Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 80 (2017) 390–398

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/rser

A comparative analysis of renewable energy simulation tools: Performance MARK

simulation model vs. system optimization
⁎
Peter Tozzi Jr. , Jin Ho Jo
Illinois State University, Department of Technology, Campus Box 5100, Normal, IL 61790-5100, United States

A R T I C L E I N F O A BS T RAC T

Keywords: Whether you are beginning to learn about renewable energy or are an expert, there are a number of software-
Energy modeling tools that can be used to help simulate and optimize your system. Performance models simulate energy outputs
Energy simulation with system configurations specified by the user, while optimization models can help plan appropriate system
Energy optimization sizes to meet energy goals such as minimizing life-cycle system costs or maximizing carbon reduction.
Renewable energy
The models reviewed in this paper have been categorized into different project level subgroups: ‘Multi-scale
Renewable Energy (RE) Tools’, ‘District Level Tools’, and ‘Regional Level Tools’. The tools in each category will
be compared to one another to show similarities and differences. Concluding this research, a summary of which
tools are more suitable for each scale will be suggested.

1. Introduction based incentives, capacity based incentives, and the Modified

Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS)) [11]. Incentives can lead
1.1. Overview to a great cost advantage when wanting to pursue a renewable energy
system in your area. Some advanced modeling tools require more input
With the growing demand for energy in the world today, expanding data such as fuel types, investment options, operation costs, and
2.4% annually, interest in renewables technologies are growing fast [1]. precise site load data, such as fifteen-minute interval data for gas
When installing renewables, there is great potential to have significant and electricity consumption [12,13].
reductions in emissions, as well as cost savings [2]. The most appropriate model to assess a renewable energy oppor-
Models and tools that are developed for renewable energy are used tunity will depend on the type of renewable technology being con-
to assess, analyze, and optimize the potential energy and cost impact of sidered, complexity of the project, sophistication of the user, and data
renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies [3]. that you have available. This paper describes the different renewable
These tools can be applied on many different levels, such as local, energy tools available today, including technologies they evaluate, the
district, and regional. These models differ in scale and complexity, as scale and level of analysis, their modeling approach and limitations,
well as the inputs that the software requires to generate the intended data inputs required, and typical outputs. It also provides case studies
outputs [4]. of each tool.
Models need to balance simplicity and ease of use; accuracy, The tools are divided into three sections: Multi-scale RE Tools
precision, and representativeness; and data granularity [5]. Many (including basic renewable energy modeling tools that are easier to
models make performance estimates based on installation and operat- use), District Level Tools (including more detailed level result models
ing costs and system design parameters that you specify as inputs into taking more inputs into account), and Regional Level Tools (including
the model. General technical inputs include site location and resource higher scale project tools that can be applied at a national level).
data (weather information) [6], system components [7], electricity
rates, and electric load (energy usage per month) [7]. Financial inputs 1.2. Previous reviews
can be, but are not limited to, system costs (i.e. cost of module and
inverter, construction, land acquisition, tax) [8], system degradation A number of previous modeling reviews have examined different
rate [9], financial parameters (debt ratio, depreciation rate, inflation aspects and approaches to RE modeling. The tools investigated are not
rate, energy escalation rate, analysis Period, and insurance Rates) [10], all specifically ones reviewed in this paper, but similar in their focus on
and incentives (tax credits, investment based incentives, production performance and financial modeling.

⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail address: [email protected] (J.H. Jo).

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.05.153
Received 3 August 2016; Received in revised form 15 February 2017; Accepted 19 May 2017
Available online 31 May 2017
1364-0321/ © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
P. Tozzi, J.H. Jo Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 80 (2017) 390–398

