Introduction

In the intricate world of electrical power systems, accurate modeling, simulation, and analysis are paramount for ensuring reliability, safety, and optimal performance. As power grids become more complex with the integration of diverse generation sources, smart technologies, and sophisticated load profiles, manual calculations and outdated methods are no longer sufficient. ETAP (Electrical Transient Analyzer Program) is a comprehensive software suite widely recognized as an industry-leading tool for power system design, analysis, and operation. It provides engineers with a robust platform to create detailed electrical models, perform a wide array of simulations—from load flow and short-circuit to arc flash and transient stability—and make informed decisions to optimize system performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Without proficiency in ETAP for Power System Analysis, electrical professionals face significant limitations in efficiently designing, analyzing, and maintaining modern electrical infrastructure, highlighting the indispensable need for specialized training in this powerful software. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master ETAP for Power System Analysis.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, power system designers, consultants, researchers, and technical staff involved in the planning, operation, and maintenance of electrical power systems with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to effectively utilize ETAP for Power System Analysis. Participants will gain hands-on experience in building and managing electrical system models, performing various types of studies, interpreting simulation results, and generating comprehensive reports. The course will delve into topics such as creating one-line diagrams, performing load flow analysis, conducting short-circuit studies, calculating arc flash hazards, performing motor starting analysis, conducting protective device coordination, and utilizing advanced modules for transient stability and harmonic analysis. By mastering the principles and practical application of ETAP for Power System Analysis, participants will be prepared to streamline design processes, accurately assess system performance, enhance operational safety, and contribute significantly to the efficient and reliable functioning of complex electrical networks.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers (Power Systems)
• Power System Designers and Consultants
• Plant Electrical Engineers
• Consulting Engineers
• Researchers and Academics in Power Systems
• Project Engineers (Electrical)
• Design Engineers
• Operation and Maintenance Engineers
• Technical Staff involved in Power System Studies
• Anyone involved in electrical infrastructure planning and analysis

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of power system analysis and their application in ETAP.
• Learn to navigate the ETAP interface and effectively manage project data.
• Acquire skills in creating and building detailed one-line diagrams in ETAP.
• Comprehend techniques for performing comprehensive Load Flow Analysis to determine system performance.
• Explore strategies for conducting Short-Circuit Analysis according to industry standards.
• Understand the process of calculating Arc Flash Hazards and generating warning labels.
• Gain insights into protective device coordination and relay settings in ETAP.
• Develop a practical understanding of Motor Starting Analysis and its impact on system voltage.
• Learn to perform Harmonic Analysis to identify and mitigate power quality issues.
• Master transient stability studies for dynamic system behavior.
• Acquire skills in utilizing the Cable and Transmission Line Ampacity modules.
• Understand the application of DC systems analysis in ETAP.
• Explore ground grid system design and analysis in ETAP.
• Develop proficiency in generating and interpreting professional reports from ETAP studies.
• Prepare to apply ETAP for optimizing power system design, operations, and safety.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to ETAP and Power System Modeling

• Overview of ETAP software capabilities and applications.
• ETAP interface navigation: project manager, study manager, data sheets.
• Building a one-line diagram: creating buses, protective devices, loads, generators.
• Library management: importing and creating equipment data.
• Data entry and verification for power system components.

Module 2: Load Flow Analysis (AC and DC)

• Principles of load flow analysis: voltage profiles, power flows, losses.
• Setting up and running AC load flow studies in ETAP.
• Analyzing load flow results: voltage drop, current distribution, power factor.
• Understanding load flow violations and remedial actions.
• Introduction to DC load flow for DC systems.

Module 3: Short-Circuit Analysis (ANSI/IEC)

• Fundamentals of short-circuit calculations (symmetrical and asymmetrical faults).
• Setting up and running short-circuit studies in ETAP (ANSI/IEC standards).
• Analyzing short-circuit results: fault currents, interrupting duties.
• Impact of fault current on equipment ratings.
• Remedial actions for high fault currents.

