Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern power systems, engineers face increasingly complex challenges, driven by the integration of renewable energy sources, the proliferation of distributed generation, and the growing demand for grid resilience. Traditional steady-state analysis alone is no longer sufficient to address issues like transient stability, power quality, and dynamic response of advanced control systems. DIgSILENT PowerFactory stands as a premier software tool, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced analytical capabilities to model, simulate, and analyze the most intricate aspects of power system behavior. From dynamic simulations and protection coordination to harmonic analysis and renewable energy integration studies, PowerFactory empowers engineers to deeply understand system dynamics, identify potential weaknesses, and design robust solutions. Proficiency in DIgSILENT PowerFactory – Advanced Applications is therefore essential for power system professionals seeking to optimize grid performance, enhance reliability, and navigate the complexities of the future energy landscape. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master DIgSILENT PowerFactory – Advanced Applications.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower experienced electrical engineers, power system analysts, researchers, and consultants with the advanced theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to fully leverage the sophisticated functionalities of DIgSILENT PowerFactory. Participants will gain hands-on experience in performing complex dynamic simulations, mastering advanced protection functionalities, conducting comprehensive power quality analyses, and integrating diverse renewable energy models into detailed system studies. The course will delve into topics such as dynamic modeling of generators and control systems, detailed transient stability analysis, advanced relay settings and automation, harmonic analysis and filtering, optimal power flow, reliability assessment, and the simulation of grid-connected and islanded microgrids. By mastering the principles and practical application of DIgSILENT PowerFactory – Advanced Applications, participants will be prepared to tackle cutting-edge power system challenges, optimize system design and operation, contribute to grid modernization efforts, and drive innovation in the energy sector.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Experienced Power System Engineers
• Power System Analysts and Researchers
• Consultants specializing in Power Systems
• Grid Modernization and Smart Grid Engineers
• Renewable Energy Integration Specialists
• Control System Engineers
• Power Quality Engineers
• Academics and PhD Students in Power Systems
• Relay Protection Engineers
• Operations and Planning Engineers with advanced analytical needs

Objectives

• Understand the advanced modeling capabilities of DIgSILENT PowerFactory for dynamic components.
• Learn to conduct comprehensive transient stability analysis under various disturbance conditions.
• Acquire skills in designing and analyzing advanced protection schemes using PowerFactory's functionalities.
• Comprehend techniques for performing detailed harmonic analysis and filtering studies.
• Explore strategies for integrating and simulating various renewable energy sources in complex grids.
• Understand the principles and application of Optimal Power Flow (OPF) for system optimization.
• Gain insights into reliability assessment methodologies and their implementation in PowerFactory.
• Develop a practical understanding of user-defined models (DPL/DSL) for specialized applications.
• Learn to simulate and analyze microgrid operations in both grid-connected and islanded modes.
• Master power quality analysis including flicker and unbalance.
• Acquire skills in conducting electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations for specific events.
• Understand the application of protection automation functions within PowerFactory.
• Explore advanced contingency analysis and corrective action planning.
• Develop proficiency in generating highly customized reports and visualizations from complex studies.
• Prepare to address cutting-edge power system challenges using advanced PowerFactory features.

Course Content

Module 1: Advanced PowerFactory Interface and Project Management

• Deep dive into PowerFactory database and object orientation.
• Advanced project and study case management.
• Version control and data comparison functionalities.
• Customizing the user interface and workspace.
• Efficient data import and export strategies for complex models.

Module 2: Dynamic Model Creation and Parameterization

• Detailed modeling of synchronous and asynchronous machines for dynamic studies.
• Exciter models (IEEE, custom) and governor models (turbine types).
• Power System Stabilizer (PSS) modeling and tuning.
• Load models for dynamic simulations (constant impedance, current, power, composite).
• Data preparation for dynamic simulation.

Module 3: Transient Stability Analysis (Advanced)

• Principles of rotor angle and voltage stability.
• Setting up and executing complex transient stability simulations.
• Analyzing generator swing curves, bus voltages, and frequency responses.
• Impact of various disturbances: large generator trip, major fault, load rejection.
• Remedial actions for transient instability.

