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Chapter 19 ETAP User Guide 7 5 2 PDF
Chapter 19 ETAP User Guide 7 5 2 PDF
Load Flow
The ETAP Load Flow Analysis Module calculates the bus voltages, branch power factors, currents, and
power flows throughout the electrical system. ETAP allows for swing, voltage regulated, and unregulated
power sources with multiple power grids and generator connections. It is capable of performing analysis
on both radial and loop systems. ETAP allows you to select from several different methods in order to
achieve the best calculation efficiency.
This chapter defines definitions and explains the usage of different tools you will need to run load flow
studies. Theoretical background for different load flow calculation methods is also provided.
The Load Flow toolbar section explains how you can launch a load flow calculation, open and view an
output report, or select display options. The Load Flow Study Case Editor section explains how you can
create a new study case, what parameters are required to specify a study case, and how to set them. The
Display Options section explains what options are available for displaying some key system parameters
and the output results on the one-line diagram, and how to set them. The Load Flow Calculation Methods
section shows formulations of different load flow calculation methods. Comparisons on their rate of
convergence, improving convergence based on different system parameters and configurations, and some
tips on selecting an appropriate calculation method are also found in this section. The Required Data for
Calculations section describes what data is necessary to perform load flow calculations and where to enter
them. The Load Flow Study Output Report section illustrates and explains output reports and their format.
Finally, the Load Flow Result Analyzer allows you to view the results of various studies in one screen so
you can analyze and compare the different results.
Alert View
Load Analyzer
Alert View
After performing a load flow study, you can click on this button to open the Alert View, which lists all
equipment with critical and marginal violations based on the settings in the study case.
Choosing any format in the Report Manager activates the Crystal Reports. You can open the whole load
flow output report or only a part of it, depending on the format selection. The format names and
corresponding output report sections are given below:
You can also view output reports by clicking on the View Output Report button on the Study Case
toolbar. A list of all output files in the selected project directory is provided for load flow calculations. To
view any of the listed output reports, click on the output report name, and then click on the View Output
Report button.
When ETAP Real-Time is set up and after you run a Load Flow study with online data, you can press this
button to bring up the Load Flow Comparator view. It lists comparison of all system operating values
between ETAP Real-Time output and Load Flow calculations.
Load Analyzer
The Load Analyzer tool and its associated reports are designed for load schedule reporting of
ETAP models. This module allows the user to report loads of multilevel-connected elements in a
system directly (called Connected Loads), or by applying different multiplying factors (called
Operating Loads).
As a part of the multi-dimensional database concept of ETAP, study cases can be used for any
combination of the three major system toolbar components, i.e. for any configuration status, one-line
diagram presentation, and Base/Revision data.
When you are in Load Flow Analysis Mode, you can access the Load Flow Study Case Editor by clicking
on the Study Case button from the Load Flow Study Case toolbar. You can also access this editor from
the Project View by clicking on the Load Flow Study Case folder.
There are two ways you can create a new study case. You can click on the New Study Case button in the
Study Case toolbar, as shown above. It will open the Duplicate Study Case dialog box for you to specify
names of an existing Study Case and the new study case you want to create.
You can also create a new Study Case from the Project View, by right-clicking on the Load Flow Study
Case folder and selecting Create New. ETAP will then create a new study case, which is a copy of the
default Study Case, and adds it to the Load Flow Study Case folder.
Study Case ID
Study Case ID is shown in this entry field. You can rename a Study Case by deleting the old ID and
entering the new ID. Study Case ID can be up to 12 alphanumeric characters. Use the Navigator button at
the bottom of the editor to go from one study case to the next existing Study Case.
Method
In this group you can select a load flow solution method. Three methods are available: Newton-Raphson,
Fast-decoupled, and Accelerated Gauss-Seidel.
For the Newton-Raphson, a few Gauss-Seidel iterations are made first to establish a set of sound initial
values for the bus voltages (since convergence of the Newton-Raphson Method is highly dependent on
the initial bus voltages).
Max. Iteration
Enter the maximum number for iterations in this field. If the solution has not converged before the
specified number of iterations, the program will stop and inform you. The recommended and default
values are 2000 for the Gauss-Seidel Method, and five for the Newton-Raphson and Fast-Decoupled
Methods.
Precision
Enter the value for the solution precision in this field, which is used to check for convergence. This value
determines how precise you want the final solution to be. For the Gauss-Seidel Method, precision is
applied to check the difference between the bus voltages after each iteration. For the Newton-Raphson
and Fast-Decoupled Methods, the precision is compared with the difference in power for each bus (MW
and Mvar) between iterations. If the difference between the iterations is less than or equal to the value
entered for precision, the desired accuracy is achieved.
If the solution converges but the mismatch values are high, reduce the value of the precision to make your
results more precise and run the program again (you may need to increase the number of iterations).
Note: A smaller precision value results in lower mismatch (higher accuracy), as well as a longer run time.
The default (and recommended) values are 0.000001 pu volts for the Gauss-Seidel Method, and .0001 pu
power for the Newton-Raphson and Fast-Decoupled Methods.
Accel. Factor
This field is present if the Accelerated Gauss-Seidel Method is used. Enter the convergence acceleration
factor to be used between iterations. Typical values are between 1.2 and 1.7; the default is 1.45.
If this box is checked, bus voltages and branch flows in panel/UPS systems will be calculated in a load
flow run and calculation results will be reported in the one-line diagram and the crystal report. If this box
is not checked, the load for each panel/UPS system will be summed up to its top element for the loading
specified in the study case. This load summation is based on the load rated voltage and does not consider
any branch losses. The top element will be treated as a single load in the system.
The panel/UPS system must be a radial system. ETAP checks loop configurations in panel/UPS systems
when performing load flow calculations. Should a loop configuration be detected, the load flow
calculation will be terminated and a message will be posted.
Update
In this group, you can decide to update initial conditions of the buses and/or set the transformer taps to the
calculated value of LTCs. The selected options will be updated after the subsequent load flow run.