Allegrini, Orehounig, Mavromatidis, Ruesch, Dorer, and Evins [14] as energy use and demand, temperature, humidity, and costs.
published a review of models and tools for energy systems on the Kandt et al. [18] completed a comparative analysis of seven
district-scale level. The research discussed modeling approaches that different solar mapping tools in 2010. This research showed how the
are relevant to urban and district-level energy systems. They discussed modeling tools have changed over time, and described new commer-
details about the tools and software packages available that implement cially available tools. They felt it was important to assess each
these models. The discussion section of the review covered key topics individual modeling tool based on its accuracy and portrayal of PV
emerging in urban energy systems modeling, particularly cross-dis- potential.
ciplinary and integration issues. Although previous reviews have assessed different modeling tools
Li and Wen [15] discussed renewable energy building modeling for and their advantages and disadvantages, none of these reviews have
control and operation. The research focused on building energy specifically targeted renewable energy modeling tools. This review will
modeling and forecasting, with studies included focusing on building focus on renewable energy modeling tools, and the unique character-
energy forecasting, modeling for major components such as power istics that distinguish them.
generation, energy storage, and short-term weather forecasting. The
conclusion of the review suggested choosing the modeling tool depend-
ing on the system type. 2. Review of renewable energy tools
Vreenegoor, Hensen, and de Vries [16] researched the advantages
and disadvantages of eleven simulation tools (not all being renewable In this section, we will discuss the different modeling tools that can
energy related), which are all different than the tools reviewed in this be used for renewable energy assessment and what each one entails.
paper. The tools discussed in their research primarily relate to district- This review paper classifies each tool by project scale. Multi-scale RE
level modeling and how energy is calculated. The objective of this work tools have the capability of modeling residential, commercial, and
was to develop a district evaluation model based on energy perfor- utility-scale projects. District level tools can model residential and
mance to support housing associations in choosing the optimal commercial buildings, as well as higher scale projects like microgrids.
renovation solution. Regional scale tools are mainly focused on large scale projects, such as
Crawley, Hand, Kummert, and Griffith [17] summarized existing regional and national.
building-level energy simulation tools. They surveyed more than 230 Table 1 provides a detailed matrix in which the twelve tools
tools and listed the best ones, in their opinion. The main tools in the evaluated in this paper are shown, along with thirteen attributes that
building energy field are the whole-building energy simulation pro- classify and make each tool unique. Two classifications are indicated on
grams, which provide users with building performance indicators such the table: the model having the specific attribute (green box with an X),
and the model not having the specific attribute (empty red box). This

Table 1
Synopsis of renewable energy modeling tools’ complexity, capability, and general attributes.

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table is designed to be a quick reference for comparing each tool category, using one or more inputs, provides the flexibility for policy
discussed in this review paper. Attributes of each tool are discussed in makers and stakeholders to analyze numerous combinations of sample
detail in the following sections. projects and scenarios [25]. The inputs are as follows:

