In order to provide your facility with a power system that is safe, efficient, and reliable for operation under both normal and abnormal situations, a power system analysis consists of a number of technical assessments and the use of scientific analytic ideas and techniques.
Understanding how a system will operate in various configurations and the consequences of disturbances like capacitor switching, the start of a large motor, and arc flash incident energy are the goals of a power system analysis. An examination of the power system may also be necessary to ensure the dependable operation of safety equipment in the case of a short circuit or any other problem.
Power system studies are crucial for guaranteeing a consistent and dependable supply of electricity. Under all operating circumstances, a well-designed power system ensures dependable operation and maximizes plant availability. Systems that are poorly built experience failures, flaws, inefficiencies, and reduced security.
The majority or all of the following sub-studies may be included in a typical power system analysis:
- research and evaluation of load flow
- research and examination of short circuits
- relay coordination evaluation
- An assessment of the danger from arc flash
- A study of harmonics
- Dynamics and fluctuation analysis
- worldwide research
In this blog, we will examine the first three studies and gain an understanding of the methods and guidelines used in each of them.
Load Flow Research and Analysis:
A load flow study examines an electrical network to ascertain how power is moving. It helps in figuring out the power system’s operational status, the amount of active and reactive power produced, losses, voltage, current, and power factor.
The following three stages made up the load flow analysis:
- Network and component modeling for power systems
- The creation of load flow equations.
- Using numerical techniques to solve equations relating to load and flow
There are three methods for calculating data about the power system:
- One of the most often applied analytical techniques is the Gauss-Seidel System. This approach has the benefits of being simple to use, requiring little in the way of computer resources, and doing the job more quickly. However, because of the delayed convergence, more iterations are required. The number of iterations increases as the number of buses increases.
- The Newton-Raphson method is more challenging and makes use of quadratic convergence, which is useful in challenging situations. As fewer repetitions are needed to reach convergence, this method uses less computational power. Because it is less dependent on complicated factors like regulating transformers and bus selection for slack, it is more accurate. It can be challenging to program because it uses quite a lot of machine memory.
- Another method for load flow analysis is the Fast Decoupled Load Flow System (FDLF). This method’s main advantage is that it uses less computer memory. It is a recommended substitute for Newton-Raphson for real-time power grid management since the calculation speed is five times faster. This software can only be applied in certain situations. As a result, it is more difficult to adapt it to other power industry concerns like flow or system protection.
Short Circuit Analysis & Study:
One or more of the following types of short circuits will be taken into account in a short circuit analysis:
- Line-to-line fault, which occurs when two phases simultaneously short out.
- Only one phase reaches the ground during a single line-to-ground failure.
- A double line-to-ground fault, which simultaneously shorts both phases and the ground.
- Three-phase fault: simultaneous shorting of all three phases
It will be simpler to draw a one-line diagram of the power distribution system if the type of problem is known.
Use the single-line diagram that was created and an impedance diagram that includes numerical values for the utility source, transformer, and conductor in relation to each component’s usable voltage to calculate short circuits. The short circuit current, the transformer multiplier, and the full-load amps are all included in the estimated values. In order to ensure that the power distribution system is equipped with the necessary safety measures at various locations to prevent danger and downtime, it is crucial to compare the gathered data with the equipment ratings.
Analysis of relay coordination
Since coordination systems offer quick, dependable, and selective relay operations to isolate the issue, relay coordination is an essential part of power system protection architecture. The degree to which overcurrent preventative devices are necessary for the power system is determined via coordination analysis. It also helps in deciding on the proper specifications, arrangements, and measurements to strike a balance between equipment security and constrained system functioning.
Using power system software like ETAP, data collection operations are carried out in order to simulate the system. Fault currents at each electrical location are measured once a short circuit analysis has been completed. It is possible to reduce the effects of system equipment failures by selecting and calibrating the protective devices. Regions of coordination breakdown can be found by comparing the protective device’s time-current characteristic curves. To guarantee that protection devices function reliably and selectively, adjustments are made as needed.
The following are some benefits of Power system analysis:
- The electricity grid has increased dependability.
- Making use of machinery with the appropriate power rating.
- Enhanced safety and reduced threat from electrical hazards.
- Adherence to statutory requirements and electrical installation codes.
- The documentation of the current state of the power system in order to prepare for upcoming inspections.
- The suggestion of alternative methods to enhance the system’s performance and dependability.
To monitor the voltage at various buses as well as the actual and reactive power flow between buses, analyze the system under various fault conditions, and determine the system’s resilience to minor and significant disturbances, Care Labs offers Load Flow study & analysis, Short Circuit study & analysis, and Relay coordination analysis. To acquire an analysis of your company’s electricity infrastructure in Belgium, get in touch with us or request a quote. Within 24 hours, one of our customer service representatives will respond.