Transformer LTCs
Select this option to update the transformer taps to reflect the result of load tap changer (LTC) settings,
i.e., transformer taps will be set to values determined from the load flow solution for LTCs. This feature is
useful when you want to consider the impedance of the LTC taps for short-circuit calculations. Selecting
this option will also display the LTC settings on the OLV.
Report
Bus Voltage
Calculated bus voltages seen in the output report can be printed in kV or in percent of the bus nominal
voltages. Select your preference by clicking on in Percent or in kV. For graphical display of bus voltages
see Load Flow Display Options.
When the Use Fixed Values is checked and the Apply XFMR Phase-Shift is also checked, the
calculated initial bus voltage angles are used in the load flow calculation.
When the Use Bus Voltages is checked and the Apply XFMR Phase-Shift is also checked, the initial
bus voltage angle from the Bus Editor is compared against the calculated bus voltage angle. If the
difference is less than MaxIniAngDiff, the initial bus voltage angle from the Bus Editor is used;
otherwise the calculated value is used in the load flow calculation.
When the Use Fixed Values is checked and the Apply XFMR Phase-Shift is not checked, the initial
voltage angle entered in the Load Flow Study Case is used in the load flow calculation. In this case,
all the buses have the same initial voltage angle.
When the Use Bus Voltages is checked and the Apply XFMR Phase-Shift is not checked, the initial
bus voltage angles from the Bus Editor are used in the load flow calculation.
When the operating load is specified as the system load, the operating voltage angles are used as the
initial value. In this case, if the Apply XFMR Phase-Shift is checked, the operating voltage angle is
compared against the calculated bus voltage angle. If the difference is less than MaxIniAngDiff, the
operating voltage angle is used; otherwise the calculated value is used in the load flow calculation.
Study Remarks
You can enter up to 120 alphanumeric characters in this remarks field. Information entered in this
location will be printed on the second line of every output page header line. These remarks can provide
specific information for each study cases. The first line of the header information is global for all study
cases and is entered in the Project Information Editor.
Loading Category
Select one of the ten Loading Categories for the current Load Flow Study. With the selection of any
category, ETAP uses the percent loading of individual motors and other loads as specified for the selected
category.
Note: You can assign loading to each one of the ten categories from the Nameplate page of the Induction
Machine Editor and Synchronous Motor Editor and the Loading or Rating page of other load component
editors.
Operating P, Q
This option is available if your ETAP key has the online feature. When this box is checked, the operating
loads updated from online data or a previous Load Flow Study will be utilized in the Load Flow Study.
Generation Category
Select one of the ten Generation Categories for the current Load Flow Study. With the selection of any
category, ETAP uses the generator controls for the selected category, as specified in the Rating page of
the Generator Editor. The generator controls will be different depending on the mode that the generator is
operating under. The mode of generation is selected on the Info page of the Generator Editor. The table
below shows the generation controls with respect to the mode of generation.
Operating P, Q, V
This option is available if your ETAP key has the online feature. When this box is checked, the generator
operating values updated from online data or a previous load flow study will be utilized in the Load Flow
Study.
None
Select None to use the percent loading of each load as entered for the selected Loading Category.
Bus Minimum
When the minimum bus loading option is selected, all motors and other loads directly connected to each
bus will be multiplied by the bus minimum diversity factor. Using this option, you can simulate load flow
studies with each bus having a different minimum diversity factor.
The minimum bus loading study option may be used to see the effect of transformer taps and capacitors
(if any) on the system voltages under a minimum (light) loading condition.
Bus Maximum
When the Maximum Loading option is selected, all motors and other loads directly connected to each bus
will be multiplied by the bus maximum diversity factor. Using this option, you can simulate load flow
studies with each bus having a different maximum diversity factor.
This study option is helpful when the future loading of the electrical system has to be considered and each
bus may be loaded at a different maximum value.
Constant kVA
Constant kVA loads include induction motors, synchronous motors, conventional and unbalanced lumped
loads with % motor load, UPSs, and chargers.
Constant Z
Constant impedance loads include static loads, capacitors, harmonic filters, MOVs, and conventional and
unbalanced lumped loads with % static load.
Constant I
Constant current loads include unbalanced lumped loads with % constant current load.
Generic
Generic loads include lumped loads modeled using either the exponential, polynomial, or comprehensive
model.
Please refer to the Section 15.4 (Calculations Methods) for the load-modeling concepts used in ETAP.
Note: A motor load-multiplying factor of 125% implies that the motor loads of all buses are increased by
25 percent above their nominal values. This value can be smaller or greater than 100 percent.
Charger Loading
You have the option to use the Loading Category or the Operating Load for chargers. The operating load
for a charger can only be updated from a DC Load Flow Study.
Impedance Tolerance
This group allows you to consider tolerance adjustments to impedance values for transformer, reactor, and
overload heater.
The Impedance Adjustment can be applied to individual transformers by using the tolerance percent value
specified in the Transformer Editor Rating page. A global Transformer Impedance Adjustment can be
specified as well by selecting and specifying a global tolerance other than 0% in the corresponding field
of Load Flow Study Case Editor Adjustment page. The global Impedance Adjustment overrides any
individual transformer tolerance value.
The Impedance Adjustment can be applied to individual reactors by using the tolerance percent value
specified in the Reactor Editor Rating page. A global Reactor Impedance Adjustment can be specified as
well by selecting and specifying a global tolerance other than 0% in the corresponding field of the Load
Flow Study Case Editor Adjustment page. The global Impedance Adjustment overrides any individual
reactor tolerance value.
The Resistance Adjustment can be applied to individual overload heaters by using the tolerance percent
value specified in the Overload Heaters Editor Rating page. A global Overload Heater Resistance
Adjustment can be specified as well by selecting and specifying a global tolerance other than 0% in the
corresponding field of Short Circuit Study Case Editor Adjustment page. The global Resistance
Adjustment overrides any individual overload heater tolerance value.
