ETAP Software Research Articles

Study and simulation of the coordination of electrical protections

In this work, an analysis of the coordination of protections of an electrical system is carried out. To do this, the ETAP software is used, which allows the modeling of each element from the single-line diagram of the electrical system. The initial conditions associated with the load level of the elements and lines due to the presence of loads at nominal values are defined. Next, a failure analysis is developed, to carry out a protection coordination study later, defining failure scenarios in different bars of the system, as well as the performance characteristics of the protections. Finally, a technical-economic analysis is carried out, considering historical data on energy consumption by the industrial plant.

Current approaches to meaningful learning that complement the construction of knowledge in the process of reading comprehension

In this work, an analysis of the coordination of protections of an electrical system is carried out. To do this, the ETAP software is used, which allows the modeling of each element from the single-line diagram of the electrical system. The initial conditions associated with the load level of the elements and lines due to the presence of loads at nominal values are defined. Next, a failure analysis is developed, to carry out a protection coordination study later, defining failure scenarios in different bars of the system, as well as the performance characteristics of the protections. Finally, a technical-economic analysis is carried out, considering historical data on energy consumption by the industrial plant.

Towards Sustainable Energy Generation: Analyzing Wind Power Potential, Financial Viability, and Environmental Friendliness at Nok Kundi, Baluchistan

Pakistan is blessed with versatile renewable energy resources, solar and wind energies. Coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan are the richest sources of wind energy, where adequate wind speeds are available for electricity generation. The Nok Kundi region of Balochistan has outstanding year-round wind speeds and tremendous potential for wind power generation. This study explores wind power potential, financial viability, and mitigation of carbon footprints. In this regard, simulations on the analysis of wind power potential, and financial viability are conducted in the ETAP and HOMMER software respectively. The data regarding the energy demand of Nok Kundi is obtained from Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) Quetta and the data on wind speeds is obtained from the World Weather Online platform. The ETAP software is used to conduct the load flow analysis of a grid-connected system. The full financial analysis considered the state-of-the-art wind power installation site of 40 megawatts capacity to meet Nok Kundi's energy demand. Furthermore, the simulations are conducted in two scenarios i.e. isolated and grid-connected systems. Financial assessments (including the calculation of required capital and operating expenses) are conducted for both isolated and grid-connected systems by using HOMER software. According to the findings of the research, the grid-connected system provided significant benefits in terms of revenues and seamless grid connections. The proposed wind power plant can potentially help reduce the carbon footprints. The present research concluded that the proposed wind power plant can produce 47,581,913 kWh/year and at the same time can mitigate the generation of 47.20 million Kg of carbon/year and an average of 3.93 million Kg/month. This research contributes to providing a detailed feasibility of wind power plants from financial and environmental perspectives. This study addresses Sustainable Development Goal# 13 (SDG 13: Climate Action).

The Evaluation of Over Current Relay and Ground Fault Relay Settings on Power Transformers

Power transformer is an important component of the substation and has an important role in the electric power distribution system. During operation the power transformer can’t be isolated from distribution system when abnormal conditions or faults occur. A fault in the power transformer will have huge impact on the power transformer itself. The substation has an installed capacity of 60 MVA of power transformers, and during operation there is a possibility of relay failure, which may interrupt the power distribution process to the load. To avoid this failure, it is necessary to analyse the settings of Over Current Relay (OCR) and Ground Fault Relay (GFR) on the 60 MVA transformers. The analysis was carried out by simulating short circuit faults of the electrical system in the ETAP software application, and then configure the setting of the relay by referring to the magnitude of the short circuit current value for phase to phase and phase to ground. The results of this analysis are used as a reference to determine the OCR and GFR relay values in the power transformer. The results obtained show that the recommended value for OCR setting on 150 kV power transformers is 0.92 second while for GFR is 0.96 second, and for the 20 KVA power transformers the OCR and GFR setting values are 0.40 and 0.20 seconds respectively. Comparison based on the results of the setup data and the analysis data has carried out, there is difference in the working time of the relay, with a difference of 5%, where the value of the analysis results is not much different from the conditions in the field.