Module 4: Arc Flash Analysis

• Understanding arc flash phenomena, incident energy, and arc flash boundaries.
• Setting up and running arc flash studies in ETAP.
• Interpreting arc flash results and PPE categories.
• Generating arc flash warning labels.
• Strategies for arc flash hazard mitigation.

Module 5: Protective Device Coordination and Selectivity

• Principles of protective device coordination: selectivity, reliability, speed.
• Setting up overcurrent relays, fuses, and circuit breakers in ETAP.
• Creating Time Current Characteristic (TCC) curves.
• Analyzing coordination plots and identifying miscoordination.
• Optimizing relay settings for proper coordination.

Module 6: Motor Starting Analysis

• Impact of large motor starting on system voltage and equipment.
• Setting up and running motor starting studies (dynamic and static methods).
• Analyzing motor starting results: voltage dip, acceleration time, motor current.
• Mitigation techniques for excessive voltage dip during motor starting.
• Load shedding strategies for motor starting.

Module 7: Harmonic Analysis and Power Quality

• Understanding harmonics in power systems: sources, effects, standards (IEEE 519).
• Setting up and running harmonic analysis studies in ETAP.
• Identifying harmonic sources and propagation.
• Analyzing harmonic distortion levels (THD, TDD).
• Mitigation of harmonics: filters, active power conditioners.

Module 8: Transient Stability Analysis

• Principles of power system transient stability.
• Modeling generators, exciters, and governors for dynamic studies.
• Simulating fault conditions and system disturbances.
• Analyzing generator rotor angle, voltage, and frequency response.
• Improving transient stability: power system stabilizers (PSS), fast valving.

Module 9: Cable and Transmission Line Ampacity

• Principles of cable and overhead line ampacity calculation.
• Modeling cables and transmission lines in ETAP.
• Calculating current carrying capacity based on installation methods, temperature, and grouping.
• Derating factors and their application.
• Thermal analysis of cables.

Module 10: Ground Grid System Design and Analysis

• Importance of grounding for safety and system protection.
• Principles of ground grid design according to IEEE Std. 80.
• Modeling ground grids in ETAP's Ground Grid System (GGS) module.
• Calculating step and touch potentials.
• Optimizing ground grid design for safety and cost.

Module 11: DC Systems Analysis

• Overview of DC power systems and their applications (e.g., battery systems, UPS, traction).
• Modeling DC components in ETAP: DC sources, loads, converters.
• Performing DC load flow and DC short-circuit analysis.
• Sizing DC cables and protective devices.
• Integration of AC and DC systems.

Module 12: Protective Device Settings and Relay Testing

• Advanced relay modeling and settings in ETAP.
• Different types of protective relays (directional, differential, distance).
• Integration of ETAP with relay testing software (e.g., Omicron, Doble).
• Creating test plans from ETAP settings.
• Commissioning and maintenance of protective devices.

Module 13: Renewable Energy Integration in ETAP

• Modeling solar PV systems and wind turbines in ETAP.
• Performing interconnection studies for renewable energy projects.
• Impact of distributed generation on grid stability and protection.
• Fault contribution from inverter-based resources.
• Opportunities and challenges of integrating renewables.

Module 14: Data Management and Reporting

• Importing and exporting data in ETAP.
• Creating custom libraries and templates.
• Generating comprehensive study reports: one-line diagrams, result summaries, plots.
• Customizing report templates and output formats.
• Presenting study results effectively.

Module 15: Advanced Applications and Case Studies

• Introduction to other ETAP modules (e.g., Optimal Power Flow, Reliability Assessment).
• Real-world case studies demonstrating ETAP application in various industries.
• Troubleshooting common power system problems using ETAP.
• Best practices for model validation and accuracy.
• Future trends in power system analysis and simulation tools.

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.