The results of the simulation is saved in a sqlite3 database file
The primary result are values for the cost function (total cost of generation) and values for all variables for each timestep in the simulation. The variables are
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power generation for each generator
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voltage angles at nodes
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power flow on AC branches (actually derived from voltage angles)
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power flow on DC branches
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load shedding at each node
Derived quantities include
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storage level and marginal price for generators with storage
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spilled power inflow (e.g. constrained/curtailed wind power)
Sensitivities are computed for the following variables:
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AC branch capacity
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DC branch capacity
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Power demand at each node
These sensitivities say how much the total generation cost would increase if branch capacity or power demand at a given branch or node were to increase by one unit. This is useful for identifying grid bottlenecks and nodal power prices.
Examples of interesting analyses that can be addressed using PowerGAMA are
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Identification of grid bottlenecks. This is relevant for existing bottlenecks, but even more so with future scenarios with new generators installed, e.g. large amounts of renewable generation. Assessment of benefits by reinforcing certain connections, or adding more lines.
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Identification of the potential of the grid and power system to absorb large amounts of renewable generation. How much new capacity of wind and solar power can be introduced without problems
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Estimation of generation mix
It should be noted that PowerGAMA does not include any power market subtleties (such as start-up costs, forecast errors, unit commitments) and as such will tend to overestimate the ability to accommodate large amounts of variable renewable energy. Essentially it assumes a perfect marking based on nodal pricing without barriers between different countries. This is naturally a gross oversimplification of the real power system, but gives nonetheless very useful information to guide the planning of grid developments and to assess broadly the impacts of new generation and new interconnections.
See the online powergama source code documentation for a complete overview of plotting functions and other functions to retrieve simulation results for further analysis.