Comparative analysis of the reliability assessment of commercial and residential feeders in the power distribution utility of Nigeria

Reliability studies serve as valuable tools for assessing and optimizing system performance. Utilities with higher reliability indices are more likely to achieve break-even points due to significantly reduced downtime. This paper explores a comparative assessment of two 11 kV feeders supplying electricity to residential and commercial customers, addressing concerns about distribution system reliability in Nigeria and its impact on the country's GDP. The study involves a comprehensive reliability analysis, utilizing a flowchart to outline procedural steps and employing the ETAP Software program for data analysis collected over a one-month period from a power utility company. The data encompass operational parameters such as day-hourly consumption, outage records, and network equipment data. Results indicate higher reliability indices in the commercial feeder compared to the residential feeder, with the Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI) being lower in the commercial feeder. The research underscores the significance of reliability assessment in improving operational efficiency, facilitating maintenance planning, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Passive Filter to Reduce Harmonics in Architecture Building of Samarinda State Polytechnic

The use of non-linear loads can cause harmonics in both current and voltage in the electrical system. Non-linear loads are generated from the use of electrical equipment such as computers, air conditioners, semiconductors, and other switching electrical equipment. Harmonics that exceed the standard will have an impact on the quality of the power supplied. The use of Single-Tuned passive filters aims to reduce harmonics both current and voltage in the electrical system of the Samarinda State Polytechnic Architecture Building. This research explains how to calculate the Single-Tuned filter and how to input the calculation results into the ETAP software used to simulate the effect of using a Single Tuned filter to reduce harmonics. In this study, it is known that the use of a 5th-order Single-Tuned filter using ETAP software can reduce the THDi value of phase R from 80.43% to 6.27% where based on IEEE 519-2014 standard THDi value for SCRatio 100-1000A is 15%. The IEEE 519-2014 standard for THDi of 15% is obtained by calculating ISC and IL first.

Adaptive protection coordination in microgrid based on nature inspired meta-heuristic optimization algorithm

Ensuring a robust protection system is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of the overall system against abnormalities. Incorporating distributed generation (DG) into the distribution network can introduce fluctuations in fault current levels and directions, potentially causing mismatches in the response of the existing coordination system. This study proposes an adaptive protection coordination scheme designed to accommodate both grid-connected and standalone modes, addressing various fault scenarios. Utilizing a hybrid WCMFO algorithm, optimal relay settings are determined to facilitate effective coordination within a microgrid setup. The proposed method has been analyzed on 9 bus Canadian benchmark system integrated with four DGs. The performance of the proposed method is compared to other optimization techniques to demonstrate its effectiveness. System modelling is conducted using MATLAB/Simulink, and validation is further carried out using industrial ETAP software on a test microgrid system. The analysis extends to evaluating the enhancement in overall system reliability, quantified in terms of energy not supplied (ENS).

Design of Photovoltaic Systems in Industrial Electrical Systems Considering Power Quality

This paper presents a comprehensive design methodology for photovoltaic systems (PVS) integrated into industrial electrical systems (IES), with a specific focus on preserving power quality (PQ). The 10-step methodology, ranging from initial interviews to detailed technical, energy, and economic assessments, is novel for its multi-factorial approach that combines an Excel application with ETAP software, prioritizing considerations for PQ. Evaluation across four scenarios demonstrated varying outcomes. In the worst-case technical and energy scenario, PVS installation on Point of Common Connection without PQ mitigation led to significant increases in harmonics and no reduction in energy consumption. Conversely, the best technical and energy scenario involved distributing PVS across load buses with PQ mitigation, resulting in a 5% reduction in energy consumption and 27% lower energy losses. The economic evaluation indicated a three-year payback period in all scenarios, primarily attributed to increased costs for PQ problem mitigation equipment. It was also observed that reducing losses and energy consumption limits the economic benefits of installing PVS in IES. This methodology serves as a valuable guide for designing PVS in IES, incorporating technical, energy, economic, and PQ considerations.

Evaluating Performance and Grid Impacts of On-Grid Rooftop PV System: Case Study of A Mosque

This study presents a load flow analysis of on-grid rooftop PV installed at Masjid Tablighiyah, Bukittinggi, Indonesia. The analysis was conducted using the Newton-Raphson method and simulated using ETAP software. Two scenarios was explored for the analysis: i) connecting the PV into 20 kV bus, and ii) connecting into 380 V bus. Results obtained showed that grid voltage are meeting the utility standards, with all bus voltages are within ±5% threshold. However, certain nodes have moderately low voltages, suggesting a potential need for pre-emptive measures during peak demand. The power factor performance falls within acceptable ranges (84-91%), indicating reasonable system efficiency. However, there is still needed for continuous monitoring to prevent degradation from harmonic-producing loads. In addition, substation transformers and distribution feeders show ample capacity for future expansions as electricity loads grow. The findings provide a robust baseline for additional grid integration studies, emphasizing the need for further enhancements at weaker nodes to ensure sustained stability and reliability in future demand conditions.

