As with all analytical tools, predictive or otherwise, the manner in which data and results are communicated to the user is often as important as the choice of analytical tool itself. Ideally, the data and results are communicated in a fashion that is simple to understand while also painting a comprehensive and accurate picture for the user. For example, graphical displays (e.g., two-dimensional and three-dimensional views) of the operational aspects of an electrical system greatly enhances the ability of a system operator, owner and/or executive to understand the health and predicted performance of the electrical system.
Moreover, the ability to predict, and understand the health and stability of an electrical network (the capability of a power system to maintain stability and/or recover from events and disturbances without violating system operational constraints) in both static and in real-time, is important in order to insure that the power distribution system can meet the power demands and maintain sufficient active and reactive power reserves to hand the ongoing changes in demand and disturbances to the system due to various contingencies. Traditional transient stability programs are capable of accurately computing the trajectories of power system quantities, such as voltages, frequencies, power flow, etc., following disturbances. However, programs leave the understanding of these trajectories, i.e., severity of these disturbances, and their relevance to the power system security Largely to an engineer's judgment.