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2012 2nd International Conference on Advances in Computational Tools for Engineering Applications (ACTEA)

An Overview of Simulation Tools for Renewable


Applications in Power Systems
Hiba Al-Sheikh Nazih Moubayed
Faculty of Engineering Department of Electricity and Electronics
Lebanese International University Lebanese University, Faculty of Engineering 1
Tripoli, Lebanon Tripoli, Lebanon
hiba.cheikh@liu.edu.lb nmoubayed@ieee.org

Abstract—This paper is a review of electrical simulation tools with gust, ramp and noise disturbances and
used for power system analysis with emphasize on applications determines their effect on wind generation [1].
based on renewable energy sources. The paper classifies
simulation software into two classes: tools used for monitoring • Iberdrola Renewables and Shell Wind Energy:
and controlling renewable systems and simulation tools used Jointly, they developed “The Colorado Green Wind
for modeling, designing, and simulating power systems. Power Project” an enterprises solution that captures
and records wind farm operating data then warns of
Keywords—power system analysis; modelling and simulation possible threats by detecting the source of potential
tool; monitoring and control tool; renewable power systems problems and advises on how to react to these faults
as to avoid power delivery interruptions [2].
I. INTRODUCTION
Recently, distributed generation and renewable power • SeaRoc Group located in Brighton, England: It sells
generation systems are attracting more and more interests for the “SeaPlanner” package of wind farm management
several reasons like environmental problems and future solutions. The product is mainly deployed in
threats of shortage of traditional energy sources. With the offshore wind farms. It incorporates a spatial
fast growth of this segment of the energy industry, and given database for GIS data, personnel management
the fact that renewable sources introduce more complexity features and document management functions [3].
into the energy delivery system, there comes the need for the • GridPoint based in Arlington, Virginia: They
development of advanced engineering tools to model, design, developed “Energy Manager”, a cloud-based
simulate, monitor and control these systems. software solution designed to complement existing
This paper presents an overview on available tools hardware and service offerings. The software has
suitable for the simulation of renewable sources in power become popular as it delegates maintenance
systems. Thus, the tools for monitoring and control are responsibilities from energy companies to a third
discussed in Section II. Tools for the design, modeling, and party. It incorporates comprehensive analytics,
simulation are presented in Section III. Finally, conclusion is energy diagnostic tools, and control algorithms [4].
given in Section IV. • LanMesh Wireless based in Vaughan, Ontario,
Canada: It offers the “Smart Energy Management”
II. TOOLS FOR MONITORING AND CONTROL
software that collects usage and performance data
Unlike traditional energy sources, renewable energy from solar energy systems, solar electrical
sources may vary significantly during the day; therefore, components and wind farms [5].
tools that monitor and control such fluctuations are essential.
Several companies are developing tools that monitor and III. TOOLS FOR MODELING AND SIMULATION
control renewable energy systems. Below is a list of some of The design of modern power systems, such as renewable
these companies. energy systems, demands modern tools for modeling and
• Operation Technology based in Irvine, California: simulating these systems. Several tools have been developed
They developed a venture power management to study the performance of power systems; nevertheless, the
solution that contains a photovoltaic solar array main concern is how efficiently these tools can be applied in
module and supports solar farm modeling. The the design and simulation of electrical renewable power
company also developed a wind turbine generator systems.
software capable of modeling wind turbine A. Perspectives that Determine Effectiveness of a
generators working both individually and in groups. Simulation Tool
The software simulates transient wind environment
One may consider several perspectives that determine
how effective modeling and simulation tools are.

