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Software report

Power Systems Analytical Software

Tools
Power system analysis software is widely used in power system research and education,
as well as in the industry. Due to the large number of softwares and the variety of
functions they may provide, a catalogue of the most commonly used software available is
most useful. This report aims to produce a brief overview of the key software used both
in research and industry to provide a guide to help researchers determine which software
would best suit their needs. Due to the extensive range of software available in the broad
field of power systems analysis, this document will not provide an exhaustive
documentation, but hopes to cover the most commonly used today.
The software outlined below can be categorized into two types: Free-ware and
commercial software. A subtitle will be included for each software description, which
outline some of the capabilities presented. The following capabilities are considered:

Power Flow (PF)

Continuation Power Flow and/or Voltage Stability Analysis (CPF-VS)
Optimal Power Flow (OPF)
Small Signal Stability Analysis (SSA)
Time Domain Simulation (TDS)
Fault Analysis (FA)
Grounding Systems (GS)
Harmonic Analysis (HA)
Protection Analysis and Coordination (PAC)
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

It is clear that not all aspects of power systems analysis are considered in the above, and
the software presented in this report may be capable of functionalities outside of this
basic list.
The remaining sections of this report is organised as follows: Section II provides an
overview of freely available software tools in power system analysis, while Section III
presents the commonly used commercially available software tools. An overview of the
reviewed software with their capabilities is presented in tables in section IV. In section V
a summary of the report is presented.

Freely available software tools

It should be noted that a number of freely available software tools for power systems
analysis have been prepared on the MatLab platform. It is therefore implied that the
MatLab software is required to make use of these software tools.
These softwares are provided for the intended use of research only.

A1. MATPOWER
PF, OPF
MATPOWER is a MatLab based toolbox designed for solving power flow and optimal
power flow problems. It is compatible with MatLab and GNU Octave, and was created to
solve large-scale AC and DC OPF problems efficiently while maintaining easy to
understand code, for which users can easily incorporate into custom code for their own
research. As such, individual functions are provided, such as for forming a standard
network Ybus and B matrices and efficiently calculating power transfer and line outage
distribution factors.
MATPOWER utilizes its own data file format, and provides conversion tools for the
IEEE common data format, and PSS/E format.
Developer: Ray D. Zimmerman, Carlos E. Murillo-Snchez and Deqiang Gan
Contact: rz10@cornell.edu
Further information on MATPOWER can be found on the developers website:
http://www.pserc.cornell.edu/matpower/

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A2. PSAT
PF, CPF-VS, OPF, SSA, TDS, GUI, GNE
The Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT) is a MatLab based toolbox, with a
command line version which is also GNU Octave compatible. A GUI is implemented,
along with a Simulink-based library for network design.

PSAT is capable of numerous functions, as listed:

Power Flow
Continuation Power Flow
Optimal Power Flow
Small Signal Stability Analysis
Time Domain Simulation
Phasor Measurement Unit Placement
It is also capable of converting data files from a large number of formats, and exporting
results to EPS, plain text, MS Excel and LaTeX files. PSAT allows users to incorporate
user defined models, FACTS models, and wind turbine models, and provides an interface
to the GAMS and UWPFLOW programs.
Developer: Federico Milano, from of the University of Castilla, La Mancha.
Contact: Federico.Milano@uclm.es
Further information on PSAT may be found on the developers website:
http://www.power.uwaterloo.ca/~fmilano/psat.htm
*While PSAT is a free software toolbox, the user manual is no longer available for free without purchase.

