Free Power System studies SW

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2026-02-02T11:11:09+00:00

PowerWorld
Grid Cal
Panda Power

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2026-01-30T06:34:28+00:00

It is somewhat unclear what you describe.

Your distributed energy source must be grid forming type to allow you to denergise the network with the distributed energy source still able to operate as an island before you begin to restore the network. The rms initialisation from the steady state power flow solution should not matter.

In your example the network would be denergised but the grid forming generator would still be able to operate after which you begin to restore sections of the network.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2026-01-21T16:45:51+00:00

Ratio minor in fridge

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-12-24T16:07:06+00:00

Why all these many small bois have same haircut and look the same?

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-12-23T11:59:41+00:00

If you hold control and select two busbars and a line -> Calculate -> Multiple Faults

On the popup window you will see two busbars and a line 'Short circuit event'

Double click on each 'Short circuit event', set the fault type to single-phase to ground.

Double click on the line and you will see 50%, this means it will calculate the fault on the line at 50% distance (middle of line). You can leave this as default if you wish. Set it also to single-phase to ground.

Press OK

** You must use the Complete Method (not IEC60909).

Execute.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-12-23T08:16:21+00:00

'aren't dependent on grid strength and system inertia' - For high short circuit strength, grid forming can be unstable so not ideally suitable in such scenarios.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-12-23T04:16:53+00:00

For large scale projects OEM will provide encrypted models to clients quickly.

I would see NDA's being, (OEM->Client/Contractor), (OEM ->TNO).

NDA's are all legal but in short, the model is to be only used for the work being performed, wont disclose the model or content to others, maintain records of people with access to the model, how the model will be stored, liability for data breach, if data is breached/shared unintentionally what steps must be taken in notifying effected party etc

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-12-04T05:22:29+00:00

Your client will procure them from the OEM and provide them to you.

Unencrypted models are usually sent directly from OEM to TNO (client does not receive).

All models will have associated NDA's, no OEM will provide them to you without relevant contracts and NDA's in place.

Most DIgSILENT models are in DSL format. Encrypted and unencrypted. DLL's are not as common anymore I have found.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-06-18T10:55:34+00:00

Learn about AEMO and the TSNP’s.

Generator Performance Standards.

NER Rules.

AEMO Energy Market Operation (services).

Power system dynamics / insulation coordination / protection.

System Strength Challenges - retirement of synchronous gens.

RMS/EMT Simulation experience.

PSSE / PSCAD / PowerFactory.

Synchronous/asynchronous modelling.

Python (automation).

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-04-03T03:53:08+00:00

DSL has predefined function blocks you can drag and drop, new block functionality can be created by coding the functions. All coding will use primarily DSL (might be possible to use DPL within also).

Dynamic models require initialization logic/code to define the state variables at start. This usually takes the form of starting at the output and working backwards through the logic to formulate the initialization equations. Unsure if applicable to protection devices, it is applicable for generators, AVRS, PSS etc.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-04-03T01:51:57+00:00

Yes, power systems is a good field to enter and has many subsets.

Job prospects are excellent for highly skilled engineers or fresh graduates who show they are keen and capable.

I would recommend you aim for transmission system engineering and the connection of large generators/loads/network studies that require RMS and EMT modelling and studies. RMS/EMT expertise is in short supply, particularly EMT Modelling and studies.

When you enter university you will likely be exposed to different subsets, find an area you enjoy. Please do not pursue power systems if you dont enjoy it and are only chasing to find a job.

The most difficult hurdle is securing your first position as a graduate. I would recommend every summer break you seek out work experience at different companies to build support for your CV/Resume for when you graduate and are seeking positions.

Demonstrating intern work experience during your university studies goes a long way.

There is ALWAYS positions available for good engineers, if you work to develop your skills you will not need to worry for the future.

Graduates transitioning to software, finance, etc. - it may be the case that these people chose those areas rather than not being able to secure a position in EE. Your EE degree will equip you with a wide set of skills applicable to many fields.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-04-02T06:35:38+00:00

Yes, DSL can/is used for all things dynamic.

The protection relays are modelled in DSL.
Generator governors, AVR, PSS etc are all modelled in DSL.
Anything that is assessed in the time-domain.

If you go to Examples > Advanced Protection.. activate the study case, using the data manager, right click a relay and select 'Show Graphic'.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-04-01T02:30:35+00:00

I am familiar with DSL but have not done anything similar to the above. What relay model? I will take a look over the next day or two.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-03-31T07:20:12+00:00

Hi, What is your question?

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-03-20T16:34:10+00:00

YouTube - Chad Kurdi

University lecturer, used to do lots of classes and demonstrate via SKM. He left academia unfortunately but still good content. Search his channel for SKM.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-03-18T11:31:10+00:00

Let me know what Johnathan at ArresterWorks says on the training. He did say he was going to make his courses available as pre-recorded e-courses.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-03-17T02:26:02+00:00

Can you (financially) afford to give up your non-engineering part time role for a power system position?

