Publications

ReNCAT: The Resilient Node Cluster Analysis Tool

Wachtel, Amanda; Melander, Darryl J.; Hart, Olga H.

ReNCAT is a software application that suggests microgrid portfolios that reduce the impact of large-scale disruptions to power, as measured by the Social Burden Metric. ReNCAT examines a power distribution network to identify regions that can be isolated into microgrids that enable critical services to be provided even if the remainder of the study area is left without power. ReNCAT operates on a simplified representation of the power grid, one that aggregates and approximates loads and conductors. Microgrids are formed within the power network by setting switch states to split or join portions of the grid. ReNCAT identifies candidate microgrid portfolios with varying tradeoffs between cost and service availability.