Interactive Sabah Electricity Grid Simulator
Sabah Electricity Grid Simulator
Developed By : Ir. MD Nursyazwi
1. Instructions for Simulation
Welcome to the Sabah Electricity Grid Simulator! This tool helps you understand how an electrical grid works by letting you manage the balance between power generation and consumption. Think of it as a simplified version of a real-world grid.
Here's how you can interact with the simulation:
- Click on a Generation Plant's icon (like 🔥 or 💧) to increase its power output by 10 MW.
- Click on a Consumption Area's icon (like 🏙️ or 🌉) to increase its power demand by 10 MW.
- Use the "Disable" button to simulate a power plant outage and see its effect. You can reactivate it later.
- Activate the Sabah-Sarawak Link to import power from the neighboring grid and increase your supply.
- Deploy the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to provide a temporary power boost during a power deficit.
Watch the **Grid Status** banner at the top of the simulation. It will change in real-time to show if the grid is "Stable," "Surplus," or in a "Deficit" based on your actions.
The simulation will also automatically increase power demand every few seconds to simulate the natural growth of consumption over time. The "Reset to Default" button will return all values to their initial state.
2. Data Input
The numerical data used in this simulation is hard-coded and based on publicly available information regarding the Sabah electrical grid, with the latest information from the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water.
The simulation uses the following fixed values based on 2025 data:
- Installed Capacity: 1,487 MW, plus a new 200 MW of leased diesel/gas capacity.
- Peak Demand: 1,200 MW.
- Reserve Margin: 14% as per the Minister's latest statement.
This growing demand is driven by economic expansion, population increases, and industrialization, particularly from new industrial parks and commercial centers.
3. Graphical Simulation
This section visually represents the key components of the Sabah power grid. The generation assets, including thermal, hydroelectric, and renewable sources, are displayed alongside the major consumption hubs. The real-time status of the grid is indicated by the colored banner, which transitions between "Stable," "Deficit," and "Surplus" states based on the calculated reserve margin.
The map below provides a geographic overview of all the generation plants and major consumption centers in Sabah. Click on any marker to see its current power status.
Legend
- Thermal Plants
- Combined Cycle Plants
- Hydroelectric Plants
- Solar Plants
- Biomass Plants
- Interim Power Plants (PPUs)
- Battery Storage (BESS)
- Grid Interconnection
- Consumption Cities
- Transmission Lines
Transmission Lines
The main transmission lines connecting the generation plants to the consumption areas are shown on the map in yellow. See the legend on the map for a clear guide.
Generation Plants (ECoS & IPPs)
Hydroelectric Plants
Other Facilities
Future Projects and Interconnections
Consumption Areas (Towns)
Consumption Breakdown by Sector
4. Data Output
The simulator's primary output is presented in the status banner. This output provides a real-time quantitative analysis of the grid's state, detailing total generation, total consumption, and the crucial reserve margin. The reserve margin, expressed as a percentage, is a key metric for assessing grid robustness against unexpected fluctuations in supply or demand.
5. Graphs and Charts
The visual representation of data is critical for a comprehensive understanding of grid dynamics. The graph below provides a comparative visualization of total power generation versus total power consumption, allowing for immediate identification of supply-demand discrepancies.
6. Scientific Explanations
Electrical Grid Stability: Grid stability is the ability of an electrical power system to return to a state of equilibrium after being subjected to a disturbance. In this simulation, disturbances are represented by changes in generation or consumption. Maintaining a stable grid is paramount to preventing blackouts and brownouts.
Reserve Margin: This is a measure of the power generation capacity that is in excess of the peak demand. It is an essential safeguard against unexpected generator outages, transmission line failures, or sudden spikes in demand. A positive reserve margin indicates a surplus, while a negative margin indicates a deficit.
Baseload vs. Peak Demand: Baseload power refers to the minimum amount of power required to be supplied to the grid at all times. In contrast, peak demand represents the maximum power required at a specific time, typically during the day or early evening when industrial and residential activities are at their highest.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): BESS are large-scale rechargeable batteries that can store electrical energy. They are crucial for grid stability, providing a rapid response to power deficits and helping to balance fluctuations from renewable energy sources like solar and wind. [Image of a battery energy storage system] They charge during periods of low demand and discharge during peak demand or unexpected outages.
Grid Interconnection: The Sabah-Sarawak interconnection is a prime example of a regional grid link. These links allow for the sharing of power between different grids, improving reliability and stability by enabling the import of surplus power from a neighboring state. This reduces the dependency on local generation and increases the overall resilience of the system.
7. References
The data and concepts used in this simulator are based on an analysis of public information. The consumption percentages are derived from available data from 2012, while the generation and project data reflect 2025 information.
- Available data on electricity consumption patterns in Sabah, 2012.
- Information on Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and ECoS customers and service coverage, 2025.
- Press releases and reports on the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project and other generation projects.
8. Other Simulators
This simulator is a foundational model for understanding grid dynamics. The following resources offer further learning on the topics and technologies related to electrical engineering and grid systems.
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The Transformative Role of Online Educational Simulators
This article explores how online educational simulators can be used to teach complex topics like the concepts demonstrated in this simulator. -
Free Online Courses on Engineering and Technology
Explore a wide range of free certificate courses to deepen your understanding of the engineering and technological principles behind electrical grids and power systems.
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