Length Tolerance
This section allows you to consider tolerance adjustments to cable and transmission line lengths.
The Length Adjustment can be applied to individual cables by using the tolerance percent value specified
in the Cable Editor Info page. A global Cable Length Adjustment can be specified as well by selecting
and specifying a global tolerance other than 0% in the corresponding field of the Load Flow Study Case
Editor Adjustment page. The global Length Adjustment overrides any individual cable tolerance value.
The Length Adjustment can be applied to individual lines by using the tolerance percent value specified
in the Transmission Line Editor Info page. A global Transmission Line Length Adjustment can be
specified as well by selecting and specifying a global tolerance other than 0% in the corresponding field
of the Load Flow Study Case Editor Adjustment page. The global Length Adjustment overrides any
individual transmission line tolerance value.
The temperature correction can be applied to individual cables by using the maximum operating
temperature value specified in the Cable Editor Impedance page. A global temperature correction can be
specified as well by selecting and specifying a global maximum temperature value in the corresponding
field of the Load Flow Study Case Editor Adjustment page. The global temperature correction value
overrides any individual Cable Impedance page maximum temperature. Please refer to the Cable Editor
Impedance page section in Chapter 12 (AC-Editors).
The temperature correction can be applied to individual lines by using the maximum operating
temperature value specified in the Transmission Line Editor Impedance page. A global temperature
correction can be specified as well by selecting and specifying a global maximum temperature value in
the corresponding field of the Load Flow Study Case Editor Adjustment page. The global temperature
correction value overrides any individual Transmission Line Impedance page maximum temperature.
Please refer to the Transmission Line Editor Impedance page section in Chapter 12 (AC-Editors).
entered in this page must be non-zero. The element ratings for alert checking are given in the following
sections.
Loading
This set of value fields allows you to enter the condition percent values of the monitored parameters used
to determine if an alert should be reported based on loading conditions determined by a load flow
calculation. The Load Flow Loading Alerts generate overload alerts.
Bus Alert
The Load Flow Module will generate a Bus Loading Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of
rated continuous current in the bus is exceeded. The rated continuous current in the bus is specified in the
Rating page of the Bus Editor.
Cable Alert
The Load Flow Module will generate a Cable Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of allowable
ampacity in the cable is exceeded. The allowable ampacity of the cable is specified in the Ampacity page
of the Cable Editor.
Line Alert
The Load Flow Module will generate a Line Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of derated
ampacity in the transmission line is exceeded. The derated ampacity of the transmission line is calculated
in the Ampacity page of the Transmission Line Editor.
Reactor Alert
The Load Flow Module will generate a Reactor Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of rated
current in the reactor is exceeded. The rated current in the reactor is specified in the Rating page of the
Reactor Editor.
Transformer Alert
The Load Flow Module will generate a Transformer Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of
maximum MVA of the transformer is exceeded. The maximum MVA of the transformer is specified in
the Rating page of the Transformer Editor. The simulation alerts work for both 2 and 3-winding
transformers.
Panel Alert
The Load Flow Module will generate a Panel Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of rated
current in the panel is exceeded. The rated current of the panel is specified in the Rating page of the Panel
Editor.
The Load Flow Module will generate Protective Device Alerts only if the monitored parameter rating is
larger than zero.
Generator Alert
The Load Flow Module will generate a Generator Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of rated
MW of the generator is exceeded. The rated MW of the generator is specified in the Rating page of the
Generator Editor.
ETAP also has two alerts for the generator built into the load flow calculation. ETAP will produce an
Under-Power alert if the real power output of the generator, from the load flow calculation, is less than
the value of Pmin. You can specify Pmin in the Capability page of the Generator Editor. Pmin must be non-
zero in order for ETAP to generate the alert. Also, if the generator is modeled in Swing Mode, it will
absorb real power in load flow if necessary; therefore, ETAP will produce a Pout<0 alert for Swing Mode
generators if the real power output from the load flow calculation is negative.
Marginal Limit
If the Marginal Limit option is checked, the Alert View window will display the marginal alerts as well. If
not selected, the Alert View window will display only the critical alerts.
Auto Display
If the Auto Display option is checked, the Alert View window automatically opens after the load flow
calculation completes. If not checked, the Alert View window can be opened by clicking the Alert View
icon on the Load Flow toolbar.
Show Units
Select this option to show units for power flow and current displayed on the one-line diagram.
Check All
Select this option to show all available result annotations. When this box is unchecked, the previous
settings are restored.
Voltage
Voltage
Select kV or percent for voltage display on the one-line diagram from the list.
Bus Mag.
Select this option to display bus voltages on the one-line diagram. Bus voltages are displayed at 15
degrees.
Bus Angle
Select this option to display bus angles in degrees on the one-line diagram. Bus angles are displayed at
-15 degrees.
Load Rated kV
Select this option to use load rated kV as the base for load terminal voltage display.
Bus Nom. kV
Select this option to use bus nominal kV as the base for load terminal voltage display.
Voltage Drop
Line/Cable
Select this option to display line and cable voltage drops on the one-line diagram.
Load FDR
Select this option to display the load feeder voltage drops.
Panel/UPS Systems
Results
Select this option to display results for panel systems in the one-line diagram, assuming that the Calc.
Panel/UPS System option has been checked in the study case when the load flow calculation was carried
out. If the Calc. Panel System option has not been checked in the load flow study case or the panel system
display option is not checked, no results will be displayed in the one-line diagram.
Average Values
Select this option to display average values for panel system results as shown in the following table.
All Phases
Select this option to display individual phase values for panel system results. For 3-phase elements,
voltage, current, and power for phases A, B, and C are displayed in sequence, and for one-phase three-
wire elements, voltage, current, and power for phases LL, L1, and L2 are displayed in sequence.
Power Flows
You can specify how the flows will be displayed in this area.
Units
Select the unit (kVA or MVA) to be used to display power flow on the one-line diagram.
kW + jkvar
Select the kW + jkvar radio button to display power flow in kW+jkvar or MW+jMvar.
kVA
Select the kVA radio button to display power flow in kVA or MVA.
