Measuring the Realtime Capability of Parallel-Discrete-Event-Simulations

Abstract

Speeding up Discrete Event Simulations (DESs) is a broad research field. Promising Parallel Discrete Event Simulation (PDES) approaches with optimistic and conservative synchronisation schemes have emerged throughout the years. However, in the area of real-time simulation, PDESs are rarely considered. This is caused by the complex problem of fitting parallel executed DES models to a real-time clock. Hence, this paper gives an extensive review of existing conservative and optimistic synchronisation schemes for PDESs. It introduces a metric to compare their real-time capabilities to determine whether they can be used for soft or firm real-time simulation. Examples are given on how to apply this metric to evaluate PDESs using synthetic and real-world examples. The results of the investigation reveal that no final answer can be given if PDESs can be used for soft or firm real-time simulation as they are. However, boundary conditions were defined, which allow a use-case specific evaluation of the real-time capabilities of a certain parallel executed DES. Using this in-depth knowledge and can lead to predictability of the real-time behaviour of a simulation run.

Exploring Cyber-Physical Energy and Power System: Concepts, Applications, Challenges, and Simulation Approaches

“…Comparing between non-real-time and real-time simulation, there has several research in recent years [38,39]. The authors in [40] proposed several experiments to calculate the time gap from the wall-clock time to verify the real-time behavior of a simulation run. The result in this paper demonstrated the difference in milliseconds between discrete event simulation with real-time simulation.…”