Optimizing DOCRs coordination when synergizing energy management with V2G using innovative optimization algorithms

This manuscript proposes an optimal coordination approach for directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) within electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS), considering energy management and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) integration. The study focuses on maximizing efficiency and grid interaction in charging stations by addressing the challenge of DOCRs coordination. Three innovative optimization algorithms, namely the Hunger Games Search (HGS), Hunter Prey Optimization (HPO), and Sparrow Search algorithm (SSA), are employed to determine the optimal coordination for the DOCRs and get the time dial setting (TDS) and pickup current (IP) targeting minimum operating time for all DOCRs, considering factors such as load balancing, fault detection, and power quality in three different scenarios. EVSC has two types of charges DC and AC with two modes: V2G mode when EV is discharged into the grid, and G2V mode when EV is charged from the grid. Fast chargers are used to proceed as it can work in two modes V2G and G2V. Through extensive simulations and performance evaluations, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The three scenarios are simulated by using ETAP and MATLAB software according to fault location and to achieve voltage regulation and sufficient power for loads to achieved continuity of service for up to 1960.7 kW loads that kept fed. The proposed approach achieved the target of protecting the EVCS in minimum operating time of relays using the three algorithms and SSA introduces the best result more than other algorithms for the relay operating time with reduction up to 21 %.

Perencanaan Kelayakan Penambahan Distributed Generator (DG) Terhubung ke Grid untuk Mengurangi Beban Listrik Di PT. JMB

PT. JMB has experienced a significant increase in demand for electrical energy in recent years. Factors that might cause this increase include rapid company growth, the use of larger and more complex equipment in company operations, as well as changes in electrical energy patterns and needs in the company's environment. PT. JMB may be very dependent on electricity supply from the PLN grid. Therefore, serious consideration is needed to reduce dependence on electricity supply from PLN by integrating Distributed Generators (DG) as an alternative to maintain smooth company operations. In this planning using ETAP software and the test results produced in the software before using the DG have a voltage on bus 3 of around 0.390 kV and on bus 4 around 0.377 kV while the active power manager room used is 4.1 kW and the reactive power used is 3.62 kVAR while in the director's room and all office rooms have active power, namely, the director's room is 2.61 kW and all office rooms are 1.64 kW in reactive power, namely, the director's room is 2.30 kVAR and all offices are 1.45 kVAR.

Renewable energy integration and distributed generation in Kosovo: Challenges and solutions for enhanced energy quality

<abstract> <p>The growing demand for energy, driven by rapid economic development, necessitates higher electricity consumption. However, conventional energy systems relying on fossil fuels present environmental challenges, prompting a shift towards renewable energy sources. In Kosovo, coal-fired power plants dominate electricity production, highlighting the need for cleaner alternatives. Worldwide efforts are underway to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic systems using sustainable materials, essential for ecological and human health. Solar and wind energy are emerging as sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. However, global concerns about energy security and environmental sustainability are driving countries to prioritize renewable energy development.</p> <p>In Kosovo, the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, is progressing rapidly. However, challenges such as voltage stability and power losses need to be addressed. Distributed generation offers a solution by increasing energy reliability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Further research is needed to assess the technical, economic, and environmental implications of integrating renewable resources into Kosovo's energy system, focusing on power quality, system reliability, and voltage stability. The research focused on the eastern region of the country, operating at the 110 kV substation level. Challenges in energy quality arise due to the lack of 400 kV supply and the continuous increase in energy consumption, especially in the Gjilan area. This paper investigated integrating renewable energy, especially wind and solar sources, into the medium- and long-term plans at the Gjilan 5 substation to enhance energy quality in the area. Successful integration requires detailed analysis of energy flows, considering the impact of photovoltaics (PVs) on distribution system operation and stability. To simulate and analyze the effects of renewables on the transmission system, voltage profile, and power losses, a case study was conducted using ETAP software. The simulation results present a comparison between scenarios before and after integrating renewable systems to improve energy quality in the identified area.</p> </abstract>