978-1-4673-2489-2/12/$31.00 ©2012 IEEE 251


1) Deployability describes how easily a tool can be made new components. There exist a variety of simulation tools
available to the designer taking into consideration suitable for modeling and simulating electrical power
compatibility with the existing infrastructure. Moreover, the systems. This section discusses the most relevant tools used
tool should maintain collaboration among supply chains for renewable energy power systems in particular SaberRD,
ETAP, Simplorer, DIgSILENT and Matlab/Simulink.
through standard languages and data formats.
2) Simplicity of use: Although the main purpose of 1) SaberRD
software simulation tools is to address complex systems, the Synopsys Saber is a powerful modeling and simulation
software does not need to be complex as to dispirit its use. At tool for simulating, analyzing and verifying system
the same time, the tool should offer design and analysis interactions between different physical domains [13]. Using
methodologies necessary to handle the complexity system at Saber, designers can optimize the reliability, performance
minimal design cycle times. and cost of their designs through the use of its complex
analyzes in time and frequency domains, complete library of
3) Modularity and expandability: Models must be
modeling, its multi language modeling tools, and its
structured according to a clear hierarchy that enables future powerful signal analyzer. SaberRD is an intuitive, integrated
revision and expansion of the software. The tool should be environment used to design and analyze power electronic
able to express all system dynamics as it might span multiple systems. SaberRD’s multi-domain physical modeling
physical domains and demonstrate both analog and digital capability and analysis capabilities provide engineers with a
behaviors possibly with complex nolinear loads. virtual prototyping platform that supports complete system
design.
B. Traditional Tools
PSS/E [6], Eurostag [7], PSAPAC (Power System a) Renewable Energy Power Systems with SaberRD
Analysis Package) [8], etc … are all traditional tools that SaberRD is used in several fields of application from
have been used since decades for power system analysis. switching power supplies, to aircraft power networks,
These tools feature all fundamental types of power system automotive electrical systems, hybrid electric vehicles, and
analysis such as load flow, small signal stability, dynamic renewable energy applications, with emphasis on wind
simulation, voltage stability, etc. Nevertheless, such tools power generation, conversion and control electronics, solar
suffer from their closed architecture where it is very difficult array characterization, design and system integration, and
to view or change most of the component models. User Maximum Power Point Tracking control [14].
defined models can be added in these tools but in the form of
low level Fortran code - a difficult process which can be b) SaberRD Price
subject to error. Moreover, off the shelf libraries that enable The Saber is available $14,000 US list price for a one-
simulation of soft computing technologies basically do not year technology subscription license (TSL).
exist for Fortran environment. Therefore, they have to be 2) ETAP
completely designed and developed by the user. Also, Operation Technology, Inc. is the designer and developer
traditional power system simulation tools suffer from their of ETAP, a comprehensive analysis platform for the design,
very limited debugging capabilities; thus, it becomes very simulation, operation, monitoring, control, optimization, and
difficult for the software to detect programming errors automation of power systems. ETAP is used in power
especially when the user designs new components [9]. systems for generation, transmission, distribution, and
ObjectStab a Dymola component library for power various fields of industrial systems such as oil and gas,
system simulation was described in [10]. Dymola is a manufacturing, steel, cement, mining, data centers and
general-purpose simulation tool based on the Modelica nuclear facilities. The latest release, ETAP 11, is not only a
language – a language designed to allow component-oriented solution for the design and operation of power systems, but it
modeling of complex physical systems [11]. Dymola is also a new engineering design software for energy
transforms power system models described in the form of technologies.
single line diagrams into systems of differential algebraic a) Renewable Energy Power Systems with ETAP
equations. Although, Dymola incorporates a set of advanced
solvers that can work out the simulation of hybrid systems, ETAP 11 provides designers with an advanced operation
significant problems arise during the initialization of systems software suitable for photovoltaic and wind energy
of differential algebraic equations that describe power applications [15]. It includes comprehensive renewable
systems [12]. This is a well known problem of finding the set energy models for wind turbine generator (such as doubly-
of consistent steady state conditions which is solved by the fed induction machines), full scale power converters and
load flow procedure in conventional power simulation photovoltaic array with manufacturers’ specific libraries of
packages. Moreover, Dymola’s set of solvers does not P-V and I-V curves along with full spectrum power system
support sparse matrix computation, which causes the tool to analysis calculations for equipment sizing, field verification,
suffer from significant decrease in simulation speed accurate simulation, and predictive analysis of solar and
especially with increase in system size. wind farms. Using ETAP 11, designers can conceptualize
solar and wind systems, ascertain renewable energy
C. Modern Tools penetration levels, and conduct grid interconnection studies.
In order to overcome the limitations of traditional power Moreover, ETAP offers engineers the capabilities to monitor,
system simulation packages, several tools have been analyze, and control energy fluctuations present in renewable
developed with flexible structure to allow easier addition of energy sources [16]. It also offers the capabilities to