2.1. Multi-scale RE tools 1. Project Size & Performance

2. Capital Costs (the geothermal model separates capital costs into
Multi-scale RE tools have the capability of modeling residential, as three sub-groups)
well as commercial buildings. These tools are well-rounded for many 3. Operations & Maintenance
scales of modeling. 4. Construction Financing
5. Permanent Financing
2.1.1. System Advisor Model (SAM) 6. Tax
Developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 7. Supplemental Revenue Streams: Tipping Fees
SAM is a free performance and financial model designed to facilitate 8. Cost-Based Tariff Rate Structure
decision making for people involved in the renewable energy industry, 9. Forecasted Market Value of Production
including project managers and engineers, policy analysts, technology 10. Incentives
developers, and researchers [19]. The software makes performance 11. Capital Expenditures during Operations
predictions and cost of energy estimates for grid-connected power 12. Reserves Funded from Operations
projects based on installation and operating costs and system design 13. Initial Funding of Reserve Accounts
parameters that the user specifies as inputs [14]. SAM models a variety 14. Depreciation Allocation
of technologies including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery
storage, solar water heating, wind power, geothermal power, and The outputs of the CREST model represents the all-in-price
biomass power. Each technology is modeled separately; SAM cannot necessary to make the modeled renewable energy project financially
model the integration of multiple technologies which can limit its use feasible by meeting its equity investors’ required minimum after-tax
[20]. return. Analysis using the model also provides valuable information to
SAM is a simulation-based software [4], and users typically evaluate inform rate-setting decisions [25]. Corbus et al. [26] used CREST to
a number of scenarios with different inputs to model a system that examine the economics of new transmission to deliver wind power
meets your need. from Wyoming to electricity customers in California. For the analysis
SAM requires inputs describing the weather at the system's loca- that they completed, CREST served as a tool for comparing different
tion, information about the project's cost and financial assumptions, technologies with significantly different resource cost profiles. The tool
and specifications of the system's performance characteristics [21]. As also showed an analysis of changes in global factors, such as the
an analyst/researcher, it is your responsibility to review and modify the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Investment Tax Credit (ITC).
input data as appropriate for each analysis. Default inputs, which you
can adjust, are financial and economic inputs, incentives, system
performance, and costs.
Outputs of SAM are levelized cost of energy (LCOE), power 2.1.3. PVWatts
purchase price, rate of return, and other financial metrics for utility- PVWatt's is a free tool, developed by NREL, that estimates the
scale projects. It also provides payback period and net present value for energy production and energy value of grid-connected PV energy
residential and commercial projects. Hourly, monthly, and annual systems throughout the world. It allows homeowners, building owners,
average predictions of the system's performance are given, including installers and manufacturers to easily develop estimates of the perfor-
net electric output and component efficiencies [21]. The tool also mance of potential PV installations [27]. The tool is very simple to use
outputs customizable graphs that show summaries of results from both and can provide a quick energy production estimate.
the performance model and financial model. PVWatts is suitable for very preliminary studies of a PV system.
There are a number of publications that go into depth about However, the production estimates calculated by PVWatts do not
projects that have been completed using SAM [22]. Rudié, Thornton, account for some factors that are important to the detailed design of
Rajendra, and Kerrigan [23] used SAM to analyze different scenarios to a PV system [27].
compare attributes such as total data on solar irradiance, and trends The first step is to enter the address, zip code, or geographic
that occur each season. The analysis was conducted over the course of a coordinates of the system's location, and PVWatts will automatically
year, and error metrics were calculated on time increments of hourly, identify nearby solar resource data for you to choose from.
daily, monthly, and annually. After inputting your location, the tool will require five inputs: the
system's DC size, array type, a DC-to-AC derate factor, tilt angle, and
2.1.2. The Cost of Renewable Energy Spreadsheet Tool (CREST) azimuth angle [28]. PVWatts makes cost of electricity estimates based
CREST is a free economic cash flow model designed to allow on whether the system is on a residential or commercial property, its
policymakers, regulators, and the renewable energy community to installation cost, and the retail cost of electricity.
assess project economics, system design, cost-based incentives (e.g., PVWatts is also embedded within two other tools: SAM and REopt.
feed-in-tariffs), and evaluate the impact of various state and federal Within SAM, PVWatts is one of four PV performance models available.
support structures [24]. CREST is composed of four analytic tools, SAM will generate results based on the PVWatts performance model,
including solar (PV and thermal), wind, geothermal, and anaerobic but using SAM's cost and financial model and assumptions. REopt uses
digestion technologies. These four Excel-based tools are directly down- PVWatts similarly to generate PV energy production estimates. The
loadable on NREL's website [24]. PVWatts Manual [29] describes the software and example output
For users seeking a quick analysis of incentives and other economic scenarios.
drivers of a renewable energy project's cost of energy (COE) and LCOE, Liu, Hoekman, Robbins, and Ross [30] conducted a lifecycle
CREST can serve as a simple and focused financial tool. Although this climate impact and economic performance case study of solar PV
tool does not provide as detailed results as SAM and other modeling systems on a commercial-scale level. They used PVWatts for their
tools, it is a quick, user-friendly financial spreadsheet [25]. research because the software incorporates complex climate data
Inputs for CREST vary by the type of technology the user wants to (covering a 30-year period) to calculate average monthly solar insola-
simulate. There are fourteen separate input categories, and each tion at large cities around the world.

