The need for efficient, safe, and optimized electrical power systems has made simulation and modeling tools like ETAP and DIgSILENT PowerFactory indispensable for today’s electrical engineers and system operators. The Electrical System Modeling using ETAP/DIGSILENT training course is tailored to equip professionals with the critical skills required to analyze, model, simulate, and troubleshoot power systems using two of the industry’s most powerful platforms. With real-time grid management and growing renewable energy integration, the demand for accurate system modeling has never been greater.

This 10-day hands-on course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical exposure to ETAP and DIgSILENT software tools. It emphasizes real-world applications in transmission, distribution, and industrial power systems. Participants will learn how to simulate load flow, short-circuit, harmonic analysis, arc flash, dynamic stability, relay coordination, and more. The course is ideal for engineers, consultants, and utility professionals aiming to enhance their capabilities in power system design, protection, and analysis.

Duration
10 Days

Target Audience

• Power system engineers and consultants
• Utility electrical planners and operators
• Electrical design engineers in industrial settings
• Renewable energy engineers and integration experts
• Protection and control engineers
• Electrical engineering faculty and researchers
• SCADA and automation specialists
• Energy auditors and compliance inspectors
• Substation and transmission planners
• Graduate engineers entering the power industry

Objectives

• Develop advanced electrical system models using ETAP and DIgSILENT
• Analyze power system behavior under steady-state and dynamic conditions
• Perform fault analysis, protection coordination, and relay settings
• Evaluate system stability and performance under different load scenarios
• Simulate harmonic and transient conditions for power quality assurance
• Generate reports for compliance and documentation purposes
• Integrate renewable sources and simulate their grid impacts
• Optimize electrical networks for operational reliability and safety
• Model transmission, distribution, and industrial power systems
• Improve decision-making through real-time system simulation tools

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Power System Modeling

• Basics of electrical power systems and simulation
• Overview of modeling principles and data requirements
• Introduction to ETAP and DIgSILENT user interfaces
• Key differences and strengths of both software platforms
• Project structure and data organization

Module 2: One-Line Diagram Creation and Network Data Entry

• Building a single-line diagram in ETAP and DIgSILENT
• Defining and assigning system components
• Inputting system parameters and naming conventions
• Library management and component customization
• Data validation and error checking

Module 3: Load Flow and Power Flow Analysis

• Performing load flow analysis
• Interpreting bus voltages, line flows, and power losses
• Generator and transformer modeling for load flow
• Load modeling techniques and impact on simulation
• Voltage regulation and reactive power control

Module 4: Short Circuit and Fault Analysis

• Types of short circuits and fault simulations
• IEC and ANSI fault standards
• Equipment rating checks and protection impact
• Fault contribution from generators and motors
• Fault current mitigation and limiting devices

Module 5: Protective Device Coordination

• Protection system fundamentals and relays
• Time-current characteristic (TCC) curves setup
• Relay settings and selectivity analysis
• Coordination between breakers, fuses, and relays
• Coordination plots and protection misoperation scenarios

Module 6: Arc Flash Hazard Assessment

• Arc flash analysis standards and methods
• PPE requirements and boundary definitions
• Label generation and incident energy calculations
• Mitigation strategies for arc flash risk
• Reporting and documentation for safety compliance

Module 7: Harmonic Analysis and Power Quality

• Sources and effects of harmonics in power systems
• Harmonic load flow simulation
• Harmonic filters and resonance mitigation
• THD limits and compliance checking
• Power quality monitoring techniques

Module 8: Transient and Dynamic Stability Analysis

• Rotor angle and voltage stability concepts
• Generator modeling and control systems
• Simulation of disturbances and recovery
• Time-domain analysis and event playback
• Load shedding and emergency response modeling

Module 9: Motor Starting and Impact Analysis

• Modeling motor characteristics
• Simulating motor starting behavior
• Voltage drop and flicker assessment
• Sequential starting and acceleration curves
• Impact on weak networks and mitigation options

Module 10: Cable Sizing and Voltage Drop Analysis

• Voltage drop limits and load requirements
• Cable sizing calculations based on standards
• Ambient conditions and correction factors
• Insulation selection and fault withstand ratings
• Underground cable modeling and layout

Module 11: Grounding and Earthing System Modeling

• Types of grounding systems and configurations
• Ground fault analysis
• Step and touch voltage simulations
• Soil resistivity and grid design
• Safety and code compliance

Module 12: Renewable Energy System Integration

• Modeling solar PV and wind generation systems
• Impact on grid stability and protection
• Interfacing with battery storage systems
• Power export control and grid-tie inverters
• Variability analysis and grid support

Module 13: Substation and Distribution Network Modeling

• Busbar configurations and switchgear modeling
• Substation layout in software environment
• Distribution system feeders and load distribution
• Switches, reclosers, and sectionalizers simulation
• Fault isolation and service restoration

Module 14: Advanced Reporting and Project Documentation

• Custom report generation
• Diagrams, tables, and plots exporting
• Project audit and quality assurance
• Version control and project backups
• Data export to external platforms

Module 15: Real-World Case Studies and Hands-on Projects

• Industrial plant simulation project
• Utility transmission grid analysis
• Renewable hybrid system modeling
• Protective relaying scheme review
• System expansion planning and future load forecasting

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.