Advanced Power Systems Software Tools
Performing a hand calculation of fewer nodes or even a two-bus network may seem easy. However, in reality, there would be hundreds or thousands of network buses to calculate and analyze for various conditions of operations. Figure 1 shows a simple load flow study and normal operating conditions.
Figure 1. Normal Condition
Doing so by hand calculation is nearly impractical if not impossible. Computer-based programs (software) offer us an easy way to achieve solutions effectively, efficiently, and with immediate results. You can determine buses that are not operating within acceptable limits as shown below in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Buses with voltage depressed condition
Developing and successfully deploying power system software is a daunting task. It demands a lot of time, effort, and investment in a team and capital resources.
The good news is that most of the companies that develop such software have packages that meet the demands of various groups of people.
Also, here is a comprehensive lesson/course in Power System Analysis to optimize your skills and position you as an industry leader. Check it out.
If you are a student, a researcher, an individual, or even a start-up, provisions are made available to take advantage of the opportunity.
Find the top 10 power systems software programs that would provide you with value, skills, and confidence before graduating college or even if you are a professional in your early career journey.
Top 10 Software Tools for Power Systems Engineers
1. ETAP:
ETAP provides students the opportunity to use the student version of their software with numerous capabilities and analysis modules sufficient to meet their basic needs of research or student-based thesis.
ETAP student version gives you a six-month stand-alone package that should be great for your studying and skills development.
Website: Stand-Alone Student Edition License
2. DigSILENT:
What a brilliant opportunity DigSILENT offers to different users! Students are treated specially with special licenses; student license (PF4S) and thesis license (PF4T).
You only need a valid student ID, and you will have access to capabilities relevant to your skill development.
Among the capabilities/skills you would start building are protection functions, arc-flash analysis, cable ampacity/thermals analysis, harmonics, reactive power optimization & economic dispatch, transmission network tools, stability analysis, and electromagnetic transient (EMT), just to mention a few.
Website: DigSILENT Power System Solutions
3. PSS®SINCAL:
Students in research institutions/Universities or individuals associated with utilities or companies could access tools that would enhance their skills in an exclusive trial version.
This version would offer you the opportunity to explore the capabilities (distributed generation interconnection, power quality, protection coordination, frequency stability, etc.,) of electrical modules for design, modeling, and analysis.
Website: Electricity Modules
4. PowerWorld:
This software provides a version with 13 buses for trial or as a demo with capabilities in optimal power flow, transient stability, PV/QV (voltage stability) curve tools, available transfer capability, etc.
For students with research that would have sample IEEE 6, 9, or fewer buses, this software would be a great fit for the purpose. The full package has capabilities with buses up to 250,000.
Website: PowerWorld Simulator
5. PSCAD:
PSCAD is mostly regarded as “The world’s most advanced tool for power systems EMT simulations”.
PSCAD is inclusive software with broad applications for students, scientists, and engineers in utilities, educational institutions, consulting firms, or manufacturing.
The plotting capabilities of PSCAD are advantageous to processed data visualization and analysis.
Website: PSCAD Free Edition
6. NEPLAN:
Networks of up to 15 nodes are available for basic power studies such as load flow, short circuit, harmonic analysis, overcurrent protection, reliability analysis, etc.
NEPLAN offers a variety of license packages for educational purposes in NEPLAN V10 for multi-user environments (50 nodes and 25 users), NEPLAN 360 suitable for research versions (up to 5000 nodes), and university packages (including NEPLAN V10).
Website: Free Demo/Student Version, convenient for educational purposes
7. ERACS:
ERACS (Electrical Power Systems Analysis Software) has a demo version for the study and analysis of load flow, faults, protection coordination, transient stability, arc-flash, and harmonics among others that should meet the demands of a desiring power system engineer.
8. PSS®E
Transmission and utility companies across all continents love PSSE from Siemens. The Xplore trial version offers complete capabilities for networks of up to 50 buses.
Students and Faculty members would have to complete a simple registration and send that to Siemen for evaluation. You should be on the lookout for the requested information and further procedures via the email provided.
Using PSSE for student projects or research works would provide you enormous leverage and a heads-up to enter the power industry that awaits you.
Website: Xplore trial for Academic users
9. CYME
One of a kind in the power industry that would provide satisfactory results. CYME power engineering software provides comprehensive analytical tools for performing designs, models, and analyses of distribution, transmission, and industrial network applications.
Some Capabilities
- Cable ampacity (CYMCAP)
- Distribution analysis (CYMDIST)
- Protection Device Coordination (CYMTCC)
- Substation grounding grid design and analysis (CYMGRD)
- Transient stability
- Fault analyses
- Load flow contingency (N-p)
- Arc flash hazards, among many functions/capabilities.
Request for the trial version and start working towards building skills that make you stand “tall” in the power industry.
Certainly, power (electricity) will always stay with us in this modern era and so shall it in several civilizations to come.
Website: Request for CYME software trials
10. SKM
SKM System Analysis, Inc. allows those in education or academia to request software packages that could be used for similar applications described in the software programs mentioned above.
Those in the United States and Canada may qualify for free educational licenses while those from other countries may qualify for reduced licensing prices.
You can select power study areas of interest to your school like cable ampacity, arc flash evaluation, DC systems analysis, etc. The license type could either be a stand-alone or a network and you have a choice.
Website: SKM Educational Software Request
Also, some other important additional software packages are as follows for your convenience.
- Aspen OneLiner
- MATLAB SIMULINK, add on PSAT.
- SIMPOW (Simulation of Power Systems) by ABB
NOTE!
In case you need special information about these software tools, kindly reach out to the software providers.
If you find this article insightful and/or have questions, kindly leave a comment.
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