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2.1.4. PVsyst gradient, inflow angle, extreme winds, and wind turbine performance
PVsyst is a paid modeling tool [31] widely used by architects, [40]. The results that are generated from the simulation can then be
engineers, and researchers in the renewable energy industry. It exported into different formats. More detailed examples of inputs can
includes a detailed contextual help menu that explains the modeling be found in [41–43]. Aldeman et al. [44] used Windographer to help
process and offers a user-friendly guide to developing a project [24]. determine the technical potential for wind energy in the state of
This tool presents results in the form of a full report, specific graphs Illinois. Twelve different wind turbine models that are in Illinois were
and tables, and data that can be exported for use in other software tools modeled by using the Windographer software. The tool was mainly
[32]. used for their research to compute the power production, as time
The software is limited to just solar PV modeling, which can limit its varies, of the wind turbines throughout the course of a year.
overall use compared to other renewable energy modeling tools. The
tool is a simulation-based model [4], which allows the user to model 2.1.6. windPro
different system sizes and inputs. As described in the following windPro is a paid [45], module-based software suited for project
paragraph, the tool only needs a couple inputs, so results may not be design and planning of both single Wind Turbine Generation (WTG)
as accurate as tools that require more user input data [33]. and large wind farms. Windographer only has the capability of
For a given project, the user is able to construct several variations modeling one turbine at a time, while windPro can model an entire
for the system. Inputs for the software include specifying the desired wind farm in one simulation. This tool is used to get a wind turbine's
power or available area, and choosing the PV module and inverter [33]. generated energy outputs, financial results for your wind project, air
From those inputs, PVsyst will propose an array/system configuration, density, turbulence intensity, as well as many different wind speed
that allows you to conduct a preliminary simulation. measurements (wind speed shear, wind direction shear) [46].
The simulation calculates distribution of energy throughout the Much like Windographer, windPro is just focused on wind energy.
year, and will provide results including the total energy production In order to create wind and energy models of an area using the tool, the
(MWh/year), the performance ratio, and the specific energy (kWh/ user must import wind resource data [42].
kWp) based on the available irradiation, as well as location and The inputs in windPro are similar to the Windographer tool.
orientation of the panels. The results will also include a loss diagram, Imported data includes coordinates, wind data, and maps from the
showing the main energy outputs and the gains/losses involved in the wind site [47]. Once wind data from all meteorological towers are
simulation [33]. imported to windPro, wind statistics are created for each site [48].
Overall, PVsyst is a powerful tool that can provide a quick analysis Companies that use the windPro tool can be seen in [49]. Ozerdem and
for the system you are researching, and show you potential improve- Turkeli [50] used windPro for their research predicting the wind energy
ments that can be made in the system design [34,35]. Annegren, content over the campus area of the Izmir Institute of Technology. They
Hällqvist, and Salander [36] performed a case study in Sweden, using collected data from different wind turbines of varying heights, and used
PVsyst as their main modeling tool. The purpose of their research was the software to analyze the data.
to evaluate the benefits of optimizing an existing PV system, and
evaluate the costs of the optimization. They chose to use PVsyst 2.1.7. RETScreen
because it can accurately analyze different configurations and evaluate RETScreen is a free energy modeling software that simulates a
the results to suggest the best solution. comparison between a “base case”, typically the conventional technol-
ogy or measure, and the “proposed case”, which is the clean energy
2.1.5. Windographer technology [51]. The software can be used to evaluate benefits from
Windographer is a paid performance tool [37] that is the industry both clean energy production from power generation projects and
leading software for analyzing wind resource data measured by met savings through energy efficiency projects, accounting for project costs,
tower, Sonic Detection and Ranging (SODAR), or Light Detection and emission, reductions, and financial risk [52].
Ranging (LIDAR). The tool can import virtually every data format The user inputs are general information about the project, such as
encountered in the wind industry, allows rapid quality control and project, facility, analysis type, and the location. Other inputs include
statistical analyses including Measure-Correlate-Predict (MCP), and fuel type, fuel rate, and schedule of utility electricity rates. There are a
can export to all wind flow models common in the wind power industry number of spreadsheets provided when downloading the tool [51],
[38]. which are used to evaluate load and network design, the energy model,
This renewable energy modeling tool is specifically developed for and emissions reduction [53].
wind data simulation. Other renewable energy resources are not The primary output of RETScreen is financial results [51]. A full
included in this model. For simulations in Windographer, you must cost and risk analysis contains information which can help you
have your own wind data set to import into the software, and it can determine which parameters of a proposed case have the greatest risks
only model individual turbines (not large wind farms). This tool is and costs [53]. The logistics and resources for the software can be
mainly used by wind engineers that are looking to dig into the details of found at [54].
their wind resource data. Lee et al. [55] conducted a preliminary case study to determine the
In Windographer, a data set is comprised of many different inputs optimal size for renewable energy technologies in buildings using
[39], including: RETScreen. They described the software as a ‘convenient and relatively
accurate tool’ for evaluating the feasibility of renewable energy systems.
1. Data columns (actual wind speed data) RETScreen has been widely used for pre-feasibility of renewable
2. Data column properties (type, name, units, measurement height, systems, and this study provided a methodology to find the optimal
and color of each data column) design parameters for a renewable energy technology in the design of
3. A list of the properties of the flags used in the data set (name and building energy systems.
color of each)
4. A list of flagged segments 2.1.8. Helioscope
5. The data set history (a list of all modifications made to the data set) Developed by Folsom Labs, Helioscope is a paid [56] tool used to
design a solar array and quickly analyze design decisions. With
When these inputs are imported into the software, you can simulate Helioscope, you can generate a solar system layout and bankable
a detailed analysis of your wind data. These results include, but are not energy production estimates quickly and efficiently [57]. The software
limited to, wind shear, turbulence, tower distortion, temperature can be used for pre-screening estimates or advanced analyses of sites.

