Tier/Layers

The vertical layers of a GW-scale Power System including the Bulk Power System, Transmission Networks and Distribution Networks.  In a conceptual sense, as Distributed Energy Resource (DER/CER) volumes increase, these may also be considered an additional virtual Tier/Layer.

In contexts where millions of diverse Energy Resources become ubiquitous across all layers of the Power Systems, the decomposition of such a System experiencing escalating Complexity across its natural layers becomes foundational to the design of future-ready Operational Coordination mechanisms. 

Employing the mathematical method known as Layered Decomposition, such highly complex optimisation problems are decomposed from a master problem into a sub-problem and then sub-sub-problems in a recursive manner. In the case of Power Systems, each level of decomposition for the consideration of advanced Operational Coordination is a Tier/Layer. 

Refer also to Layered Future Architecture and Centralised Future Architecture.

Given the fast-evolving nature of power system transformation, the Future Grid Accelerator (FGA) has the status of a perpetual BETA version. Your suggestions for how each concept and definition may be enhanced are very welcome.

All feedback will be reviewed and considered for inclusion in subsequent updates.

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