GM 2019 - Thinking Outside the “Black Box” — Analytical Foundations of Power System Research

The session will analyze the differences (and interactions) between "black box" approaches to power system research, whereby researchers apply standard software tools (such as e.g. time-domain simulation packages) without much thinking, and rigorous mathematics-based analytical approaches. Both simulation and mathematical analysis draw conclusions based on a mathematical representation of a power system, however the latter focuses on inferring structural properties through derivation of rigorous mathematical results whereas simulation makes quantitative predictions based on specific situations (with simulations usually modelling in greater detail). One of the most exciting developments in power systems analysis in the last ten years has been the revival of engagement by researchers from the optimization and control communities, who naturally take the analytical point of view, along with continued advances by members of the existing power systems community with similar philosophies. The presentations will be from established experts who will illustrate benefits of the analytical approach and also of simulation.