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Helioscope provides CAD-like tools, but it is specifically built for At its core, HOMER is a simulation model, which makes it differ
solar, so users are able to quickly design the system. The software from REopt (which is mainly an optimization model) [68]. The tool is
includes an advanced energy simulation engine, which is used to highly advanced at designing a system for microgrid or distributed
compute every simulation component within the array [57]. connection, as well as stand-alone systems.
This piece of software is valuable for solar PV design and HOMER is a complex piece of software that has many different
performance modeling; however, it is limited to systems under input options available to the user. For users inputting solar PV data,
5 MW. The software focuses just on solar PV, and cannot model other input options pertaining to the system size, cost, lifetime, and
types of renewable technology. depreciation are available [69]. Economic values such as annual real
Ciriminna et al. [58] used Helioscope in their education case study interest rate, project lifetime, system fixed capital costs, and more are
that discussed curriculum for renewable energy technology in the available to the user to input.
classroom. Helioscope and HOMER were the two tools that they used Outputs for the program include a whole cost summary, including
to show renewable energy modeling, and their students used the capital costs, Operation and Maintenance (O & M) costs, fuel costs, and
software for their research projects. They chose these pieces of software cash flow. If utility data is input, HOMER will output the monthly
due to their reliable high performance, and elegance of the building energy purchased (kWh), energy sold (kWh), peak demand (kW), as
integration. well as energy and demand charges ($) [69].
Bahramara, Moghaddam, and Haghifam [70] described HOMER as
2.2. District level tools ‘one of the most powerful tools’ to find the size most optimal for Hybrid
Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs). HRES is a combination of
District level tools require a more sophisticated user that can renewable and traditional energy resources, as well as energy storage
provide more detailed data sets for results. They can analyze systems to meet the electrical load locally in grid connected and stand-alone
with greater detail than Multi-scale RE Tools due to the inputs and modes. They conducted this research to access minimum investment
complexity of results. District tools can also model higher scale and operation costs, and to also meet the technical and emission
projects, such as microgrids and larger gas turbines. constraints in the electricity sector.