Amp
Select the Amp radio button to display current flow in amperes.
%PF
When the Amp or kVA radio button is selected, you can check this box to show power factor of power
flow along with the current.
Flow Results
Branch
Select this option to display power flow through all branches on the one-line diagram. ETAP displays the
power flow at one end of a branch, i.e., the end that has a positive kW value flowing into the branch. For
3-winding transformers, all three power flows are displayed.
Source
Select this option to display power flow for generators and power grids on the one-line diagram.
Load
Select this option to display power flow for motors, MOVs, capacitors, lumped loads, and static loads on
the one-line diagram.
Composite Motor
Select this option to display power flow into composite motors.
Composite Network
Select the checkbox to display power flow into composite networks.
Branch Losses
Select this option to display branch losses on the one-line diagram. Losses are displayed inside a bracket
in [kW+jkvar] or [MW+jMvar].
Meters
Ammeter
Check this option to display primary current for the branch to which an ammeter is attached.
Voltmeter
Check this option to display primary voltage for the bus to which a voltmeter is attached.
Multi-Meter
Check this option to display the measurements of a multi-meter, including bus voltage, branch current,
branch power flow, power factor, and frequency.
19.3.2 AC Page
This page includes options for displaying information annotations for AC elements.
ID
Select the checkboxes under this heading to display the ID of the selected AC elements on the one-line
diagram.
Rating
Select the checkboxes under this heading to display the ratings of the selected AC elements on the one-
line diagram.
kV
Select the checkboxes under this heading to display the rated or nominal voltages of the selected elements
on the one-line diagram.
For cables/lines, click the checkboxes to display the cable/line and the size, length and type on the one-
line diagram.
A
Select the checkboxes under this heading to display the ampere ratings (continuous or full-load ampere)
of the selected elements on the one-line diagram.
For cables/lines, click the checkboxes to display the cable/line and the size, length and type on the one-
line diagram.
Z
Select the checkboxes under this heading to display the rated impedance of the selected AC elements on
the one-line diagram.
D-Y
Select the checkboxes under this heading to display the connection types of the selected elements on the
one-line diagram.
For transformers, the operating tap setting for primary, secondary, and tertiary windings are also
displayed. The operating tap setting consists of the fixed taps plus the tap position of the LTC.
Composite Mtr
Click on this checkbox to display the AC composite motor IDs on the one-line diagram, then select the
color in which the IDs will be displayed.
ID
Select the checkboxes under this heading to display the IDs of the selected AC-DC elements on the one-
line diagram.
Rating
Select the checkboxes under this heading to display the ratings of the selected AC-DC elements on the
one-line diagram.
kV
Click on the checkboxes under this heading to display the rated or nominal voltages of the selected
elements on the one-line diagram.
A
Click on the checkboxes under this heading to display the ampere ratings of the selected elements on the
one-line diagram.
Composite Network
Click on this checkbox to display the composite network IDs on the one-line diagram, then select the
color in which the IDs will be displayed.
Color Theme
A previously defined color theme can be selected from the list. The selected color theme will be used
whenever the Theme option button is selected.
Annotations
This area allows you to assign colors to AC and DC elements, composite elements, and displayed results.
Theme
This option allows the global color theme selected in the color Theme list for element annotations to be
applied globally throughout all diagrams. When the option is selected, the name assigned to the applied
color theme is also displayed in a box at the right of the button.
User-Defined
Select this option to specify a color for element annotations. When this option is chosen, the DC element
annotation color selection list will appear.
Theme Button
Click this button to make the Theme Editor appear.
Theme Editor
The Theme Editor allows you to select existing color themes or define a new color theme. Note that color
themes are applied globally within a project file. Changes made on a color theme displayed on this page
may also affect other modes and presentations if the global color themes option has been previously
selected.
Newton-Raphson Method
The Newton-Raphson Method formulates and solves iteratively the following load flow equation:
P J 1 J 2
=
Q J
3 J 4 V
where P and Q are bus real power and reactive power mismatch vectors between specified value and
calculated value, respectively; V and represents bus voltage magnitude and angle vectors in an
incremental form; and J1 through J4 are called Jacobian matrices.
The Newton-Raphson Method possesses a unique quadratic convergence characteristic. It usually has a
very fast convergence speed compared to other load flow calculation methods. It also has the advantage
that the convergence criteria are specified to ensure convergence for bus real power and reactive power
mismatches. This criterion gives you direct control of the accuracy you want to specify for the load flow
solution. The convergence criteria for the Newton-Raphson Method are typically set to 0.001 MW and
Mvar.
The Newton-Raphson Method is highly dependent on the bus voltage initial values. A careful selection of
bus voltage initial values is strongly recommended. Before running load flow using the Newton-Raphson
Method, ETAP makes a few Gauss-Seidel iterations to establish a set of sound initial values for the bus
voltages.
The Newton-Raphson Method is recommended for use with any system as a first choice.
Fast-Decoupled Method
The Fast-Decoupled Method is derived from the Newton-Raphson Method. It takes the fact that a small
change in the magnitude of bus voltage does not vary the real power at the bus appreciably, and likewise,
for a small change in the phase angle of the bus voltage, the reactive power does not change appreciably.
Thus the load flow equation from the Newton-Raphson Method can be simplified into two separate
decoupled sets of load flow equations, which can be solved iteratively:
[ P ] = [J1 ][ ]
[ Q] = [J 4 ][ V ]
The Fast-Decoupled method reduces computer memory storage by approximately half, compared to the
Newton-Raphson method. It also solves the load flow equations using significantly less computer time
than that required by the Newton-Raphson method, since the Jacobian matrices are constant.
As with the Newton-Raphson Method, convergence criteria of the Fast-Decoupled Method is based on
real power and reactive power mismatches, which are typically set to 0.001 in the order of MW and Mvar.
Although for a fixed number of iterations it is not as accurate as the Newton-Raphson Method, the
savings in computer time and the more favorable convergence criteria makes for a very good overall
performance.
