Smart Grids Simulation Tools: Overview and Recommendations

Smart grids technology is expected to be applied in the future grids and currently it is developed at different levels considering the cost and economical operation. One of the goals of smart grids technology is the capability of integrating fluctuating renewable energy sources. Therefore the smart grids simulation including renewable sources is becoming vital. This paper presents a review about majority of available simulation tools with a comparison of some of it with author's commendation based on the current state of the available simulation tools. The paper focuses on the open-source free tools that are more convenient for study, development, research and education. Based on the current review during the writing of this paper, four open-source free simulation tools are recommended to be considered which are PSAT, PandaPower, CASPOC, and RAPSim. This paper should be helpful for those who are planning to work in smart grids simulation.