Exploiting Quantum Power Flow in Smart Grid Co-Simulation

Our electricity infrastructure is getting more complex and heterogeneous. Holistically analyzing grids is therefore increasingly challenging. Co-simulation, i.e. the coordinated execution of independent subsystem simulators, is inherently well suited to handling these challenges. However, the computational needs of calculating power flows within the simulated grid may limit the scalability for large-scale co-simulations. Recent advances in quantum computing offer a potential solution to these concerns: The computing paradigm‘s potential for exponentially speeding up power flow has been shown. To utilize these capabilities for smart grid simulations, we propose quantum–classical co-simulation: integrating simulators running on quantum hardware with an otherwise classical co-simulation. Specifically, we focus on exploiting quantum power flow in smart grid co-simulations. This concept is promising for applications that require comprehensive grid simulation and whose scalability is impeded by the computational properties of power flow. This paper highlights the concept of quantum–classical co-simulation, and advocates for its criticality and applications in supporting smart grid analytics. We encourage and facilitate research by recommending a five-item research roadmap. We also provide a detailed discussion on the potential obstacles in implementing this concept, to help bring its theoretical value to practice.