In general, the Fast-Decoupled Method can be used as an alternative to the Newton-Raphson Method, and
it should definitely be given a try if the Newton-Raphson Method has failed when dealing with long radial
systems or systems that have long transmission lines or cables.
[I ] = [YBUS ][V ]
the Accelerated Gauss-Seidel Method derives the following load flow equation and solves it iteratively:
[P + jQ] = [V T ][YBUS
*
][V * ]
where P and Q are specified bus real and reactive power vectors, V is the bus voltage vector, and YBUS is
the system admittance matrix. Y*BUS and V* are the conjugates of YBUS and V respectively. VT is the
transpose of V.
The Accelerated Gauss-Seidel Method has relatively lower requirements of the bus initial voltage values
compared to the Newton-Raphson Method and the Fast-Decoupled Method. Instead of using bus real
power and reactive power mismatch as convergence criteria, the Accelerated Gauss-Seidel Method
checks bus voltage magnitude tolerance between two consecutive iterations to control the solution
precision. The typical value for bus voltage magnitude precision is set to 0.000001 pu.
The Accelerated Gauss-Seidel Method has a slower convergence speed. When you apply appropriate
acceleration factors, a significant increase in the rate of convergence can be obtained. The range for the
acceleration factor is between 1.2 and 1.7, and is typically set to 1.45.
Negative Impedance
Negative resistance and reactance should be avoided. For example, the traditional method of modeling 3-
winding transformers by a Y equivalent model using one impedance and two 2-winding transformers,
could sometimes result in a negative impedance value for one of the impedance branches. In this case, the
negative impedance should be combined with other series circuit elements so that the result is a positive
impedance value. Load flow calculations may not converge if a large value of negative impedance is
used. ETAP can now model 3-winding transformers directly with no need for you to do any conversions.
Modeling of Loads
Generic Load
Generic loads include lumped loads using either the exponential, polynomial, or comprehensive model.
A generic load model expresses the characteristics of the load at any instant of time as algebraic functions
of the bus voltage magnitude and frequency at that instant. Refer to section 8.12 for more information.
ETAP uses the efficiency of the Variable Frequency Drive to calculate the losses of the VFD. Losses
associated with VFDs are included as part of the connected load.
Modeling of HV DCs
In a Load Flow Study, the HV DC link is represented as a branch, which consists of a Rectifier, a DC
line, and an Inverter. Both the Inverter and the Rectifier of the HVDC link require a connection either
directly to a swing bus or to a system containing a swing bus.
Modeling of SVCs
In a Load Flow Study, the SVC is represented as a variable static load. The SVC regulates voltage at its
terminal by controlling the amount of reactive power injected into or absorbed from the power system.
When running load flow on a system containing an SVC, load flow will first determine the system
voltages without the SVC. If the initial voltage of the bus connected to SVC is lower than the reference
voltage, the SVC will inject reactive power. And if the initial voltage of the bus connected to SVC is
higher than the reference voltage, the SVC will absorb reactive power. Refer to section 11 for more
information.
Load Editor Calculation of load for loading categories and voltage drop
Input for Studies Calculation of load specification for load flow and initial load for motor starting
and transient stability studies
Studies Results Calculation of load displayed in one-line diagram from load flow, motor starting,
and transient stability studies
The following two tables describe how these factors are used in these cases:
* Indicates the factor is used in calculation if specified by the user in the related Load Editor or Study
Case.
Notes:
Motor load includes induction motor and generator, synchronous motor, and motor load portion of
lumped load.
Static load includes static load, capacitor, MOV, and static load portion of conventional and
unbalanced lumped loads.
When the Calc. Panel/UPS System option is not checked in the Study Case, loads from a panel/UPS
system is summed up for the specified load category to the top element (a panel, a phase-adaptor, or an
UPS) of the panel/UPS system and this top element is treated as a load to the 3-phase system. In this load
summation, loads are added up under rated voltage without considering losses and voltage drop.
Panel/UPS Systems
A panel system is defined as a radial sub-system that is powered through a top panel, a phase adaptor, or
an UPS connected to a 3-phase bus. A power system may contain several panel systems. Each panel
system has a top element that is either a 3-phase panel or a phase adapter.
Transformer LTC
Transformer LTC is not considered for any transformer in panel systems. Even if the LTC field is
checked in the Transformer Editor, it will be ignored in panel load flow calculation.
Calculation Method
The panel system load flow calculation is carried out sequentially with 3-phase load flow to achieve
accurate result. The calculation involved three stages.
Before the 3-phase system load flow calculation is performed, a load flow computation is carried out for
each panel system for the loading category and diversity factors specified in the study case. In this
computation, the terminal bus voltage of the top element is assumed to be fixed at its initial value entered
in the Bus Editor. The purpose of this pre-load-flow calculation is to accurately calculate panel system
load, including branch losses and effect of voltage drop on various types of loads.
Once the panel system load is calculated, it is stored in the top element. The 3-phase system load flow
calculation is then carried out, in which the top element of each panel system is represented as a single
load connected to a 3-phase bus.
After the 3-phase system load flow is completed, a load flow calculation is carried out again for each
panel system with the updated terminal bus voltage of the top element just calculated from the 3-phase
system load flow. The results of the calculation are reported on the one-line diagram and in Crystal
Report.
