Experimental evidence of theoretical predictions: Braess paradox and network inference in the power grid

Abstract:

Much theoretical work as been committed to compute collective network effects in power grids, ranging from stability analysis and smart grid approaches over perturbation predictions to network extension plans.
However, often the connection of these theoretical predictions to real world systems is not clear.
Here, we review two theoretical approaches tested in a distribution grid experiment in Goslar:
First, the phenomenon known as Braess' paradox, during which an extension of the network decrease the sytem's robustness and overall performance.
Second, network inference methods applied to a realistic distribution grid, where the key question is: Can we determine the network topology, i.e. the adjacency matrix, from observing trajectories of the network?
We end with a brief outlook to the recently started Marie-Skoldowska-Curie fellowship DAMOSET (With data-driven modelling towards a successful energy transition).