2.2.1. REopt 2.2.3. Gatecycle

Developed by NREL, REopt is a modeling platform for energy Gatecycle is a paid simulation tool used for design and performance
systems integration and optimization that can help users to understand evaluation of thermal power plant systems for both new and completed
the optimal mix of renewable energy and fossil fuels required to meet projects [71]. The software combines an intuitive, graphical user
cost savings, greenhouse gas reduction, and energy performance goals interface with detailed analytical models for the thermodynamic,
[59]. The software combines site, resource, cost, incentive, and heat-transfer and fluid-mechanical processes within power plants.
financial data to identify the most cost-effective ways to meet energy Gatecycle can accurately predict the performance of combined cycle
goals at a single site or across a portfolio of sites. Formulated as a plants, simple cycle plants, cogeneration systems, and many other
mixed integer linear program, the REopt model determines the optimal energy systems, such as gas turbines that are used for biomass [72].
selection, sizing, and dispatching of technologies that typically include Gatecycle would generally not be used as a pre-screening tool, as it
renewable and conventional distributed energy resources, the utility is a complex piece of software that requires experience to use; however,
grid, energy storage technologies, and dispatchable loads. REopt it can be used for pre-feasibility all the way to plant acceptance [72].
leverages other tools and models for its performance data [59,60]. Since the tool is used to evaluate gas and heat generation, renewable
REopt can be used as an early screening tool to identify and energy resource simulation would be limited to biomass, landfill gas,
prioritize renewable energy projects at a single site, or across a and waste-to-energy. SAM can also model biomass energy perfor-
portfolio of sites in multiple cities, states, or countries. REopt can mance; however, at a lower complexity compared to Gatecycle.
show you the optimal projects to install in your respective area, and In the design mode of the software [72], the user specifies the
when the optimal time would be [61,62]. performance attributes that are required, and the software identifies
The tool also has the capability of modeling microgrids, energy the equipment to match the performance criteria. The tool also works
storage, resiliency, and detailed campus energy systems [63]. NREL is in the opposite way, where the user defines operational conditions, and
continuing to add new features to the REopt platform, which include the tool calculates the corresponding “as-built” performance [72].
energy efficiency, demand management, water planning, and an Gatecycle provides both simple and in-depth analyses within the
application program interface (API). NREL efforts to assist colleges interface, allowing it to provide results for any situation needed. As
and universities can be shown in [64]. described previously, the software has the capability to model equip-
Simpkins, Cutler, Hirsch, Olis, and Anderson [65] used REopt to ment “as built”, meaning you can still be designing the plant. Gatecycle
analyze remote Alaskan Villages. With the tool, they were able to find models are extremely flexible [72], allowing an indefinite number of
an optimal path for the villages to achieve a 75% fuel reduction. In calculation cases to cover variations in design parameters, as well as
addition to the existing diesel generator and fuel oil heating technol- plant performance (if the plant is under “off-design” conditions).
ogies, the model was able to select from among wind, battery storage, Brusca et al. [73] presented a case study dealing with the
and dispatchable electric heaters to meet the electrical and thermal performance of a gas turbine running on biofuels. For the research,
loads of the system. they used Gatecycle to model the gas turbine using on-design para-
meters, while performance test results were compared with experi-
2.2.2. Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) mental running data.
HOMER is a paid tool [66] that is used for designing and deploying
microgrids and distributed power systems that can include a combina- 2.3. Regional level tools
tion of renewable power sources, storage, and fossil-based generation.
The tool was designed by NREL and provides simulation and optimiza- These tools are mainly focused on developments on a larger scale,
tions capabilities [67]. The optimization process identifies least-cost such as regional or national. They require more advanced data sets in
options for microgrids and other distributed electrical power systems. order to get more accurate results.
HOMER makes it easy to compare thousands of possibilities in a single
simulation. This allows you to see the impact of variables, such as fuel 2.3.1. Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS)
costs and wind speeds [67]. Developed by NREL, ReEDS is a long-term capacity-expansion

