How ETAP User-Defined Dynamic Models Help to Evaluate a Renewable Energy Integration in a 250 MW Peak Load Islanded Power System

We benefited greatly from the different dynamic models provided in ETAP, both built-in and in the UDM version. For UDMs, we could run all the studies, and wherever we were stuck, user support was always there to guide us through and help us out.
By Ankit Jotwani, Electrical Engineer at Energynautics GmbH

This comprehensive case study explores the evolving landscape of electrical power generation. The shift from fuel-based dominance to the anticipated prominence of renewable energy sources serves as a focal point. The core of this study lies in the robust ETAP multi-dimensional database structure, which is strategically designed to accommodate future grid expansions. Incorporating generation and loading categories and configurations further enhances the systematic organization of the study. The database framework serves as the backbone, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the power system's dynamics and its response to various scenarios.

Energynautics is a consulting firm that integrates renewable energy and electromobility into power systems. They offer services ranging from grid studies and grid code development to innovative grid development, measurement campaigns, model development for power plants, capacity building, and conference preparation. It was founded in 2000 and has since been involved in numerous research and consulting projects for governments, electricity network operators, regulators, manufacturers, and investors, particularly in innovative grid design, modeling, and the integration of power systems with renewable energies.

Location: Darmstadt, Germany

Year: 2023

To build a model evaluating renewable grid expansion

Challenges

  • To evaluate the energy system stability for the upcoming renewable expansion in the chosen region. The national target was to achieve 5% renewable energy use in 2023 and 30% in 2030 in the energy production mix.
  • To collect data about the system (single line diagrams, energy resources, electrical unit parameters).
  • To choose scenarios for the developed electrical network. To define what will be in the future.
  • To design an electrical network topology model with all possible electrical facilities and future expansion plans.
  • To analyze the stability of the system year by year, in line with the planned development of the electricity network.

Which solutions did they choose?

Selected applications

They chose ETAP Digital-Twin modeling with Graphical Dynamic Model Software to use User-Defined Dynamic Models UDM in their research.

Why do they use ETAP?

Main Customer Benefits

  • The Electrical Network model was created using ETAP Digital Modeling and a Multidimensional ETAP Database Structure. ETAP Macro Wizards simplified the running of simulations, and the SQLite Database with Python Integration helped drive both speed and accuracy in the studies.
  • Commercial and residential PV sources were included in the macro model.
  • ETAP UDM models are used for generators, residential PV, commercial PV, and batteries. Dynamic models are activated based on what users want to investigate and the year they wish to examine.
  • WECC models were prepared using UDM Graphic Logic Editor, according to the specific equipment, parameters, and variations.
  • Directly sourcing references from the plant controller ensures that our digital twin remains accurate and up-to-date, reflecting the real operational conditions of the network.
  • 60 scenarios were made with the possibility of storing different grid expansions.
  • Stability studies for various scenarios were conducted for selected years, and potential threats, overloads, frequency drops, active power drops, voltage drops, and outages were identified. Studies enabled proactive system optimization and informed decision-making.

What do they think about ETAP?

Opinions

The ETAP UDM models also allow easy debugging. It's easy to start the internal control signals and see what's happening. The UDM models can also be linked to the plant controller. With the UDM models, it's also possible to have reference set point changes during the simulation, allowing for the analysis of newer cases.
By Ankit Jotwani, Electrical Engineer at Energynautics GmbH

The idea was to use the revisions to store the different grid expansions, the loading generation categories for the other cases, the study cases for the various contingencies in play, and the breaker, breaker status, and the reactive power operation modes configurations. So, yes, in general, our experience with ETAP was quite good, and we were able to achieve the study's objectives.
By Ankit Jotwani, Electrical Engineer at Energynautics GmbH



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Assessment of Renewable Energy Integration in a 250 MW Peak Load Islanded Power System Using ETAP UDM Models

This comprehensive study, initiated in 2019 and spanning evaluations from 2020 to 2023, examines the evolving landscape of power generation, focusing on the transition from fuel-based dominance to anticipated renewable energy prominence by 2030, employing worst-case operational scenarios to assess system resilience and efficiency, supported by ETAP's robust multi-dimensional database structure and dynamic model integration, with upcoming insights into model behavior and tool utility aimed at enhancing understanding and preparation for future power generation challenges and opportunities.


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