Performance simulation of an open architecture energy management system (EMS) can provide detailed quantitative information concerning its performance capabilities long before the system is built. This paper presents a method for simulating the performance of LAN-based EMSs. The simulation shows how the performance of the system with respect to throughput and response time can be predicted. The results of the simulation of a generic LAN-based EMS for a typical operating scenario in a control center are presented. The simulation models the system hardware, including processor workstations, dispatcher consoles, memories, disks, LANs, rile servers, etc. The LAN protocol and LAN data traffic are simulated. Typical EMS software functions, such as SCADA, alarm processing, AGC, economic dispatch, interchange scheduling, transaction evaluation, unit commitment, state estimation, contingency selection/analysis, optimal power flow, etc. are simulated. Dispatcher actions, such as supervisory control, display callups, and study initiation, are simulated by random time event generators. Likewise, random power system events, such as alarms, are also simulated by random time event generators. Sensitivity analysis is performed by varying a number of system parameters to determine their effect on the simulated system. Outputs of the simulation show: Utilization of the processors, consoles, LANs, and servers LAN statistics, e.g. time delays of the data transmitted on the LANs Response times of display callups and supervisory control Elapsed times of key EMS functions.
