Applications of AI in design research at Carnegie Mellon University's EDRC

Arthur Westerberg, Ignacio E. Grossmann, Sarosh Talukdar, Friedrich Prinz, Steven J. Fenves, Mary Lou Maher

Abstract: This paper reports the implementation and operational experience of a knowledge-based system for voltage/var control in a real-time environment. The developed on-line EMS application is a multi-functional, multi-paradigm tool fully embedded and consistent with the existing decision support system. Especially designed as an assistant to operation, it consists mainly of a rule-based system for reactive power/voltage monitoring and control, and an optimal power flow (OPF) algorithmic function. The application has been in operation for the last two years. The adopted architectural solution is fully compatible with the existing control structure for process synchronization and task scheduling. Finally, the experience acquired during the project provided an in-depth understanding of past, present and future trends which oriented the planning of future development work.