The system shown in FIG. 32 can provide a computing environment for implementing the application program for modeling a topology of an electrical power system. As discussed above, the application program can facilitate the representation of network components as virtual ‘jigsaw puzzle” pieces that that a user can readily manipulate and join to create different power network topology combinations. Each of these network component pieces are stored in the component database 3234.
As depicted in FIGS. 33 and 34, the components used to define the network can be grouped into unique categories such as nodes and branches. Node type objects 3302 can be depicted as a “male” jigsaw puzzle piece. Examples of node type objects include, but are not limited to, power sources, power consumers, bus bars, capacitor buses, generators, etc. Branch type objects 3304 can be depicted as “female” jigsaw puzzle pieces. Examples of branch type objects include, but are not limited to, transformers, cables, breakers, switches, etc.