ETAP software based power flow analysis of 225/60/11KV substation in Tinghir

Through technological advances, such as computer-based software, it is now possible to study and analyze complex electrical system problems and identify potential solutions. This analysis typically includes Load flow analysis (LFA), or power flow analysis (PFA). LFA is a crucial tool in power system engineering used for modeling and designing electrical power networks. It aims to determine the steady-state operating conditions of a power system to ensure a stable and efficient power balance between generation and load demands. LFA helps design robust power networks, maintains system stability, plans maintenance activities, and assists in the economic dispatch of power generation. This study focuses on modelling the 225/60/11 kV substation in Tinghir, a predominantly rural subdivision of the Drâa-Tafilalet region of Morocco. The model used data obtained from SPIE Maroc, specialists in industrial and tertiary electricity. AC and DC load flow analysis is performed on the Tinghir substation auxiliary services under two scenarios: one where the service equipment is powered by the auxiliary service transformer (AST) as the primary source, and another where the equipment supplied by a generator set due to a failure in the main power supply. ETAP software is selected for the simulation due to its advanced real-time power management capabilities and is widely used in power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. The Newton-Raphson method, known for its fast convergence and accuracy, is used for power flow analysis, making it ideal for complex systems. The results evaluate system performance under both normal and backup conditions, ensuring reliable operation of the auxiliary service installation at Tinghir’s substation.

Rehabilitation and Techno design of Distribution transformer and 11kV feeder of a radial distribution system

In any transmission and distribution system- the performance of that system mainly depends on voltage regulation and efficiency. Hence for the better operation of the system, it is required to maintain constant voltage regulation with good power factor and low power loss throughout the feeder. This can be achieved by using various methods. Out of those, placement of a capacitor bank at the densely loaded areas is the best-proven method compared to any other method. This research work considered the feeder-5 of the Al-Uwainath primary substation which was suffering from low voltage–poor regulation- problems. Here in this research modeled and analyzed 3 different techniques for rehabilitation to this low voltage, poor regulation, and power factor problem and recommended the most efficient method out of the three methods. As a part of this project simulated the same conditions of the site after collecting the data of the feeder from the site by using ETAP software and checked the performance by calculating its voltage regulation, power losses, and power factor in all three 3 different methods and recommended the most efficient method of feeder-5 rehabilitation by comparing the results of three methods with the exciting system.

Smart Grid Solutions for Loss Minimization and Voltage Profile Enhancement using Genetic Algorithm-Optimized Capacitor and Solar PV Integration in Radial Feeder

This research addresses the critical challenge of power loss in distribution systems caused by increasing electricity demand. It focuses on reducing power losses and enhancing voltage profiles in a radial distribution system through the optimal placement of capacitors and solar PV. The project employs comprehensive analysis and optimization techniques, including forward and backward sweep algorithms for load flow analysis and Genetic Algorithm (GA) in MATLAB. The performance of the distribution system is evaluated by considering parameters such as power loss and voltage characteristics. Simulation results on an IEEE 33-bus radial distribution network validate significant improvements after various configurations, including the base case, capacitor case, DG case, and combined DG and capacitor case. In each scenario, active power losses are reduced, reactive power loss diminishes, and voltage profile enhancements are observed. The study further validates these results using ETAP software, ensuring consistency and reliability. Notable improvements are also observed in the Thimi Sallaghari 11KV feeder, showcasing potential practical implementations in real feeders in the future. Different case scenarios are explored for the number of capacitors and DGs, providing insights into the optimal combination for enhanced distribution system performance.

Transformer Outage Contingency in the Southern Interconnected Grid of Cameroon Based on Dynamic Power Flow Simulation

The power system is a network of components having specific operational limits such that any violation of these limits during their operation could lead to more damage in the grid. The grid in Cameroon has been facing several undesired loading events at some sections of the network and the utility company has over the years, employed measures to mitigate these issues. This study has used the ETAP software to conduct a contingency analysis on the largest independent grid in Cameroon, supplying 6 regions in Cameroon. Seventeen transformer outage events in the network were used to conduct the N‐1 scenario‐based contingency, so that the vulnerability of the network can be evaluated. The fast decoupled power flow method was continuously applied on the network, and the different contingency scenarios were ranked using a combination of 4 performance indices. These four performance indices gave information on the impact of the various transformer outage scenarios on the grid. The four indices were added to give a combined value, and the outages were ranked in order of severity based on this combined index. A major contribution of this paper is the use of four scalar indices to classify the critical elements in the grid of a developing country. The initial load flow simulation of the network showed that 12 nodes had under voltages, while 3 transformers and one transmission line were overloaded. The Ngousso corridor suffered one of the worst under voltage situation during the initial power flow study. This is an indication that the utility company needs to undertake intensive network upgrade and implore measures to increase power generation to support the growing loads. It was observed that all the contingency scenarios experienced convergence. The Oyomabang transformer 1 had the highest combined index of 71.20, showing a huge negative impact on the network as a result of the outage of the transformer. This was followed by the Oyomabang transformer 2 with a combined index of 48.63. The results will be very useful to utility operators in prioritizing transformers in the network with high risk of causing huge impact on the network in case of an outage.