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model for the deployment of electric power generation technologies Connolly, Lund, and Mathiesen [82] conducted a technical and
and transmission infrastructure throughout the contiguous United economic case study to determine the impact of one potential 100%
States [74]. This tool is designed to analyze critical issues in the energy renewable energy implementation path for the European Union. They
sector, especially with respect to potential energy policies, such as clean chose to use EnergyPLAN because it optimizes the technical operation
energy and renewable energy standards or carbon restrictions. of a given system, as opposed to tools that only identify an optimum
ReEDS models electricity systems on statewide or nation-wide within the regulations of an individual sector.
level, rather than individual projects. Multi-scale RE Tools or District
Level Tools are more appropriate for an individual project. 2.3.3. KomMod
The goal of ReEDS is to provide a detailed representation of KomMod is a simulation tool, developed by Fraunhofer ISE
electricity generation and transmission systems and specifically ad- Germany, used to create sustainable energy scenarios [83]. The tool
dress a variety of issues related to renewable energy technologies, provides real-time estimates of demand side power requirements, as
including accessibility and cost of transmission, regional quality of well as available sources producing power at optimal operation.
renewable resources, seasonal and diurnal load and generation profiles, The interface of KomMod is similar to EnergyPlan, as well as the
variability of wind and solar power, and influence of utilities [74]. inputs that it requires. KomMod has three objectives: to analyze the
Inputs for the software include base overnight capital cost ($/kW), requirements of a municipal energy system model, to compare the
variable O & M cost ($/MWh), fixed O & M cost ($/kW-Yr), and heat requirements with existing models, and to create an energy system
rate (Btu/kWh). A full list of inputs for ReEDS, as well as functionality, model, based either on an existing solution or from the start [83].
can be found at [75]. Eggers and Stryi-Hipp [84] used the KomMod software as a tool to
Major outputs of ReEDS include the amount of generator capacity support municipalities, as they move along the path to becoming a
and annual generation from each technology, storage capacity expan- Smart Energy City. KomMod was able to deliver recommendations
sion, transmission capacity expansion, total electric sector costs, depending upon the capacity of a city, the number of facilities to be
electricity price, fuel prices, and carbon dioxide (CO2). Published work installed, as well as the relevant time series for those operations.
from ReEDS, including technical reports, journal articles, conference
papers, and posters, can be found at [76]. 2.4. Other tools
Ibanez and Zinaman [77] modeled the integrated expansion of the
Canadian and U.S. power sectors by using the ReEDS model. Modeling These tools do not specifically focus on renewable energy technol-
future renewable energy scenarios needed tools that can accommodate ogies as inputs. They are more suited for advanced modeling of systems
the diversity of the different renewable energy technologies and that the other tools cannot model.
applications, the location-dependent quality of many of these re-
sources, as well as the variability and uncertainty of solar and wind 2.4.1. Energy Storage Valuation Tool (ESVT)
generation. They chose to use ReEDS because it is ‘unique’ among A piece of software that simulates finances of energy storage is the
nationwide and long-term capacity models for its highly complex Energy Storage Valuation Tool (ESVT). ESVT is a paid [85] tool that is
regional structure. used to analyze the cost-effectiveness of energy storage. It does not fully
incorporate renewable energy technology as an input, but can be very
2.3.2. EnergyPLAN useful if you are also researching resiliency and storage of a solar PV
EnergyPLAN is a free tool developed by the Sustainable Energy system. Zakeri and Syri [86] used ESVT to evaluate different life cycle
Planning Research group at Aalborg University that simulates the costs of electrical energy storage systems.
operation of national energy systems on an hourly basis, including
electricity, heating, cooling, industry, and transportation sectors [78]. 2.4.2. Long-Range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP)
The main purpose of the model is to analyze the energy, environmental, The Long-Range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP) is a
and economic impact of various energy strategies. The key objective is paid [87] tool that can simulate and optimize energy consumption,
to model a variety of options so that they can be compared with one production and resource extraction in all sectors of an economy [88].
another, rather than model one ‘optimum’ solution based on defined This tool goes as much in depth as REopt; however, it does not include
pre-conditions [79]. renewable energy systems as technology options. The tool has the
The aim of this tool is to model the ‘finishing point’ of the energy capacity to be used at a wide range of scales, from cities and states to
system, rather than the starting point [79], which means this tool national, regional, and even global applications [88]. Heaps [89] did a
focuses on the future energy system that could be installed, rather than deep carbon reduction scenario analysis in China in 2009 using the
on today's energy system, making it unique compared to other LEAP software. The tool was able to optimize energy over the next four
modeling tools. This piece of software should not be used if you are decades for the country to show how development and growth could be
doing pre-screening for a site and need preliminary results for altered, as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The ultimate goal
research. of this research was to show the feasibility of massively reducing
General inputs to the tool are energy demand, renewable energy China's CO2 emissions by the year 2050.
sources, energy station capacities, costs, and a variety of regulation
strategies emphasizing import/export and excess electricity production 2.4.3. Distributed Energy Resources-Customer Adoption Model
[79]. The tool focuses on the ‘big picture’ for resource installation and (DER-CAM)
optimization. More detailed inputs and functionality of the tool can be Developed by the Microgrid Team at Berkeley Lab, DER-CAM is a
found in [80]. free economic and environmental model of customer DER adoption
Outputs for EnergyPLAN include energy balances and resulting [90]. This main purpose of this tool is to minimize the cost of operating
annual productions, fuel consumption, import/export of electricity, on-site generation and combined heat and power (CHP) systems, either
and total costs including income from the exchange of electricity [79]. in residential or commercial sites (Multi-scale - District Level).
Furthermore, results include detailed hourly analyses of a complete DER-CAM uses customer's load profiles, electricity policies and
energy system, access to the library of hourly data, and free online prices, capital, fuel costs, and other physical characteristics of the
training to make the interface easier to navigate. Users can also expect system to determine what the minimum cost of operating can be [91].
access to a network of global users that can assist and share their The model assumes that customer decisions are made based upon
simulations and expertise with you [79]. A number of case study direct economic criteria, meaning that the only benefit is a reduction in
scenarios are shown at [81], which provide studies done internationally. the customer's electricity bill.

