open MODEX - Model experiment to compare and determine synergy potentials of open source frameworks in energy system analysis

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The research project open_MODEX (Model experiment to compare and identify synergy potentials of open source frameworks in energy system analysis) is a three-year project funded by the 6th Energy Research Framework Program of the BMWi.
To make forward-looking decisions, the understanding and analysis of system interrelationships in the context of the energy transition is indispensable. In order to make the analyses transparent, open frameworks are available that can be used to model energy scenarios. In the research project open_MODEX, well-known open frameworks - urbs, GENeSYS-MOD, GENESYS-2, oemof and Balmorel - are subjected to a theoretical comparison and compared in regard to their calculation results.

Keywords: modeling, open science, model comparison, oemof
Duration: 1/1/19 - 12/31/21
University institutions: Department for Sustainable Energy Transition, Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems (ZNES)

Description

Open Science is an important prerequisite for energy system analysis in order to be able to understand the quality of statements that are intended to inform policy and society. By disclosing the entire process chain of modeling, assumptions can be tested and discussed that are otherwise hardly accessible. Publishing the source code as open source (OS) makes it possible to draw conclusions about the quality of the models and the ability to include equations, logics, and organizational forms in the analysis. In addition to transparency, another rationale for Open Science is to work efficiently, by reusing existing material(s)/product(s). Nevertheless, new and quite similar OS frameworks/models are continuously emerging. While on the one hand this proves the success of working openly, it raises the question of why the existing OS models/frameworks are not used more consistently. Reasons for this can be that there is an insufficient description of the frameworks as well as various other access barriers. A comparison of the frameworks would reveal divergences in framework and model approaches that prevent cooperation.

The model comparison open MODEX is therefore planned on two levels. First, a systematic, comprehensive comparison of five OS frameworks will be performed in this experiment. The frameworks involved will first be described and compared in detail to highlight strengths as well as weaknesses, similarities and differences. Among other things, the creation and development of the frameworks, their documentation, the underlying mathematical equations/formulations, the chosen simulation environment, the organization of users and developers, as well as the further development of the frameworks will be included. Furthermore, they are also tested in direct interaction by systematically analyzing the creation of models for scenario comparison. The goals of the framework comparison are essentially to:

Identify the differences and possible synergies between the frameworks (components, structure, organization) and to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses.
Capture of validated methods used in all frameworks.
Identify the barriers leading to the emergence of further similar OS frameworks.
Clarify the potential of individual frameworks for power system analysis.