Simple and Flexible Power System Simulation Coupling using Remote Object Communication

Simulation coupling in power systems is essential for addressing complex, multidisciplinary challenges by integrating specialized models from diverse domains. However, existing approaches face limitations such as data privacy concerns, security risks, hardware and licensing constraints, and the absence of standardized exchange formats and interfaces. This paper presents a simple, flexible, and secure method for simulation coupling using remote object communication. The implementation leverages Pyro (Python Remote Objects) to expose objects that facilitate simulation control and data transfer to create a distributed simulation that keeps the model confidential. Unlike resource-intensive co-simulation frameworks, this method provides lightweight integration with minimal programming and configuration overhead. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach through a case study that couples DIgSILENT PowerFactory — a widely used power system simulation tool — via its API with Pyro for remote simulation execution and model parametrization. The results highlight the effectiveness of this approach in achieving seamless model integration, secure data exchange, and efficient distributed simulation for power system studies.