Module 4: Voltage Stability Analysis (P-V and Q-V Curves)

• Understanding voltage collapse phenomena.
• P-V (Power-Voltage) and Q-V (Reactive Power-Voltage) curve analysis.
• Continuation Power Flow (CPF) for determining voltage stability limits.
• Identifying critical buses and lines for voltage stability.
• Voltage stability enhancement techniques.

Module 5: Harmonics Analysis and Filtering

• Sources of harmonics: non-linear loads, power electronic converters.
• Harmonic propagation in power systems.
• Setting up harmonic load flow studies in PowerFactory.
• Analyzing harmonic distortion levels (THD, TDD, individual harmonics).
• Design and sizing of passive and active harmonic filters.

Module 6: Protection Coordination (Advanced)

• Detailed modeling of various relay types (directional overcurrent, distance, differential).
• Advanced relay settings and logic functions.
• Automated protection coordination tools and verification.
• Impact of fault types and system configuration on protection.
• Troubleshooting miscoordination issues.

Module 7: Protection Automation and Adaptive Protection

• Implementing protection automation schemes (e.g., auto-reclosing, undervoltage load shedding).
• PowerFactory's DPL (DIgSILENT Programming Language) for custom protection logic.
• Introduction to adaptive protection concepts.
• Simulating the behavior of protection under dynamic conditions.
• Analyzing protection operation reports.

Module 8: Optimal Power Flow (OPF)

• Principles of Optimal Power Flow: minimizing cost, losses, or emissions.
• OPF constraints: thermal limits, voltage limits, generator limits.
• Different OPF formulations (economic dispatch, optimal reactive power flow).
• Using OPF for congestion management and voltage support.
• Interpreting OPF results and control actions.

Module 9: Reliability Assessment (Advanced)

• Introduction to power system reliability indices (SAIFI, SAIDI, CAIDI, EENS, LOLE).
• Monte Carlo simulation for reliability assessment.
• Modeling outages and repair rates in PowerFactory.
• Impact of system configurations and maintenance on reliability.
• Reliability-centered asset management.

Module 10: Renewable Energy Integration Studies

• Detailed modeling of wind turbines (Type 3, Type 4 generators) and solar PV plants.
• Grid code compliance studies for renewable energy connections.
• Impact of renewables on system stability and power quality.
• Control strategies for renewable energy converters (e.g., LVRT, HVRT).
• Integration of energy storage systems with renewables.

Module 11: Microgrid Analysis (Grid-Connected and Islanded)

• Modeling microgrid components: DERs, loads, protection, control.
• Simulating grid-connected operation: power exchange with main grid.
• Simulating islanded operation: frequency and voltage control, load sharing.
• Microgrid protection challenges in islanded mode.
• Seamless transition between grid-connected and islanded modes.

Module 12: Power Quality Analysis (Flicker, Unbalance)

• Understanding voltage flicker and its causes.
• Flicker assessment according to IEC standards (Pst, Plt).
• Voltage unbalance analysis and mitigation.
• Current unbalance and its impact on equipment.
• Harmonic resonance conditions.

Module 13: Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) Studies

• Introduction to EMT phenomena (switching transients, lightning surges).
• When to use EMT vs. RMS simulation.
• Setting up and executing EMT simulations for specific events.
• Analyzing transient overvoltages and overcurrents.
• Modeling surge arresters and transient suppressors.

Module 14: User-Defined Models (DPL/DSL)

• Introduction to DIgSILENT Programming Language (DPL) for scripting and automation.
• Creating custom control systems and protection logic using DSL (DIgSILENT Simulation Language).
• Developing specialized models not available in standard libraries.
• Practical examples of DPL scripts for analysis and reporting.
• Debugging and validating user-defined models.

Module 15: Advanced Contingency Analysis and System Reinforcement

• Advanced contingency analysis (N-k contingencies).
• Corrective action planning: redispatch, load shedding, reconfigurations.
• Automated contingency screening and ranking.
• Identifying system bottlenecks and weak points.
• Using PowerFactory for transmission and distribution network reinforcement planning.

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.