A3. UWPFLOW
PF, CPF-VS
UWPFLOW implements continuation and direct methods to locate fold bifurcations in
AC/DC/FACTS power systems. The program is designed by C. Canizares et al. from the
University of Waterloo. The program also generates a series of output files that allow
further analyses, such as tangent vectors, left and right eigenvectors at a singular
bifurcation point, Jacobians, power flow solutions at different loading levels, voltage
stability indices, etc. The program has been developed in C and C++, and runs under
Windows and UNIX environments.
The program reads files in the following formats: WSCC/BPA/EPRI formats, and the
IEEE common format. FACTS device data, steady-state load model data and steady-state
generator data formats are described in the programs online help.
Developer: Claudio A. Canizares
Contact: ccanizar@uwaterloo.ca
Further information on UWPFLOW may be found on the developers website:
http://thunderbox.uwaterloo.ca/~ccanizar/software/pflow.htm
A4. VST

PF, CPF-VS, TDS, GUI

Voltage Stability Toolbox (VST) is designed to analyse the voltage stability problem and
provide intuitive information for power systems planning, operation and control. To use
this toolbox, MatLab and MatLab Symbolic Toolbox are required, on either a Windows
or UNIX platform. The installation files include pre-compiled executable files for the
IEEE 3, 5, 14 and 30 Bus systems, along with IEEE common data format files.
Capabilities of VST include:
Power flow
Static and dynamic bifurcation analysis
Time domain simulation
Jacobian eigenvalue analysis
Developer: Center for Electric Power Engineering, Drexel University
Contact: chika@nwankpa.ece.drexel.edu
Further information on VST may be found on the developers website:
http://power.ece.drexel.edu/vst.html
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A5. PST
PF, CPF-VS, SSA, TDS
Power Systems Toolbox is a set of coordinated MatLab m-files which model power
system components necessary for power flow and stability analysis. Demo examples are
included in the toolbox, along with several sets of dynamic data and a user manual.
MatLab is required to run this toolbox, and in the MatLab environment, users can
customize power component models easily to match their specific systems under study.
P/V and Q/V curves can be obtained, and the PST can be used for damping controller
design as well, as ABCD matrices can be calculated by applying small perturbations to
each state in the system. Up to 200 buses can be simulated.
Some drawbacks are apparent with this toolbox. The program uses its own input file
format and cannot read files in commercial software formats. There is a lot of room for
improvement with regards to the user interface.
Originally conceived and developed by Dr. Kwok W. Cheung and Prof. Joe Chow from
Renssealer Polytechnic Institute, it was most recently marketed and further developed by
Graham Rogers (formerly Cherry Tree Scientific Software).

Further information on PST may be found on the developers website:

http://www.ecse.rpi.edu/pst/PST.html
A6. PCFLO
PF, TDS, FA, HA
PCFLO is a program capable of solving power flows, fault analysis and studying
harmonics. The program was developed by Prof. W. Mack Grady, Electrical and
Computing Department of the University of Texas, Austin.
Designed as part of a course in power systems, the software comes with some tutorial
examples of performing power flow, fault and harmonic studies.
Further information on PST may be found on the developers website:
http://users.ece.utexas.edu/~grady/
A7. PowerWorld Simulator Demo
PF, CPF-VS, OPF, TDS, FA, GUI
A 12 bus version of PowerWorld Simulator is available for free. (See Section II Part B1
for a description of the PowerWorld Simulator). The demo version includes most of the
available add-ons, including:
Available Transfer Capability (ATC)
Optimal Power Flow (OPF)
Security Constrained OPF (SCOPF)
OPF Reserves
PV/QV Curve Tool
Transient Stability
The main limitation of this evaluation version is the number of buses allowed.
A8. ATP-EMTP
TDS, HA, ETS, GUI
The Alternative Transient Program (ATP) is a program designed for simulation of
transient phenomena of electromagnetic and electromechanic natures. ATP has extensive
modelling capabilities and can simulate complex networks and control systems of
arbitrary structure. Also, user-defined components can be specified. The trapezoidal rule
of integration is used to solve differential equations of the system components in the time
domain.
ATP is capable of interfacing to TACS (Transient Analysis of Control Systems) and
MODELS (a simulation language) to enable nonlinear characteristics in control systems
and components to be modelled, such as corona and arcs. ATP can handle symmetric or

asymmetric disturbances, such as faults, lightning surges and switching operations

(including commutation of valves). The feature FREQUENCY SCAN allows calculation
of frequency response of phasor networks, and HARMONIC FREQUENCY SCAN
(harmonic current injection method) allows frequency-domain harmonic analysis to be
performed. The maximum number of buses is 6000.
Additional tools include a GNE for users to draw electrical diagrams, and various plotting
tools.
Developers: W. Scott Meyer and Tsu-huei Liu
Contact: canam@emtp.org
Further information about this software tool can be found from the developers website:
http://www.emtp.org/
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III.

