Open Energy Modelling Framework (oemof)

oemof MODEX open-EU2018

Basic Information

Name Open Energy Modelling Framework
Acronym oemof
Methodical Focus open source , mathematical programming , sector-coupling
Institution(s) RLI Berlin, ZNES Flensburg
Author(s) (institution, working field, active time period) Guido Plessmann (RLI); electricity focus; EU; 2014-2016, Uwe Krien (RLI); sector coupling; coupling regional to national models; 2014 - now;, Caroline Möller (RLI); district storages; heat; 2015-now;, Simon Hilpert (ZNES; Uni Flensburg); 2014-now;, Cord Kaldemeyer; 2014 -now;, Clemens Wingenbach; 2014 - 2017;, Stephan Günther; 2014 - now;
Current contact person Caroline Möller
Contact (e-mail) caroline.moeller@rl-institut.de
Website https://oemof.org
Logo /media/logos/oemof_big.png
Primary Purpose oemof is a framework for energy system model development and its application in energy system analysis. With the current version v0.2 oemof comes with a model generator (solph) for dispatch and investment optimisation, unit-commitment (minimum up/down, startup/shutdown costs, Pmin-constraints) problems can be solved. Heat: oemof provides detailed heat component modelling (Extraction- and Backpressure Turbine as well as Motoric CHP, Heat-Pump, Heat-Storage). Grid: The electrical grid can be modelled either with a transshipment approach or linear optimal power flow based on angle formulation.
Support / Community / Forum
Framework
Link to User Documentation https://github.com/oemof
Link to Developer/Code Documentation https://github.com/oemof
Documentation quality excellent
Source of funding internal funding ZNES and RLI, PHD funding from RLS, project related development (oemof_heat, funded by BMWI in the 6th german energy research framework), volunteers
Number of devolopers less than 20
Number of users less than 1000

Openness

Open Source
License Not decided yet
Source code available
GitHub
Link to source code https://github.com/oemof/oemof
Data provided all
Cooperative programming
GitHub Contributions Graph

Software

Modelling software Python >= 3.4
Internal data processing software Pandas, Postgresql
External optimizer
Additional software external solver (GLPK; CBC; Gurobi; Cplex...)
GUI

References

Citation reference Hilpert, S.; Günther, S.; Kaldemeyer, C.; Krien, U.; Wingenbach, C.; Plessmann, G. (2017) Addressing Energy System Modelling Challenges: The Open Energy Modelling Framework (oemof) - A novel approach in energy system modelling. Preprints, 2017020055 (doi: 10.20944/preprints201706.0093.v1); Wingenbach, Clemens, Simon Hilpert, Stephan Günther. (2016). The core concept of the Open Energy Modelling Framework (oemof). In Environmental Informatics – Stability, Continuity, Innovation: Current Trends and Future Perspectives Based on 30 Years of History, edited by Volker Wohlgemuth, Frank Fuchs-Kittowski, Jochen Wittmann, 361-66. Berichte Aus Der Umweltinformatik. Aachen: Shaker.
Citation DOI 10.20944/preprints201706.0093.v1
Please list references to reports and studies which were produced using the model Möller, C. et. al. (2014).Transforming the electricity generation of the Berlin–Brandenburg region, Germany. Article in Renewable Energy. 72. 10.1016/j.renene.2014.06.042; Simon Hilpert (2016). HESYSOPT - An optimization tool supporting district heating system flexibilisation (oemof). In Environmental Informatics – Stability, Continuity, Innovation: Current Trends and Future Perspectives Based on 30 Years of History, edited by Volker Wohlgemuth, Frank Fuchs-Kittowski, Jochen Wittmann, 361-66. Berichte Aus Der Umweltinformatik. Aachen: Shaker. Degel M.; Christ M.; Grünert J.; Becker L.; Wingenbach C.; Soethe M.; Bunke W-D.; Mester K.; Wiese F. (2016) VerNetzen: Sozial-ökologische und technisch-ökonomische Modellierung von Entwicklungspfaden der Energiewende. Projektabschlussbericht. IZT Berlin, Europa-Uniersität Flensburg, Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V.. Projektabschlussbericht.
Larger scale usage The framework is currently developed and applied by the author institutions as well as additional institutions like (EURAC (developing an italian model); Beuth Hochschule (heating system models); Bremen University (Master theses);...)

Design and Interface

Modeled demand sectors Grid optimisation, demand simulation, feed-in simulation, dispatch, investment-optimization, unit-commitment
Link to API documentation http://oemof.readthedocs.io/en/stable/api.html
API to openmod database
Points/degree of abstraction oemof is meant to be a generic framework enabling modellers to easily create different energy system models. It is based on a kernel with a generic foundation based on a graph structure that provides high level of abstraction which facilitates sector coupled modelling. Due to object oriented implementation energy / sector specific components can be derived from the highest abstraction level at the core.
Models using this framework renpassG!S, oemof app SmEnOs BBB, HESYSOPT, de21, openmod.sh

If you find bugs or if you have ideas to improve the Open Energy Platform, you are welcome to add your comments to the existing issues on GitHub.
You can also fork the project and get involved.

Please note that the platform is still under construction and therefore the design of this page is still highly volatile!

Fact Sheet objectives: The Fact Sheets are made to...
  • Find models/frameworks for your needs or just get an overview about the existing ones
  • Compare a selection of models for different purposes - e.g. to develop a strategy to link them
  • Store your model/framework information to provide transparency
More info here
Use case example model Fact Sheet: For a European pathway simulation (EPS) we want to choose the models that best meet our requirements. All partners include their models in the Model Fact Sheets and tag them with “EPS”. To compare the models we filter all “EPS” models and choose different characteristics that we want to compare. OEP will give us tables (views) that facilitate the comparison.