Nominal kV
%V and Angle (when Initial Condition is set to use Bus Voltages)
Load Diversity Factor (when the Loading option is set to use Diversity Factor)
Branch Data
Branch data is entered into the Branch Editors, i.e., Transformer, Transmission Line, Cable, Reactor, and
Impedance Editors. Required data for load flow calculations for branches includes:
Note: The Mvar limits (Qmax and Qmin) can also be calculated from the capability curve. The required
additional data for this calculation includes:
Inverter Data
Required data for load flow calculations for inverters includes:
Inverter ID
DC and AC rating data
AC output voltage regulating data
Static Load ID
Rated kVA/MVA and kV
Power factor
% Loading for desired Loading Category
Equipment cable data
Capacitor Data
Required data for load flow calculations for capacitors includes:
Capacitor ID
Rated kV, kvar/bank, and number of banks
% Loading for desired Loading Category
Equipment cable data
Conventional
Load ID
Rated kV, kVA/MVA, power factor, and % motor load
% Loading for desired Loading Category
Unbalanced
Load ID
Rated kV, kVA/MVA, power factor, % motor load, and % static load
% Loading for desired Loading Category
Exponential
Load ID
Rated kV, P0, Q0, a, and b
% Loading for desired Loading Category
Polynomial
Load ID
Rated kV, P0, Q0, p1, p2, q1, and q2
% Loading for desired Loading Category
Comprehensive
Load ID
Rated kV, P0, Q0, a1, a2, b1, b2, p1, p2, p3, p4, q1, q2, q3, and q4
% Loading for desired Loading Category
Element ID
Rated AC kV, MVA, and power factor, as well as DC rating data
% Loading for desired Loading Category
HV DC Link Data
Required data for load flow calculations for HV DC links includes:
Element ID
All data on the Rating page is required for Load Flow calculations
Inverter current margin (Im)
SVC Data
Required data for load flow calculations for SVCs includes:
Element ID
Rated kV
Inductive Rating (Either QL, IL, or BL)
Capacitive Rating (Either QC, IC, or BC)
Max Inductive Rating (Either QL(Max), or IL(Max))
Max Capacitive Rating (Either QC(Min), or IC(Min))
Panel Data
Required data for load flow calculations for panels includes:
Element ID
Rated kV and Amps
Number of Branch Circuits
Loading and %Loading
Phasing, Number of Poles, and State
Connection Type, i.e. Internal, External, Spare, etc.
Other Data
There are some Study Case related data, which must also be provided. This includes:
The Study Case related data is entered into the Load Flow Study Case Editor.
The Crystal Reports format provides you with detailed information for a Load Flow Analysis. You can
utilize the Load Flow Report Manager to help you view the Output Report.
Path
This field displays the name of the project file based on which report was generated, along with the
directory where the project file is located.
Help
Click on this button to access Help.
OK/Cancel
Click on the OK button to close the editor and open the Crystal Reports view to show the selected portion
of the Output Report. If no selection is made, it will close the editor. Click on the Cancel button to close
the editor without viewing the report.
19.7.3 Complete
The Complete Report includes Input Data, Results, and Summary Reports.
Adjustments
Branch
Bus
Cable
Cover
Equipment Cable
High Voltage DC Link
Impedance
Line Coupling
NO Protective Devices
Reactor
SVC
Transformer
19.7.5 Results
This page allows you to select the desired Output Report.
19.7.6 Summary
This page allows you to select different portions of the load flow summary to view.
Note: Some portions of the summary are available only when you have selected specific options in the
study case, such as Critical and Marginal Voltage options.
Alert-Complete
Alert-Critical
Alert-Marginal
Branch Loading
Bus Loading
Losses
Summary
Device ID
The Device Identification group of the Alert View lists the names of all the components that qualified as
alerts after the load flow calculation.
Type
The Type group of the Alert View displays information about the type of the device having the displayed
alert.
Condition
The Condition group of the Alert View provides a brief comment about the type of alert being reported.
In the case of load flow alerts, the different conditions reported are Overloads, Over Voltage, Under
Voltage, Over Excited, and Under Excited.
Rating/Limit
The Rating group of the Alert View provides the rating information being used by the Load Flow Module
to determine whether an alert should be reported and of what kind. Section 15.2.3 Alert Page provides
detailed information on alerts for each type of elements.
Operating
The Operating group of the Alert View displays the results from the Load Flow calculation. The results
listed here are used in combination with those displayed in the ratings section to determine the operating
percent values. These values are then compared to those entered in the Alert page of the Load Flow Study
Case Editor.
%Operating
This group displays the percent operating values calculated based on the load flow results and the
different element ratings/Limits. The values displayed here are directly compared to the percent of
monitored parameters entered directly into the Alert page of the Load Flow Study Case Editor. Based on
the element type, system topology and given conditions, the Alert Simulation program uses these percent
values to determine if and what kind of alert should be displayed.
Phase Type
This group displays whether the alert being displayed is for a Single-Phase or 3-Phase component.
Export
Export Load Flow Analyzer Data and create a report in Microsoft Excel format.
Ref
Select the study report that is used as the reference. The Display table also indicates which study
report is used as the reference by a green highlight on the study report name.
Report Type
Select which Report Type you would like displayed.
General Info
Selecting General will display the general information contained in the study report such as number of
elements, system generation, loads and losses, and conversion parameters.
Bus Results
Selecting Bus will display the bus information contained in the study report.
Branch Results
Selecting Branch will display the branch information contained in the study report.
Loads
Selecting Load will display the load information contained in the study report.
Sources
Selecting Source will display the source information contained in the study report.
Project Report
Select which project report(s) you would like active.
Active Project
The first selection is defaulted to the open project file. This will limit you to all the reports generated
from this project.
Study Case ID
Study case ID: unique name up to 25 characters.
Data Revision
This field indicates the name of the Data Revision used for the selected study report.
Configuration
This field indicates the configuration status being used for the selected study report.
Loading Cat
Display the name of the Loading Category used for the selected study report.
Generation Cat
Display the name of the Generation Category used for the selected study report.
Diversity Factor
Display the Load Diversity Factor used for the selected study report.
Buses
Display the total number of Energized Buses that exist in the selected study report.
Branches
Display the total number of Branches that exist in the selected study report.
Generators
Display the total number of Generators that exist in the selected study report.
Power Grids
Display the total number of Power Grids that exist in the selected study report.
Loads
Total number of Loads that exist in the selected study report.
Load-MW
Total Load in MW that exists in the selected study report.
Load-Mvar
Total Load in Mvar that exists in the selected study report.
Generation-MW
Display the total Generation in MW that exists in the selected study report.