395
P. Tozzi, J.H. Jo Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 80 (2017) 390–398

This tool was recently updated in March of 2016 [92] to further 4. Conclusion
develop its features to expand beyond just residential modeling. Since
then, it is a tool widely used in microgrid modeling. Stadler et al. [93] This review paper has given an overview of many different modeling
used DER-CAM to model strategic investment decisions for their tools that are used for simulating and optimizing a renewable energy
distributed energy system. They used the software, as well, to show project. Each model has different qualities that make it unique such as
the trade-off between cost and CO₂ reduction. user inputs and precision of results. Some tools have a goal of giving
the user an easy to perform quick pre-screening. Some can give an
optimized model that shows specifically what type of renewable
resource should be installed, and to what scale. Nevertheless, all have
2.4.4. GridLAB-D
a common goal of providing the user with useful information for their
Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) the Pacific
renewable energy work.
Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), GridLAB-D is a power dis-
The intention is that users can use the information from this review
tribution simulation software tool that is used to provide users with
to help them pick the right renewable energy modeling tool for their
information about the design and operation of their distributed energy
specific work. The review addresses some limitations that come with
system [94]. The tool incorporates advanced modeling techniques,
each model, and how researchers today use each tool.
along with high-performance algorithms to deliver real time modeling
Over the past years, there have been many advances in renewable
results. This is an open-source tool, much like PVWatts, where you can
energy systems, and the way they are modeled. Having a greater
access and input information directly on their website simulation
understanding of renewable energy modeling tools will help as you
pages.
approach system design. Implementing a renewable energy system will
GridLAB-D incorporates voltage control, solar, energy storage,
have challenges along the way, and modeling your system can help to
demand response, as well as a solar demonstration simulation.
energy and cost impact of different design alternatives.
Thomas and Tesfatsion [95] used GridLAB-D to realistically model
their distribution system. The software was able to accurately demon-
Acknowledgments
strate the distributed energy system, highlighting how the price and
load affect one another.
The authors would like to thank the Engineering and Modeling
group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden,
CO, for their assistance with research on energy optimization. This
3. Discussion research was partially supported by Basic Science Research Program
through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) funded by
In this section, I will discuss the differences of simulation and the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (No.
optimization modeling in software, and how each approach can provide 2015R1A5A1037548).
different results. Each category of renewable energy modeling tools will
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