Transient Analysis of 9-Bus System using ETAP

This research paper presents a transient analysis of a 9-bus power system using ETAP software. The simulation results obtained from ETAP are analyzed in terms of voltage and current waveforms, fault current magnitudes. However, the system experiences voltage and current fluctuations during fault conditions, which can lead to instability if not properly addressed.

Adaptive overcurrent protection scheme coordination in presence of distributed generation using radial basis neural network

The operational performance of conventional overcurrent protection relay coordination connected to a distribution network is adversely affected by the penetration of distributed generators (DG) at different buses in the network. To address this problem, this paper proposes a novel adaptive protection coordination scheme using a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), which automatically adjusts the overcurrent relay settings, i.e., time setting multiplier (TSM) and plug setting multiplier (PSM) based on the penetration of DGs. Short circuit currents and voltages measured at different buses are acquired using the remote terminal units (RTU) connected to different buses within the terminal network. Communication between the various remotes and local end station RTUs is through hybrid communication systems of fiber optic and power line communication system modules. The new adaptive overcurrent protection scheme is applied to the IEEE 33-bus distribution network with and without DGs, for single and multi-DG penetration using both the ETAP and MATLAB software. The simulation results show the proposed scheme significantly improves the protection coordination.

Analysis of the Effect of Capacitor Placements at High and Low Voltage Transformer Sides as Voltage Profile and Total Cost in Distribution Systems

This study mentions the problem of determining optimal placements and sizes for capacitor banks by comparing different schemes that allow implemented buses at both high and low voltage side, only high voltage side or low voltage side of transformers in distribution systems. Criterions evaluated for each scheme are active and reactive power losses in whole system, voltage value at all buses, installation and operation cost and accumulative profit saving. Standard with and without transformer branches in distribution systems and Newton-Raphson method are introduced to make clear about the way to analyze power flows in whole system. Optimal placements and sizes for capacitor banks are determined by using a proposed algorithm and optimal capacitor placement tool in ETAP software. Simulation results can help to show the comparisons, evaluations and make decision about optimal capacitor placements and sizes. The contribution shows the best scheme that install capacitors at low voltage side of transformers because it has the lowest implemented capacity, highest economic factors while voltage quality is always in allowable range. Achieved results can be applied in any distribution system, help managers have overall review and decide optimal placements and sizes for capacitor banks. Keywords: Capacitor bank, OCP Tool, ETAP software, Optimal placement, Optimal size, Voltage quality, Optimal cost.

Impact of electric vechicles on power transmission grids

This paper presents a methodology for assessing the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on the power transmission grid of the Costa Rica Power System. The methodology considers penetration scenarios, user preferences, charging habits, and expected fleet growth. Using ETAP software, the study simulates power flow, demand behavior, and voltage levels in the presence of high penetration of electric vehicles. The analysis covers a 15-year horizon and focuses on voltage and demand profiles in 2025, 2030, and 2040. The results indicate a decline in voltage profiles that reaches dangerous levels after 2030, primarily in the distribution grid, and an increase in demand by ▪ for 2040 in the most severe scenario. The analysis also reveals several key findings (a) the identification of problems in the electrical infrastructure starting in 2030 and a major insufficiency in accommodating the increase in EVs by 2040; (b) the need to evaluate stability in transmission grids considering loadability and voltage; (c) the necessity of investing in electrical infrastructure, driven by public policies, to meet future energy requirements and strengthen transmission networks; (d) the significance of accounting for both EV growth and electric infrastructure improvements in system analysis; and (e) the anticipation that the system's performance will fall within the extreme demand values presented in the analysis. The study emphasizes the importance of considering a broader range of scenarios and variability in parameters, especially user charging behaviors, to enable decision-makers to plan for the challenges and opportunities associated with the widespread adoption of EVs in a country's power grid.