System Dynamics Modeling: Illustrated with Examples from the Electric Power Sector

Systems Conversation with Andrew Ford, Emeritus Professor at the School of the Environment, Washington State University

System dynamics has been put to good use in dealing with several of the Grand Challenges for Engineering listed by the National Academy of Engineering. The presentation begins with introductory comments on the challenges involving Urban Infrastructure, the Nitrogen Cycle, and Solar Energy. The presentation then explains system dynamics model building using the textbook example of Mono Lake. This is followed by his surprising encounters with policy makers, stakeholders, and other analysts. The heart of the presentation is a summary of the simulated value of advanced, compressed air energy storage for the power system in Ontario, Canada.