Do we need a new architecture for simulating power systems

The delivery of electric power and organisation of electric power systems is an incredibly complex system, which will become ever more complex with an increased penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), including electric vehicles and renewables. Optimization of such a system using conventional techniques is difficult and fraught with a myriad of issues, so simulation provides a more holistic approach to understanding the evolving issues. We argue that although power simulation frameworks exist they may be inadequate for simulating a more complex and evolving smart power grid infrastructure. A brief overview of research on existing systems is provided and this paper argues for the development of a distributed multi-scale, multi layered hybrid ABM/MAS system.