15-05-2014, 03:12 PM
PSCAD and EMTP-RV Comparison
PSCAD and EMTP-RV.ppt (Size: 146.5 KB / Downloads: 34)
PSCAD Partnership strengths
The Manitoba HVDC Research Centre is a research & development subsidiary of Manitoba Hydro
The HVDC Research Centre benefits from the Canadian Research Chair in Power Systems Simulation established at the University of Manitoba and from the strong industrial acceptance of PSCAD by manufacturers (ABB, Siemens, Areva, Vestas, Gamesa, GE)
EMTP-RV Pros
EMTP-RV has a lower initial cost
There is a large component library
EMTP-RV offers initialization from loadflow conditions
Note that there are significant limitations with initialization of complex control system for power electronics devices. The ramp up and snapshot approach in PSCAD may effectively be faster in most cases. See discussion in the note below.
Has integrated post processing software with Matlab Viewer
PSCAD Pros/Cons
PSCAD Positives
High level of acceptance by manufacturers (ABB, Siemens, Areva, Vestas)
large and validated component library
Accurate and efficient switching and support of power electronics
Ability to dynamically interact with the simulation, change parameters via switches, sliders during the simulation
Widely used in universities and utilities, large user base
Strong Client Support
Ability to interface external code- C, Fortran, and Matlab/Simulink
Ability to create custom components
Fast execution speed
PSCAD Negatives
Inability to initialize from a load flow (to be address in V5)
Priced higher than EMTP-RV but more user friendly with faster execution times
Post processing with 3rd LiveWire product which is an add on.
Support
PSCAD employs a full team of power system engineers and developers
EMTP-RV has a few people providing technical support and turnaround time is slow
EMTP-RV is funded by DGC for support and development costs
Summary of Strengths of PSCAD
PSCAD is a dedicated Transients simulation program that has been in use for over 25 years, widely used for complex EMT studies and validated for accuracy
The machine models in PSCAD are detailed and accurate
The machine models include phenomena such as saturation characteristics
The transformer models are based on core geometry and include saturation of different limb sections
The transmission line models include traveling wave effects and frequency dependency.
This is especially important when dealing with weak systems and integration of distributed systems onto the grid, typical in wind applications.
Interaction with the Simulation
PSCAD is the only time-domain simulation application which allow the end-user to change the value of variables dynamically, on-the-fly, and view the immediate impact
This allows an end-user to develop an understanding of the dynamics of the system. The interaction control can be in the form of a switch, a slider, or other type of control similar to real life scenarios
Quality Programs
HVDC Centre is working toward SEI CMMI Level 2 compliance
PSCAD has been certified for nuclear use by Washington Group in the U.S.A. for their Nuclear generating stations
PSCAD models have been tested and validated by industry peers throughout the life cycle of the development
Note: there is no central certification body for EMT Transient simulation software. The IEEE International Power System Transients Conference arranges for first grade peer reviews of published works and holds a conference every two years.