrix Validation for Power Distribution System Models Using a Networked Equipment Model Framework

The evolving nature of electric power distribution systems is motivating the development of advanced applications for utility planning, operation, management, and control. These model-based applications interact with multiple subsystems within software platforms referred to as advanced distribution management systems. Recently, the Common Information Model has been used to enable data model standardization across several entities. Model fidelity is the key to the development of leading-edge, scalable model-based algorithms and assessment of emerging technologies such as distributed energy resources for grid planning and operation. However, distribution system models are error-prone and model validation is challenging due to: (1) the need for considerable time and effort to maintain the network models, (2) update delays due to the evolving nature of the real-world systems that models are derived from, and (3) inevitable human errors in the process which are difficult to detect. In this paper, we extend a model validation application from our prior work referred to as the Model Validator to derive and validate a system admittance matrix using the Common Information Model. First, we introduce different modules for computing device-level primitive admittance matrices from Common Information Model parameters. These individual primitive admittance matrices are then used to validate corresponding entries in a full system admittance matrix. In addition, we validate the overall system admittance matrix by checking for gaps in coverage or extra elements that are not expected. The proposed approach checks the validity of each piece of network model equipment separately and identifies inconsistencies between Common Information Model parameters and the system admittance matrix at the device level. Furthermore, where devices can be specified using different combinations of Common Information Model parameters, each parameter combination is validated separately. This breakdown can help distribution engineers more efficiently apply root cause analysis for inconsistencies. The Model Validator application is implemented on top of GridAPPS-D, an open-source standards-based platform for advanced distribution management system application development. The effectiveness of the proposed application is demonstrated on six different test cases: four IEEE feeders, the Electric Power Research Institute J1 circuit, and a taxonomy feeder.