Detailed load simulation for better grid planning

The future load profile is the single most important factor for determining the future grid. But in many cases while planning future grids, the planners simply assume that the future load will be much like the current one, which can cause large problems later. In this paper an alternative approach is shown. For the research project “SimZukunft” the future load is calculated based on the official scenarios for Switzerland, which are broken down to the level of the individual house. A bottom-up simulation is used to calculate the future load profile, which is then used to perform the grid planning. The paper explains the methods used to generate a detailed bottom up model for a city as well as the challenges and benefits of the approach and gives a brief overview of some of the results of the research project.