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maximize the output power and improve the efficiency of the reliability analysis, fault analysis, load flow sensitivities,
system through controlling the generation of renewable state estimation, and dynamic modeling flexibility.
energy. Using ETAP Real-Time, designers can handle their
model through an operator-dispatcher tool that manages, a) Renewable Energy Power Systems with
monitors, and controls power throughout the generation DIgSILENT
network. The program DIgSILENT has been extended and further
developed for wind power applications, based on extensive
b) ETAP Price communication and collaboration between DIgSILENT and
Based on a request pricing form, ETAP quote can be Riso National Laboratory. PowerFactory has been designed
customized to fit all needs from small to large power to be the optimal solution for wind generation modeling. It
systems. ETAP's modular structure allows designers to includes wind turbulence and gust models, features crow bar
purchase only the modules they need. modeling, and allows for generator protection and blade
control. The PowerFactory advanced modeling capabilities
3) Simplorer
allow the inclusion of new generator technologies,
Simplorer is a software solution for designing and
manufacturer-specific high accuracy models with built-in
analyzing complex technical systems. Simplorer is a
control code as well as the integrated modeling of large wind
simulation tool used for multi-domain modeling which
parks. Using PowerFactory, engineers can benefit from the
makes it suitable for aerospace applications, automotive
on hand detailed wind turbine models such as the squirrel-
applications, electric drive systems, and power electronics.
cage induction generator models, doubly-fed induction
Simplorer provides users with virtual prototyping approaches
generator models, and the converter driven synchronous
and flexible modeling capabilities which permit the design
machine models. Moreover, PowerFactory provides the
and develop of large-scale systems by combining predefined
analyst with tools required to carry out grid connection
basic and industry-specific library components with user-
studies, perform grid harmonics analysis and grid impact
defined models created in common programming or
analysis.
modeling languages such as VHDL-AMS. Using Simplorer,
engineers can process simulations accurately and reliably, Reference [18] uses DIgSILENT PowerFactory to
present and arrange the data with powerful post-processors, develop a dynamic wind turbine model. The grid model and
and export the simulation results to other applications. the electrical components of the wind turbine model, such as
Through Simplorer Simulation Center (SSC), users can run induction generators, transformers, and power converters are
their programs, manages their files, control various included as standard components in the existing library.
simulation and program options, and access all modeling, DSL, the Dynamic Simulation Language of DIgSILENT,
simulation and analysis tools. Simplorer starting price is was used to write the models of the wind speed, the control
$19,900. systems, aerodynamics, and the mechanics of the wind
turbine.
4) DIgSILENT
DIgital SImuLation and Electrical NeTwork calculation b) PowerFactory Prices
program (DIgSILENT) was the first power system analysis The price of PowerFactory Base Package shown in Table
package with an integrated graphical one-line interface. One I covers a broad collection of core functions for integrated
of its products is the PowerFactory, a computer aided analysis of industrial, transmission, and distribution systems,
engineering software for the modeling, analysis and as well as smart grids. It also comprises a wide-range of
simulation of industrial, utility, and commercial electrical analysis tools for various modern generation technologies
power systems. The DIgSILENT PowerFactory offers including photovoltaic, wind power, micro-turbines, etc.
engineers the capabilities of planning, operation Prices of additional functions can be requested from
optimization, control and analysis of their electrical power DIgSILENT.
systems through its advanced, interactive, and integrated
software tools. The PowerFactory package can be used as a TABLE I. POWER FACTORY PACKAGE PRICE
stand-alone solution and it can be easily integrated into EMS,
DMS, and GIS supporting open system standards. Number of Nodes
Base Package Edition 100 max. 250 max. unlimited
DIgSILENT supports the international standards IEC 60909
and VDE 0102/0103, IEEE 141 / ANSI e 37.5, G 74 and IEC Workstation Edition € 3.900,- € 6.100, € 9.800,
61363 [17].
Server Edition € 4.700, €7.300, € 11.800,
DIgSILENT offers a comprehensive library of
components for designing and modeling power system
applications. DIgSILENT’s library of electrical components 5) Matlab/Simulink
contains models of motors, generators, controllers, dynamic Recently researchers, educators, analysts and engineers
loads, static loads, transformers and various other passive are becoming more and more interested in high-level
network elements. The PowerFactory software is used in programming languages, such as Matlab, Mathcad,
various applications like power distribution, power Mathematica and so on. All of these languages can be used
transmission, distributed generation, industrial systems, and in the analysis of power system applications; though, among
wind generation. It supports many functions such as power these languages, Matlab verified to be the user’s first choice.
flow analysis, voltage stability analysis, harmonic analysis, In addition to its matrix-oriented programming capabilities
and advanced plotting capabilities, Matlab features Simulink,