Generation-Mvar
Display the total Generation in Mvar that exist in the selected study report.
Losses-MW
Display the total losses in MW that exist in the selected study report.
Losses-Mvar
Display the total losses in Mvar that exist in the selected study report.
Mismatch-MW
Display the total mismatch in MW that exists in the selected study report.
Mismatch-Mvar
Display the total mismatch in Mvar that exist in the selected study report.
Bus Type
This section determines what type of buses to display in the table.
Source Buses
These are Buses that are connected to a Generator or Power Grid.
Nodes
These are Buses that have been graphically displayed as Nodes.
Load Buses
Buses that have loads connected to them.
Bus Info
This section determines which bus information to display in the table.
Nominal kV
Display the bus nominal voltage in kV of the selected bus.
Amp Rating
Display the ampere rating of the selected bus.
Type
Display the bus type information: Gen, SWNG, or Load.
Unit
This section determines the measurement unit used to display the bus loading results and operating bus
voltages.
Note: When multiple study reports are selected, Calculated Results section becomes Radial buttons.
Voltage
Display operating voltage based on the result voltage unit (kV, % of Bus nominal kV, or Volts).
kW Loading
Display total bus loading (kW or MW).
kvar Loading
Display total bus loading (kvar or Mvar).
Amp Loading
Display Ampere Loading of the load directly connected to the bus.
% Loading
Displays the percent loading based on the calculated ampere loading and ampere rating of the bus.
Alert
This section allows you to enter the marginal and critical limits on the display table.
Note: The results will be highlighted based on these limits, not based on the limits set from the study
case.
Loading
Highlights bus loading alerts.
OverVoltage
Highlights bus over voltage alerts.
UnderVoltage
Highlights bus under voltage alerts.
Display Options
Actual Value
Display the actual value of the results.
Skip if Same
Data that has the same results as the reference study will not be displayed.
Find
Select any bus from the Bus ID list and click find to locate that bus on your one-line diagram.
Branch Type
Select the Branch type(s) to display on the table. The list of branch types is below:
Transformer
Cable
Line
Reactor
Impedance
Equipment Cable
Branch Info
This section determines which branch information to display in the table.
From Bus
Display From Bus connection for that element.
To Bus
Display To Bus connection for that element.
Type
Display the element type on the display table.
Unit
This section determines the measurement unit used to display the branch loading results and operating
branch voltages.
Note: When multiple study reports are selected, Calculated Results section becomes Radial buttons.
kW Flow
Display power flow (kW or MW)
kvar Flow
Display power flow (kvar or Mvar)
Amp Flow
Display ampere flow from one bus to another.
% PF
Display Power Factor (%)
% Loading
Display loading (%)
% Voltage Drop
Display voltage drop (%)
kW Losses
Display branch losses (kW or MW)
kvar Losses
Display branch losses (kvar or Mvar)
Alert
This section allows you to enter the marginal and critical limits on the display table.
Note: The results will be highlighted based on these limits, not based on the limits from the Study Case.
Loading
Highlight branch loading alerts.
Voltage Drop
Highlight branch voltage drop alerts.
Display Options
Actual Value
Display the actual value of the results.
Skip if Same
Data that has the same results as the reference study will not be displayed.
Find
Select any branch from the ID list and click find to locate that element on your one-line diagram.
19.9.5 Loads
Under this category, load information and the load flow results for the loads are displayed. When Loads
is selected, the Result Analyzer display is changed to show the following:
Load Type
Select the load type(s) to display on the table. The list of load types is below:
Induction
Synchronous
Lumped
Static
MOV
Capacitor
SVC
Filter
Load Info
This section determines which load information to display in the table.
Terminal Bus
Bus connected to the load.
Type
Display the load type on the display table.
Unit
This section determines the measurement unit used to display the operating load and load terminal voltage
results.
Note: When multiple study reports are selected, Calculated Results section becomes Radial buttons.
kW Loading
Total operating load (kW or MW)
kvar Loading
Total operating load (kvar or Mvar)
Amp Loading
Display the current loading results.
% PF
Display the Power factor (%).
% Loading
Displays the percent loading based on the calculated ampere loading and ampere rating of the load.
Terminal Voltage
Display the load terminal voltage results.
Alert
This section allows you to enter the marginal and critical limits on the display table.
Note: The results will be highlighted based on these limits, not based on the limits from the study case.
Loading
This highlights loading alerts for loads.
OverVoltage
This highlights over voltage alerts for loads.
UnderVoltage
This highlights under voltage alerts for loads.
Display Options
Actual Value
Display the actual value of the results.
Skip if Same
Data that has the same results as the reference study will not be displayed.
Find
Select any load from the ID list and click find to locate that load on your one-line diagram.
19.9.6 Sources
Under this category, source information and the load flow results for the sources are displayed. When
Sources is selected, the Result Analyzer display is changed to show the following:
Source Type
Select the Source type(s) to display on the table. The list of source types is below:
Power Grid
Synchronous
Wind Turbine
Source Info
This section determines which source information to display in the table.
Terminal Bus
Display the bus connected to the source.
Type
Display the source type.
Unit
This section determines the measurement unit used to display the total operating source generation and
the rating for each source.
Note: When multiple study reports are selected, Calculated Results section becomes Radial buttons.
kW Generation
Total operating source generation (kW or MW).
kvar Generation
Total operating source generation (kvar or Mvar).
Amp
Source current results
% PF
Power factor of the source (%)
% Generation
Source generation (%)
Display Options
Actual Value
Display the actual value of the results.
Skip if Same
Data that has the same results as the reference study will not be displayed.
Find
Select any source from the ID list and click find to locate that source on your one-line diagram.
This tool is helpful during the operating phase of a project, as well as design/planning phase where system
studies may not be possible due to incomplete one-line diagram or data.
In addition and in contrast with the regular Load Flow analysis, the Load Analyzer allows a deeper study
of the different loads present in a system. This gives the user more flexibility in analyzing individual
loads using Minimum/Maximum Bus Loading, or to simply determine the actual connected and operating
loads in a given system.