Commercially available software tools

B1. PowerWorld Simulator

PF, CPF-VS, OPF, TDS, FA, GUI
PowerWorld Simulator is an interactive power system simulation package designed to
simulate high voltage power system operation in steady state. The program solves the
power flow for systems with up to 100,000 buses with a variety of incorporated controls,
including remote voltage regulation by LTCs, generators, and switched shunts, shared
voltage regulation by generators, phase-shifting transformer control, DC line modelling,
and Multi-Terminal DC Line Modelling. PWS is designed to be user-friendly and highly
graphical.
PowerWorld Simulator provides import/export capability for common power flow
formats, including PTI Raw Data, GE EPC Format, IEEE Common Format, BPA IPF
Format and Areva HDBExport (import only).
Key features listed by the developers include compatibility, modelling capabilities,
sensitivities, interactive animated diagrams, automated diagram creation and modification
tools, contingency analysis, area generation control, difference flows, contoured displays,
script actions and customer support. Additional modules may be purchased to extend the
capabilitys of PWS. These modules include OPF, OPF Reserves, SCOPF, ATC, PVQV,
Transient Stability and SimAuto

The software is developed by PowerWorld Corporation (Illinois, USA). An evaluation

version of PWS is available for free, and includes ATC, OPF, SCOPF, OPF Reserves,
PVQV and Transient Stability. The evaluation version can handle up to 12 buses.
Further information on the PowerWorld Simulator software can be found from the
developers website: http://www.powerworld.com/products/simulator.asp
B2. DigSILENT Power Factory
PF, CPF-VS, OPF, SSA, TDS, HA, ETS, GUI
DigSILENT stands for Digital Simulation and Electrical Network calculation program
and it was developed by DigSILENT Power Factory. It is a computer aided engineering
tool that is widely used for industrial, utility, commercial and academic applications.
DigSILENT has the ability to simulate load flow, fault analysis, harmonic analysis and
stability analysis for AC, DC and AC-DC systems. Both converter faults and DC line
faults can be modelled in DigSILENT.
DigSILENT can import and export data from PSS/E version 23 to 29. The output file can
be converted to Microsoft Excel easily. User defined model in DigSILENT can be written
with drag-and-drop transfer functions. The code can be written with C++ programming
language. Many user defined models can be obtained from the support website. Ones can
write their own model based on those models straightforwardly.
For voltage stability, PV and QV
curve is obtained by increase the
swing bus is increased. QV curve
considered bus. Therefore, the
DigSILENT.

curves are not standard functions in DigSILENT. PV

loading factor in the loads; only the power output of
is obtained by putting a synchronous condenser at the
generation direction analysis cannot be done by

For small signal stability, the participation factor can be calculated only with the
generator speed variables. ABCD matrices cannot be obtained by DigSILENT, therefore
it is difficult to use DigSILENT for controller design purposes.
Additional information on DigSILENT Power Factory can be found from the developers
website: http://www.digsilent.com.au/Software/?option=PF
B3. PSS/E
PF, CPF-VS, OPF, SSA, TDS, FA, GUI
PSS/E is used by electrical transmission participants world-wide. The probabilistic
analyses and advanced dynamics modelling capabilities included in PSS E provide
transmission planning and operations engineers a broad range of methodologies for use in
the design and operation of reliable networks.

