Why is it important to have access to a free software for power systems analysis?
Acquiring power systems tools can be costly, posing a challenge for those seeking to develop expertise in design, modeling, and analysis. For beginners, free or open-source software tools offer an excellent starting point, providing essential learning opportunities. The skills gained from using one software are often transferable to more advanced packages, facilitating a smoother transition.
In today’s world, tools play a crucial role in simplifying work and life, especially for repetitive tasks. Automating processes is not only productive but also efficient, reducing the need for manual calculations. This approach enhances productivity and ensures more accurate and reliable results.
Below are recommendations I have for anyone delving into power systems as a long-term career. Software tools will be your number one companion. One cannot simply work things manually, especially when the network system becomes complicated, and the processes remain repetitive.
Several free software tools are available for power systems analysis, design, and simulation. These tools cater to different aspects of power systems engineering and can be valuable for students, researchers, and professionals. Here are some notable free power systems software tools:
Top 10 Free Power Systems Software Tools for you in 2024
1. POWSYBL (Power System Blocks)
It is an open-source software developed to help engineers model and simulate the electrical grid.
Capabilities:
The software has features such as:
- Grid modeling with a comprehensive library of grid components for modeling with fully editable and extendable.
- Exchange formats, this feature permits the imports and exports of data in different formats like CIM-CGMES, UCTE-DEF, etc.
- Power flow, security simulations that may or may not include remedial actions, and sensitivity analysis, among others.
- It also provides advanced features like Python binding, HPC support, microservices, time series, scalable data management, etc.
Website: PowSyBl Software
2. MATPOWER
It is a free software tool and open-source package of MATLAB-language M-files. It is primarily used for solving steady-state power systems simulations and optimization problems. Most users of MATPOWER are researchers and educators due to it user friendly and easily modifiable.
Capabilities:
- Power Flow (PF)
- Continuation Power Flow (CPF)
- Extensible Optimal Power Flow (OPF)
- Unit Commitment (UC)
- Stochastic, Secure Multi-Interval OPF/UC
Website: MATPOWER 8.0
3. Pandapower
Pandapower is a Python-based library that allows for the automation of power system analysis and optimization tasks. It integrates with various data formats and is suitable for research and education.
Capabilities:
- Electric modeling of lines, transformers, switches
- Power flow
- Optimal power flow
- Short circuit analysis
- State estimations to find inaccuracies and errors from measured data
- Graph searches allow you to find unsupplied buses or identify main or secondary feeder buses
- A model can be tested & validated,
Website: Pandapower
4. PYPOWER
PYPOWER is a Python-based, open-source power system simulation package that is compatible with MATPOWER (a MATLAB-based tool). It supports power flow and optimal power flow analysis.
Capabilities:
- DC and AC (Newton’s method & Fast Decoupled) power flow and
- DC and AC optimal power flow (OPF)
Website: PYPOWER
5. Electrisim
This software is a web-based application made available for modeling, simulating, and analyzing power systems. It is easy to use.
Capabilities:
- Load flow analysis
- Short circuit analysis
The software is still under development and as such does not have a lot of capabilities at the time of writing this post. For the latest developments, continue to check on Electrisim’s webpage.
Website: Electrisim
6. PSAT (Power System Analysis Toolbox)
PSAT is a MATLAB-based software package for electric power system analysis and control. PSAT is run in the MATLAB platform as an add-on.
Capabilities:
- Power flow
- Continuation power flow
- Optimal power flow
- Small signal stability analysis
- and Time-domain simulation.
Website: PSAT
7. PYTHON FOR POWER SYSTEM ANALYSIS (PyPSA)
Python for Power System Analysis (PyPSA) is “an open-source Python environment for the state-of-the-art energy system modeling.”
Capabilities:
- Static power flow
- Linear optimal power flow
- Security-constrained linear optimal power flow
- Total electricity least-cost investment optimization
Website: PyPSA Tool
8. GridLAB-D
GridLAB-D is a flexible simulation environment that supports the modeling of distribution systems, including smart grid technologies and distributed energy resources. it is capable of performing advanced modeling techniques with high performance. This software is developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).
Capabilities:
- Three-phase unbalanced load flow
- End-use load behavior of thousands of devices
- Distributed automation design and evaluation
- Volt-VAR optimization control
- Load management strategies
- Distributed generation and storage
- Retail markets
Website: GridLAB-D and Download here
9. Open Distribution System Simulator (OpenDSS)
OpenDSS is a comprehensive electrical power system simulation tool for distribution systems. It supports the analysis of distributed energy resources, including renewable generation, storage, and electric vehicles.
Capabilities:
- Distribution Planning and Analysis
- General Multi-phase AC Circuit Analysis
- Analysis of Distributed Generation Interconnections
- Annual Load and Generation Simulations
- Wind Plant Simulations
- Analysis of Unusual Transformer Configurations
- Harmonics and Interharmonics analysis
- Neutral-to-earth Voltage Simulations
10. PowerWorld Simulator (GSO)
PowerWorld Simulator offers a free version called “Simulator GSO” (Grid Student Edition) for educational use. The free version can support up to 13 buses while the full version can handle up to 250,000 buses.
It is important to note that, it’s only supported by Windows operating systems version 7/server 2008R2 and newer (64-bit edition only) and not supported by any other operating systems.
Capabilities:
- Power flow
- Optimal power flow
- PV/QV curves
- Available transfer capability (ATC)
- Transient stability analysis
- Geomagnetically induced current (GIC)
Website: PowerWorld Simulator GSO
These tools offer a range of functionalities for power system analysis and can be a great starting point for those looking to explore and develop expertise in this field.
For more advanced and industry typical industry-sort software tools, check my post on Advanced Power Systems Software
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Good morning.
This is very interesting software to develop our skills.
Thank you Zubair, glad it’s helpful
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Very interesting software for developing my skill.
Absolutely, these software tools are available to prepare us for more challenging tasks ahead in the evolving industry. Thank you, Destaye
I’m a computer engineering student and I don’t know how my skills can be relevant in this field… can you help me with a roadmap that will suit my course