PyPSA workflow
Start by creating or loading a named network handle. Use network inspection before optimization, and use operational optimization before investment optimization.
Default tool ladder
load_network(file_path)orcreate_network(...)to create the active network handle.get_network_info(network_name)andget_component_details(...)to understand topology, assets, and time series.run_power_flow(network_name, linear=False)for feasibility checks.optimize_network(network_name, ...)for dispatch or operational studies.optimize_investment(network_name, ...)for expansion questions.import_from_csv_folder(...)orexport_to_csv_folder(...)once the network state is worth moving.
Example sequence
Using the case39.nc network shipped with this skill:
load_network("case39.nc") -> network "case39" active, 39 buses get_network_info("case39") -> 10 generators, 46 branches, 19 loads run_power_flow("case39", linear=False) -> converged, max branch loading 87% optimize_network("case39", solver_name="highs") -> feasible dispatch, hourly cost reported
Feasibility first, then dispatch. Only move to optimize_investment once a dispatch
study cannot answer the question.
Working rules
- Do not jump straight into expansion optimization when a dispatch study can answer the question.
- Use AC or DC power flow to sanity-check a network before relying on optimization outputs.
- Treat PyPSA as a planning and scheduling engine, not the final authority on detailed reactive mitigation.
Escalation triggers
Quote the numbers that tripped each row (bus + v_mag_pu, element + loading, infeasibility cause) rather than saying "it failed".
| Observation | Escalate to |
|---|---|
Bus v_mag_pu < 0.95 or > 1.05 on an AC power flow | voltage-violation-mitigation |
Line or transformer loaded > 100% of s_nom | thermal-overload-mitigation |
run_contingency_analysis N-1 overload or post-outage islanding | contingency-mitigation |
optimize_network / optimize_investment infeasible, reserve-short, or heavily curtailed | operations-planning-mitigation |
run_power_flow fails to converge | convergence-failure-mitigation |
Local assets in this skill
case39.nc— a ready test network.scripts/network_analysis.py— inspection.scripts/optimization_analysis.py— OPF result review.scripts/expansion_analysis.py— capacity-expansion studies.scripts/contingency_analysis.py— local N-1 screening outside PowerMCP.
Deliver
- The network handle and study type.
- The main feasibility or cost result.
- Whether the next step is mitigation, AC validation, or a larger optimization.