PSS/E can read the IEEE and PTI formats. The output is a text file format, which is easily
converted to excel or other format. PSS/E can be used for:
Power Flow

Optimal Power Flow

Balanced or Unbalanced Fault Analysis

Dynamic Simulation

Extended Term Dynamic Simulation

Open Access and Pricing

Transfer Limit Analysis

Network Reduction

Small Signal Stability

For voltage stability, the PV analysis tool provided in PSS/E requires source and sink
systems to be defined. The tool helps to determine how much generation can be
transferred between these two systems, not the loadability of the whole system as most
other softwares do.
For small signal stability, with large power system and the number of state variables are
more than 500, the output obtained by LYSAN function in PSS/E is not accurate. NEVA
can be used in this case and has friendlier interface but need to purchase it as separated
function.
The user-defined models and functions can be written by Fortran or Python. However, the
help documents supported for this section are not sufficient. Ones can use GMP to buid
their own models, which need to be purchased separately.
PSSE version 29 and 30 support the integration of a controller model developed by
MatLab Simulink.
Further information on the PSS/E software can be found from the developers website:
http://www.energy.siemens.com/us/en/services/power-transmissiondistribution/power-technologies-international/software-solutions/psse.htm
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B4. Mudpack
SSA, TDS

Mudpack software is developed by The University of Adelaide, Australia, which is a

comprehensive set of interactive software tools for:

The conventional analysis of small-signal stability and damping performance of

multi-machine power systems (i.e. eigenanalysis, mode shapes, participation
factors, frequency & time response, etc.)

Designing power system stabilizers (PSSs) and FACTS device stabilizers (FDSs)

Assessing the relative effectiveness of PSSs and FDSs

Co-ordinating the design of PSSs and FDSs

Analysing the performance of Voltage Source Converter based HVDC

transmission systems

Analysing the performance of wind energy conversion systems

Analysing the performance of modal estimators based on the ambient

fluctuations of system variables

There is an emphasis in the package on:

Simple procedures for the tuning of PSSs and FDSs.

Assessing the relative effectiveness of existing stabilizers installed on both

generators and FACTS devices in damping selected modes of oscillation.

The co-ordinated tuning of stabilizers for both generators and FACTS devices.

The analysis of the interactions between stabilizing controls.x

Additional information on Mudpack can be found from the following website:

http://www1.eleceng.adelaide.edu.au/groups/PCON/PowerSystems/Mud
packBrochure/brochure.html
B5. PSCAD
PF, CPF-VS, SSA, TDS, FA, GS, HA, PAC, ETS, GUI
PSCAD (Power Systems CAD) is also known as PSCAD/EMTDC. It is a power
system analysis software with an electromagnetic time domain transient simulation
environment and graphical user interface. PSCAD is developed based on EMTDC
solution engine, and it also relies on Fortran Compiler. PSCAD also supplies interface to
MatLab.
As its name indicated, PSCAD is a highly graphical software which offers most widely
used electrical elements as built-in models. If the component needed does not exist in the

library, the user can always create user defined functions by using FORTRAN language
or a combination of existing basic functions. This makes PSCAD very powerful and
flexible, capable of studying many different applications.
PSCAD generally can be applied to investigate issues related to power flow, voltage
stability, small signal stability, time domain simulation, fault analysis, grounding, system
harmonics, protection coordination, electromagnetic transient study, balanced and
unbalanced network analysis.
PSCAD is developed by Manitoba Hydro and Manitoba HVDC Research Centre Inc.
PSCAD provide three editions, student, educational and professional. The student version
can only have 15 electrical nodes, but this is free. For educational version, 200 electrical
nodes are allowed, while this number is unlimited for the professional version.
Further information on the PSCAD software can be found on the developers website:
https://pscad.com/products/pscad/
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B6. SimPowerSystems Simulink

