How ETAP Can be Utilized to Model and Verify Benchmark Test Feeder Systems with Distributed Energy Resources

The focus of today's presentation is the benchmark test feeder system known as the IEEE 123 node test distribution system. We will explore various studies, including Volt-Var optimization, switching optimization, fault management, service restoration, and three-phase unbalanced load flow.
By Vivek Adithya Jayaraman, Power Engineer, ETAP

Washington State University collaborates with IIT and ETAP to develop benchmark test feeder systems as part of the DOE UI-ASSIST project. This presentation reiterates the methodology for modeling and validating electrical networks using ETAP and presents findings from the IEEE 123-node system regarding DER penetration. During their project, Ms. Rabia Khan and Noel Schultz from WSU contributed to this case study. The results and conclusions will provide insightful commentary on these studies.

Washington State University is a public land-grant research university in Pullman, Washington, United States. Founded in 1890, WSU is also one of the oldest land-grant universities in the American West. The Office of Research (OR) is a constellation of six primary offices and many supporting labs, centers, and institutes. Each office offers specialized expertise in various aspects of research support. WSU’s Energy Systems Innovation Center is at the forefront of global research, education, technology innovation, and transfer for energy systems, including smart grids.

Location: Pullman, Washington, USA

Year: 2023

Radial distribution network modeling and analyze

Challenges

  • To build an accurate model for the IEEE 123-node test electrical power distribution system. This structure is used for studies such as Volt/Var optimization, switching optimization, fault management, etc. The Distributed Energy Resources (DER) must be integrated to obtain qualified results.
  • To define lines, loads, and equipment according to the required electrical network topology. Analytics are necessary in the 4.16 KV radial distribution network, which has many three-phase and one-phase branches and loads, inverters, and different voltage regulators. The total load should be ~ 4 MVA, the topology system should consist of 123 nodes, four capacitors, two transformers, four voltage regulators, and eleven switches
  • To evaluate the electrical calculations in conformity with the national standards and evaluate the ETAP solution in the context of studies on the resiliency of distribution systems. The researcher needs to test the standard distribution management system (DMS) operations, the ability to reconfigure electrical switches to get the best possible network configuration, and a three-phase unbalanced load flow analysis.
  • To study systems with and without the effects of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) penetration by using a model.

Which solutions did they choose for research?

Selected applications

They chose ETAP Advanced Distribution Management System ADMS to obtain a flexible platform for analyzing complex power systems.

Why do they use Etap?

Main Customer Benefits

  • IEEE 123 Benchmark Test Feeder System is available in ETAP software. Researchers and engineers can use ETAP to validate their algorithms and results.
  • Engineers have access to a full scope of electrical elements for creating models and an extensive database of equipment they can use in their electrical network model.
  • For the theme, a wide variety of electrical calculations utilizing an equipment database with comprehensive electrical data are available, including Unbalanced Load Flow, Switching Optimization, Fault Management (Isolation and Service Restoration), Voltage-Var Optimization, and DER Integration (PVA Sizing, Smart Inverter). 
  • Intuitive evaluation of the calculation's results and clear visualization with alarms are also beneficial for engineers.

What do they think about ETAP?

Opinions

Revisions in ETAP are an excellent aspect of its multi-dimensional database, where users can modify ratings of their equipment while retaining the connections and presentation.
By Vivek Adithya Jayaraman, Power Engineer, ETAP

Switching optimization in the ETAP model enables you to reconfigure switches and achieve the optimal network configuration, depending on the objective.
By Vivek Adithya Jayaraman, Power Engineer, ETAP



Videos

Modeling and Verification of Benchmark Test Feeder Systems with DER in ETAP

Washington State University collaborates with IIT and ETAP on developing benchmark test feeder systems for the DOE UI-ASSIST project, showcasing ETAP's capabilities through the design and modeling of the IIT Rural Benchmark and modified IEEE 123-node systems, with validation conducted across MATLAB/SIMULINK and ETAP for various distribution studies.


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