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an interactive graphical environment for modeling, • PAT includes most of the features and models
simulating, and analyzing modern dynamic systems. present in PST. Additionally, it comprises other
Simulink provides tools that allow users to design and build device models and permits automatic generation of
their systems using built-in blocks from the library. It also linearized models. PAT also incorporates new
permits the addition of user-defined blocks that incorporate features such as matrix signal propagation, fast
Matlab code or even C/C++ and Fortran codes. These transient simulations, and complex number which
characteristics make Matlab/Simulink a smart choice for add to its improvements especially in terms of
power systems applications [19]. simulation speed and tool modularity. Unlike PST,
PAT supports the addition of new components by
Matlab provides a wide range of domain-specific
using Simulink’s graphical user interface (GUI). It
toolboxes such as Control Toolbox, Fuzzy Logic Toolbox,
also allows interface with other Matlab/Simulink
Neural Network Toolbox, and Real-Time Workshop. In
toolboxes and permits the generation of C-code for
addition to blocksets and toolboxes used in Matlab and
real-time simulations using Real-Time Workshop.
Simulink, MathWorks also presents a large number of
functional extensions to the fundamental Matlab /Simulink • dSPACE is a data acquisition system used within
packages. The Matlab /Simulink package along with the Simulink. dSPACE offers real-time control
Power System Blockset (PSB) efficiently supports the capabilities by using Real-Time Interface (RTI) as a
modeling, design, and analysis of power system blocksets. link between the hardware and the
Several power system tools have been proposed, tested and MATLAB/Simulink software [28]. It supports a full
developed using Matlab environment. Some of these tools range of discrete-time and continuous-time systems
are for commercial use; others are for research and as well as hybrid and multi-rate systems.
educational purposes, such as MatPower Toolbox (MPT)
[20], Power System Toolbox (PST) [21], Voltage Stability Table II shows a comparison of the available Matlab
Toolbox (VST) [22], Electromagnetic Transients Program in based tools for power system analysis [29]. The features
Matlab (EMTP) [23], Power Analysis Toolbox (PAT) [24], illustrated in the table are the Power Flow (PF), Optimal
SimPowerSystems (SPS), a dedicated library used for power Power Flow (OPF), Continuation Power Flow and/or
systems functioning, simulation, modeling and analysis [25], Voltage Stability analysis (CPF-VS), Time-Domain
and the Educational Simulation Tool (EST) [26]. These tools simulation (TD) and Signal Stability Analysis (SSA), along
are characterized by their modularity; thus permitting and with visual features such as the Graphical User Interface
facilitating the development, expansion and addition of (GUI) and the Graphical Network Editor (GNE).
future new tools suitable for modern power system
TABLE II. MATLAB-BASED PACKAGES FOR POWER SYSTEM
applications. ANALYSIS
• MPT is an open-source simulation tool used for Power System Features
solving power flow and optimal power flow MATLAB
problems. It has been designed with simple code Package PF OPF CPF TD SSA GUI GNE
allowing the user to easily understand and possibly EST x x X x
modify the code as needed in order to enhance the EMTP x x x
MPT x x
performance of the system. PAT x x X x
PSAT x x x x X x x
• PSAT is designed for power system analysis, PST x x X X
simulation and control. It can be used to solve SPS X X X x x
power flow, optimal power flow, and continuation VST X x X X x
power flow problems. PSAT incorporates time-
domain simulation capabilities and small signal a) Renewable Energy Power Systems with
stability analysis. Designers can build and asses
Matlab/Simulink
their systems using the Simulink-based library and
graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Among Matlab Several renewable energy projects are being built and
toolboxes, PSAT has the most applications for simulated using Matlab/Simulink power analysis toolboxes.
power system analysis. References [30-32] present examples of renewable energy
systems analyzed and studied using Matlab/Simulink. One of
• VST is a Matlab toolbox used for planning, the dynamic systems modeled and analyzed in
optimizing, and controlling the operation of power Matlab/Simulink is the wind turbine system. The wind
systems. VST combines the capabilities of Matlab turbine system is a complex system which contains many
and its toolboxes as it features computational and subsystems starting from the turbine, generator, power
analytical capabilities, symbolic representation, and electronics, and transformer and ending at the grid. In
graphical representation capabilities. It can be used addition to its components there exist a wide range of
to solve voltage stability problem [27]. parameters and time constants which can be controlled and
monitored in Matlab/Simulink. The Wind Turbine Blockset
• PST is a set of Matlab m-files that can be used to
is one of the power system blocksets designed in
perform power flow, continuous power flow and
Matlab/Simulink as a simulation platform to model and
stability studies. PST incorporates time-domain
optimize wind turbine systems. It has been employ as a
simulation and a single predictor/corrector solver
general developer tool for three other simulation tools:
based on vectorized computation.
HAWC, Saber, and DIgSILENT [33]. The Wind Turbine

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