PF, CPF-VS, SSA, TDS, FA, GS, HA, PAC, ETS, GUI
SimPowerSystems is a /Simulink based toolbox containing many widely used power
system models (built-in functions). Like other Simulink toolboxes, a GUI is
implemented. Also, it is compatible with other toolboxes within MatLab which makes it
very flexible for different applications.
SimPowerSystems does not define explicitly the limitation of the number of buses in a
network. SimPowerSystems provides three modes for simulation continuous, discrete,
and phasor. Although it states as a continuous solver, the program solves the network
discretely with variable simulation step values. In the discreet mode, the sampling rate
will remain the same. Time domain sinusoidal waveforms are generated in these modes.
However, as for phasor mode only the real and imaginary components of the signal peak
will be used in calculation, so this mode is basically frequency-less and frequency is
considered to be a constant during simulation. Therefore, simulation speed will be
improved significantly under this mode.
SimPowerSystems generally can analyse load flow, voltage stability, small signal
stability, time domain simulation, fault analysis, grounding, system harmonics, protection
coordination, electromagnetic transient study, balanced and unbalanced network analysis.
SimPowerSystems is developed by MathWorks based on MatLab/Simulink (GUI).
Additional information about this toolbox can be found at the developers website:
http://www.mathworks.com/products/simpower/

B7. ETAP
PF, CPF-VS, OPF, TDS, FA, GS, HA, PAC, GUI
ETAP offers a suite of fully integrated Electrical Engineering software solutions
including arc flash, load flow, short circuit, transient stability, relay coordination, cable
ampacity, optimal power flow, and more. Its modular functionality can be customized to
fit the needs of any company, from small to large power systems. Seperated into two
versions, Modular engineering version and intuitive engineering version, ETAP offers
different packages to each.
The following packages are offered to its Modular engineering version:

Short-Circuit analysis (IEEE,ANSI, IEC)

Arc Flash Analysis
Load Flow Analysis
Motor Acceleration Studies
Co-ordination of Protective Devices
Relay test set interface
Transient Stability Studies
Generator Start-up Studies
Wind Turbine Modelling
User define models
Parameter estimation

The following are offered to its intuitive engineering version:

Underground Thermal Analysis

Cable pulling and ampacity
Cable Sizing
Ground Grid Analysis
Distribution system:
o Unbalanced load flow analysis
o OPF
o Optimal Capacitor Placement
o Reliability Assessment
o Single-phase distribution
Transmission System:
o Line Constant
o Line Ampacity
o Sag and Tension analysis
o HVDC Transmission link
o Transformer sizing and tap optimizing

Further details about the ETAP software can be found from the developers website:
http://etap.com/
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B8. NEPLAN
PF, CPF-VS, OPF, SSA, FA, GS, HA, PAC, GUI
The NEPLAN Toolbox has been especially designed for researchers and developers
which need to develop new power system models (e.g. control strategies) and new
algorithm (e.g. Smart Grid applications). The Toolbox includes:

The NPL NEPLAN Programming Library

An easy to use C/C++ API
A MatLab interface
A Simulink interface

NEPLAN can be used for transmission, distribution and smart grid research. Recent
version of NEPLAN includes renewable energy generator (wind generator) model for
grid integration assessment of renewable energy source.
The main features of the NEPLAN are:

Harmonic analysis.
Protection system design.
Reliability analysis.
Low voltage analysis in distribution system.
Power flow and optimal power flow analysis.
Small signal stability analysis.
Voltage stability analysis.
Available Transfer Capability Analysis (ATC).
Ground system analysis.
Arc Flash analysis.
Cable sizing.

