Tools for Analysis and Design of Distributed Resources-Part I: Tools for Feasibility Studies

The feasibility study of a power system is aimed at determining whether the system can adequately satisfy the load. The study will usually include other purposes, such as estimating the life-cycle cost of the system. This paper summarizes the main capabilities of current software packages for feasibility analysis of distributed energy resources. The document presents a short description of models, dispatch strategies, and economic indicators implemented in some packages. The test cases included in this paper will illustrate the scope of a feasibility study considering off-grid and grid-connected distributed resources.