The conventional approach to modeling complex network topologies, their interconnectivity, interdependencies and relationships have been approached through the application of diagrammatic sketches, computer aided design (CAD), or other forms of design technologies that require extensive training and know-how by the user in order to design realistic and error free networks, such as electrical one-line diagrams for power system simulation. As such, novel methods that provide intuitive modeling paradigms that reduce the need for end user training or know-how for properly modeling, connecting and defining electrical power transmission, or distribution networks offer distinct advantages over the conventional approaches.
One such method can involve the representation of network components (e.g., power sources, power consumers, bus bars, capacitor buses, generators, transformers, cables breakers, switches, etc.) as virtual “jigsaw puzzle” pieces, on a computer, that a user can readily manipulate and join to form a myriad of different power system network topology combinations.