Abstract for: Learning from System Dynamics Simulations: Simulations for Time Compression or for Time Dilation

Powerful models have been used to simulate the vulnerability of the electric power system however changes in regulatory structure and increases in intermittent generation challenge even the best power system simulators. As a part of our research into mathematical methods to help power system planners deal with operational stability questions we look to previous system dynamics studies using model- based simulators. System dynamics simulation could add insight on the role of power system operators’ behavior in maintaining control of large, interconnected power systems. We review previous work in both the power industry and in the system dynamics community on the use of training simulators. Most system dynamics simulators, board and computer assisted games tend to compress time. Training simulators in the power industry act to stretch time to allow subjects to monitor and react to power system changes that can unfold in seconds and may be evident in a few minutes. Rather than time compression, the power industry looks to simulations for time dilation. Our research looks at the challenge of designing a time dilating system dynamics model for human subjects to experiment with, and at the process of measuring their improved performance as a result of this simulation training.