Notes:
Looped configurations or systems with two swing sources (utility or generator) are not currently
handled by the Load Analyzer. Only radial systems are handled.
In case the load voltage from the nameplate of an element is different from the upstream Bus
voltage, the Load Analyzer will not adjust the voltage of the element. Therefore, the Load
Analyzer results will be different from the Load Flow results.
Wind turbines, MG sets, Harmonic Filters (HF), and Static var Compensators (SVC) loads are not
considered by the Load Analyzer. These loads will be added in the future.
3-phase and 1-phase loads below an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) are not considered by
the Load Analyzer. Only the internal load of the UPS is considered.
Feeder losses and branch losses are ignored by the Load Analyzer. The Load Flow program
considers all branch losses.
Once the module is launched, the Load Analyzer Editor opens. Following is a list and description of the
different fields available in this editor.
Project
The project name is displayed in this field. This filed is for your information and cannot be edited.
Revision
The project revision is displayed in this field. This field is for your information and cannot be edited. To
change the revision you must close this editor, go to the Revision toolbar and select another revision.
Configuration
The project configuration is displayed in this field. This field is for your information and cannot be
edited. To change the configuration you must close this editor, go to the Configuration toolbar and select
another configuration.
Loading Category
Select one of the ten Loading Categories for the current Load Analyzer study. With the selection of any
category, ETAP uses the percent loading of individual motors and other loads as specified for the selected
category. Note that you can assign loading to each one of the ten categories from the Nameplate page of
the induction machine and synchronous motor editors and the Loading or Rating page of other load
component editors.
For each Bus in the system, the user can define the upper and lower bounds of the Load Diversity Factor
that will apply to the loads directly connected to that Bus. These individual Load Diversity Factors are
applied when Bus Max or Bus Min is selected from the Load Analyzer editor under each category -
Continuous, Intermittent, and Spare. These values will not be taken into account for loads since Load
Diversity Factors are set to a Global Value. For instance, if the user selects Continuous Load to have a
Global Value equal to 90%, then all Continuous Loads in the system will be multiplied by that unique
Global Value.
Demand Factor
In ETAP, operation of loads fall under three status categories:
Continuous (default is set to 100%, which means the load operates continuously)
Intermittent (default is set to 50%, which means the load operates for 12 hours)
Spare (default is set to 0%, which means the load is not operating)
The accounted percentage of the load falling under each category, called the Demand Factor, can be set
for individual loads from each editor in the Info page.
PF & EFF
For all induction and synchronous motors in the system, the user can select to either use the Rated Power
Factor (PF) and Efficiency of motors, or to use interpolated values for the specified motor % loading.
If the Rated PF and/or Eff options are selected, then Rated PF and Eff will be used for synchronous
motors, and PF and Eff of 100% loading will be used for induction machines.
If the Interpolate at Specified % Loading option is selected, then the program interpolates the Power
Factor and Efficiency entered for both induction and synchronous motors at the specified % Loading. The
interpolation occurs linearly based on the Power Factor and Efficiency values entered at 100, 75, and 50
% Loadings. The Power Factor and Efficiency values can be entered for individual motors from their
editor and Nameplate page.
19.10.2 Reports
Once the different settings have been selected from the Load Analyzer interface, click OK and the Load
Analyzer Report Manager will open to display the results of the study. The user has the choice to select
different reports from the following tabs:
Bus Loading
Bus Summary
Load List
Schedules
Report Manager also displays the Output Report Name and the Path where project files are located. As a
reminder, Load Analyzer is the only module that skips reporting of nodes in some of its reports. For other
ETAP modules, nodes and buses are treated the same way in output reports.
Load Analyzer reports can export into Viewer (Crystal Reports format), PDF, MS Word, Rich Text
Format, and MS Excel and allows choosing any of these formats to be Set As Default.
For the Load Analyzer reports, ETAP creates Access databases with the extension of <filename>.LA1.
This database is used to produce load analyzer output reports.
All reports include a header, which displays project name, business location, contract number, the
engineers name, filename, ETAP logo, ETAP version number, report name, page number, date, serial
number (SN), revision number, configuration, and remarks with up to 120 characters. The project name,
location, contract number, engineers name, and remarks can be set from the ETAP toolbar
Project/Information. The filename is set in the Output Filename given in the Load Analyzer Editor.
Bus FDR Loading-1 Report selected from Bus Loading tab in the Report Manager
Bus FDR Loading-2 Report selected from Bus Loading tab in the Report Manager
Bus FDR Loading-3 Report selected from Bus Loading tab in the Report Manager
Bus Loading Summary-1 report selected from Bus Summary tab of the Report Manager
Bus Loading Summary-2 report selected from Bus Summary tab of the Report Manager
Load-List Bus Summary report selected from Load List tab of the Report Manager
Load-List by Bus report selected from Load List tab of the Report Manager
Load-List by Status report selected from Load List tab of the Report Manager
Load-List report selected from Load List tab of the Report Manager
Schedule Reports
The Bus Loading Schedule report displays the total load at each Bus including the effect of all
multiplying parameters (i.e. % Loading, Demand Factor, and Load Diversity Factor). This Report
tabulates only downstream Buses and Loads (no equipment). This report is sorted by Bus kV first and
then Bus ID.
The Cable Schedule Report tabulates all Equipment and Branch Cables present in the system. This report
also provides information about the Connected Buses, kV, and other physical parameters for each Cable.
Transformer Loading Schedule-1 & 2 reports tabulate all Transformers present in the system. These
reports also provide information about the Connected Buses, Impedance, and other electrical parameters
for each transformer.
Bus Loading Schedule Report selected from Schedules tab of the Report Manager
Cable Schedule Report selected from Schedules tab of the Report Manager
Transformer Loading Schedule-1 report selected from Schedules tab of the Report Manager
Transformer Loading Schedule-2 report selected from Schedules tab of the Report Manager