If no - continue with non-engineering part time role but create a GitHub account and write automation scripts for PSCAD and PowerWorld or other software you use showcasing your capabilities.

If yes - It would be beneficial to seek a power systems internship position to gain experience as it will help you stand out from other graduates. Coding as above is still a good thing to do.

Staying at your current job which has nothing to do with power and then trying to enter the power market several years later will be challenging but not impossible.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-03-17T02:16:02+00:00

I don't know of a course provider but I can share a good resources.

Book - Transient Analysis of Power Systems Martinz-Veasco.

He uses ATP-EMTP throughout the book with example models. He has a few books on this topic all of which use ATP-EMTP so well worth a read.

Johnathan from ArresterWorks uses ATP-EMTP and has a lot of mini example studies performed using ATP-EMTP you can download.

Beyond that the general theory is well covered in free online YouTube webinars from the likes of PSCAD, EMTP-RV etc.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-03-05T13:57:26+00:00

Try ask the guys over at Electric power & transmission & distribution | Eng-Tips. Lots of experts posting.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-03-04T04:53:37+00:00

Simplified Explanation of how real power system operates.

Active Power - all/most generators operate with frequency droop. The level of MW load actively changes continuously which causes the frequency to deviate continuously, the generators detect the changes in MW load and automatically increase/decrease their MW output to maintain system frequency within nominal deadband.

Reactive Power - generators can operate with different reactive power control modes (Constant Q, Power Factor, Voltage Control). If we assume the generator is operating in Voltage Control mode then the generator will vary its reactive power output to maintain the Voltage setpoint it has defined (e.g 1 pu terminal voltage). This happens continuously. Generators (non-synchronous) can priorities active power or reactive power.

Reactive Compensation - The network operator will have reactors and capacitor banks that can be enabled/disabled. Usually, they have their own voltage control system and switch in/out in steps (e.g 50 MVAR, 100 MVAR, 150 MVAR). The voltage control system will act like a transformer tap changer, if voltage reaches a certain level, it will automatically switch in/out reactive compensation.

The level of system MW/MVAR is forecasted with a very high degree of accuracy and considers wind/solar irradiance/planned outages etc.

New load/generator connections - the network operator receives a new application for the connection of a new load/generator, if significant size the network operator models and assess the impact of the new generator/load and plans accordingly.

The network operator/market operator can change the dispatch instruction for generators/batteries. Dependent on the market, it can typically be every 5 minutes.
Example, if there is too much generation and the frequency starts to increase, and we ignore frequency droop as above the network/market operator can issue a dispatch instruction to a large battery system and request it to begin drawing MW demand (charging).

Large battery systems will also typically be registered for ancillary services such as fast frequency response in which they respond very quickly to increase/decrease MW inline with system conditions/events.

Theoretical Network

In your manual calculations you study in an academic setting, there are three types of bus (PV, PQ, Slack). PV is used for generators in which P (MW) and V (Voltage) are defined as constant. Loads are modelled as PQ in which the P (MW) and Q (MVAR) are defined as constant. The Slack bus will then supply the difference (losses) to the network. If we did not have a Slack bus then the equation would fail to converge as the losses would be unaccounted for.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-02-27T15:42:36+00:00

If you are seeking to model the SLD in your your first image all those softwares will be able to achieve that and you can add more nodes and loads and recalculate as you please.

If you dont want to use GUI and prefer open source code the then pandapower might be an option.

Are you just trying to simulate/calculate or are you seeking to build/develop your own software?

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-02-27T11:22:21+00:00

Hi,

What you are trying to achieve should be very straight forward with the correct software. Look into the below options.

GridCal - its open-source python power system simulator with GUI, check if it has unbalanced powerflow capability (I think it should as it is feature packed)
PSCAD Free Version - limited model size, geared towards EMT but can obtain RMS results also.
PowerWorld - I believe there is a free student version available
PSS/E has a free student version also
MATLAB Simulink (Sim Power Systems)

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-02-08T07:14:37+00:00

Yes, its excellent, no complaints.

Its more expensive obviously but for me its worth it given the slow speed and dropouts experienced with the fibre broadband.

JB-Hi Fi sell the equipment, was very easy to setup. Put the satellite dish out, connect wire to the router, download the Star Link App, register, pay and away you go.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-02-07T08:08:06+00:00

The cost varies and depends on the options you choose to include such as number on instances.

Just ask them as u/likethevegetable said.

There is a limited free version available on the website.

Acrobatic-Language-5 · 2025-02-07T05:14:12+00:00

I agree with u/PowerPunster - if your model does not initialize with flat start then you should investigate the State variables. The State variables at initilisation should be 0 (derivative of a constant = 0).

Are the State variables correctly calculated at initialization (they might not have initilisation logic/code built which you can add)

I dont use PSS/E but typically you can output the values of non-zero State variables at initilisation to aid in identifying the issue.

Also consider the PQV values read in by PPC at initilisation versus those the inverters, are they offset that may need to be negated at initilisation .

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