Enabling Large Language Models to Perform Power System Simulations with Previously Unseen Tools: A Case of Daline

The integration of experimental technologies with large language models (LLMs) is transforming scientific research, leveraging AI capabilities beyond specialized problem-solving to become research assistants for human scientists. In power systems, simulations are essential for research. However, LLMs face significant challenges when used to support power system simulations due to limited pre-existing knowledge and the complexity of power grids. To address this issue, this work proposes a modular framework that integrates expertise from both the power system and LLM domains. This framework enhances LLMs’ ability to perform power system simulations on previously unseen tools. Validated using 34 simulation tasks in Daline, a (optimal) power flow simulation and linearization toolbox not yet exposed to LLMs, the proposed framework improved GPT-4o’s simulation coding accuracy from 0% to 96.07%, also outperforming the ChatGPT-4o web interface’s 33.8% accuracy (with the entire knowledge base uploaded). These results highlight the potential of LLMs as research assistants in power systems.