More details about this software can be found on the following website:
http://www.neplan.ch
B9. DSATools
PF, CPF-VS, SSA, TDS, GUI

DSATools is a suite of state-of-the-art power system analysis tools and provides the
capabilities for the comprehensive system security assessment including all forms of
stability. DSATools includes necessary features and functions for power system planning
and operational studies. In addition to rich modeling capabilities and leading-edge
computational methods, the software package is loaded with many innovative application
tools.
This advanced software suite includes the following main components:

PSAT Power flow and short circuit analysis tool

VSAT voltage security assessment tool
TSAT transient security assessment tool
SSAT small signal analysis tool

Detail information about this software can be obtained from the following website:
http://www.dsatools.com
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B10. DINIS
PF, CPF-VS, FA, GUI
DINIS, which stands for Distribution Network Information System, is an integrated data
capture and electrical network analysis workstation package that can be operated as a
standalone system, or integrated into other applications. DINIS is a product of Fujitsu
Services. Key analysis features of DINIS are:

Network analysis for three phase or single phase mixed, with unlimited loads
Advanced transformer modelling including loads,
Fault analysis to IEEE and ANSI standards
Two phase unbalanced allocation
Cable resistance effect
Loss optimisation
Automatic load allocation
Reliability analysis

DINIS also has optional specialist integrated modules, including a transient stability module,
among numerous others.
Detailed information about this software can be found from the developers website:
http://www.dinis.com/Index.htm

B11. EUROSTAG
PF, SSA, TDS, PAC, GUI
EUROSTAG is developed by Tractebel Engineering GDF SUEZ and RTE. The
objective is to provide accurate and reliable simulations of power systems dynamics. The
advanced dynamic functions of EUROSTAG allow for the full range of transient, mid
and long-term stability to be analysed, by employing a robust algorithm using an autoadaptative integration stepsize.
EUROSTAG has the added flexibility of being able to import and export data in various
international formats, and provides a vast library of power system models, which can also
be modified if required using a flexible graphical modelling language.
Key Functions:

Load Flow Computation

Full-scope dynamic analysis a few seconds to several hours.
Critical clearing time calculation
Eigenvalues computation and system linearization

Small Signal Analysis, Dynamic Security Assessment and Dynamic Response

Optimization can be purchased as separate add-ons.
Additional information about EUROSTAG can be found from the developers website:
http://www.eurostag.be/en/products/eurostag/the-reference-powersystem-dynamic-simulation/

[Back to Top]

B12. Simpow
PF, CPF-VS, SSA, TDS, FA, HA, GUI
Simpow covers a wide field of network applications, with the main focus on dynamic
simulation in time domain and analysis in frequency domain. Simpow also has an in-built
programming language for users to create and tailor their own models and methods. In
the past, Simpow has been used for system interaction studies for HVDC, HVDC Light,
FACTS and wind power plants.
Simpow is used as an analysing tool by consultant engineers, universities as a laboratory
tool for training under- and postgraduates and commercial research institutes. The basic
functions of Simpow include:

Load flow calculation

Short circuit calculation
Synchronous stability
Transient stability
Voltage stability
Load shedding
Load fluctuations
Prime mover torque irregularities
Machine dynamics
Sub synchronous resonance
Resonance frequency analysis by means of Eigenvalues
Eigenvectors
Sensitivity of Eigenvalues
Frequency scanning
Parameter scanning and modal analysis
Harmonics Analysis (injection, distribution and summation of harmonics)
Simpow Dips

Further information on this software can be obtained from the developers website:
http://www.stri.se/simpow
B13. CYME
PF, CPF-VS, OPF, TDS, FA, GS, HA, PAC, GUI
The CYME Power Engineering software is a suite of applications composed of a network
editor, analysis modules and user-customizable model librarys. The modules available
comprise a variety of advanced applications and extensive libraries. Modules can be
separated based on the objective: distribution network analysis, or transmission and
industrial network analysis.
Key Functionalities of the Distribution Network Analysis Modules:

Unbalanced load flow

Comprehensive fault flow analysis
Load balancing
Load allocation/estimation
Optimal capacitor placement

Key Functionalities of the Transmission and Industrial Network Analysis Modules:

Network Editor

Power Flow
Short Circuit
Load Flow Contingency (N-p)
Arc Flash Hazards
Protective Device Coordination with CYME and CYMDIST
Dynamic Motor Starting
Harmonics
Transient Stability
Voltage Stability
Optimal Power Flow
Geographic Overlay
Component Object Modeling

Further information on this software can be obtained from the developers website:
http://www.cyme.com/software/
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B14. SKM Power Tools

PF, TDS, FA, GS, HA, PAC, GUI
SKM provides a host of Power System Analysis and ARC Study Tools. Two of the key
tools are DAPPER and CAPTOR. DAPPER is an integrated set of modules for threephase power system design and analysis, and includes the following features:

Load flow and voltage drop calculations

Impact motor starting
Traditional fault analysis
Demand and design load analysis
Feeder, raceway and transformer sizing
Panel, MCC and switchboard schedule specification

CAPPER is used for time versus current coordination drawings with one-line diagrams and
setting reports. CAPPER allows coordination of protective devices and provides a
comprehensive model library.
As well as these two tools, SKM offers tools for:

Arc Flash Evaluation,

Fault Analysis,
Transient Motor Starting Analysis,
Harmonic Analysis,

Unbalanced/Single Phase Studies,

Transient Stability Analysis,
Reliability Studies,
DC System Analysis,
Electrical Grounding Analysis
Cable Pulling Analysis

Additional information about SKM Power Tools can be found on the developers website:
http://www.skm.com/index.shtml
B15. RTDS
PF, TDS, PAC, ETS, GUI
RTDS is a power system simulator that solves electromagnetic transient simulations in
real time. The system is used for high speed simulations, closed-loop testing of protection
and control equipment and hardware in the loop (HIL) applications. The simulator is a
combination of advanced computer hardware and comprehensive software, and provides
simulation in continuous, sustained real time. The developers list the following key
features of RTDS:

Smart grid applications

Distributed generation wind, solar, fuel cells...
True hard real time response for closed-loop testing
Protective relay testing line, transformer, busbar, generator...
Control system testing HVDC, SVC, FACTS...
Large scale real time simulations
Powerful parallel processing hardware and custom I/O
Advanced and comprehensive user interface
Extensive, well proven power and control system component libraries

RTDS comes with RSCAD, a user-friendly interface made up of several modules, for
calculation of cable and transmission line characteristics, build user defined models, etc.
Includes libraries of power system, control system and protection and automation
components, and supports automated batch mode operation, as well as interfacing small
timestep VSC subnetworks. It is also capable of importing data from PSS/E and BPA.
RTDS is developed by RTDS Technologies, with a head office in Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada, and representatives in Heidelberg West, Victoria, Australia, as well as many
other locations around the world.
Further information on the RTDS software can be found from the following website:
http://www.rtds.com/index/index.html

[Back to Top]

IV.

Capability Comparison Table

This section presents an overview of the reviewed software and their capabilities in an easy
to read table format. The categories are given below:

Power Flow (PF)

Continuation Power Flow and/or Voltage Stability Analysis (CPF-VS)
Optimal Power Flow (OPF)
Small Signal Stability Analysis (SSA)
Time Domain Simulation (TDS)
User-Defined Models (UDM)
Fault Analysis (FA)
Grounding Systems (GS)
Harmonic Analysis (HA)
Protection Analysis and Coordination (PAC)
Electromagnetic Transient Studies (ETS)
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

C1. Freely available software tools:

Table 1. A comparison of the functionalities of freely available software tools.
PF

CPFVS

OPF

MATPOWE
R
PSAT
UWPFLOW
VST
PST
PCFLO
ATP

SSA

TDS

FA

HA

ETS

GUI

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x

C2. Commercial software tools:

Table 2. A comparison of the functionalities of commercial software tools.

PowerWorl
d
DigSILEN

PF

CPFVS

OPF

SSA

TDS

FA

GS

HA

PAC

ETS

GUI

x
x

T
PSS/E
Mudpack
PSCAD
SimPowerS
ystems
ETAP
NEPLAN
DSATools
DINIS
EUROSTA
G
Simpow
CYME
SKM PT
RTDS

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x
x

x
x

x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x

x
x

x
x
x

x
x