Introduction

In modern electrical power systems, understanding and mitigating transient phenomena are crucial for ensuring reliability, preventing equipment damage, and maintaining grid stability. Unlike steady-state conditions, power system transients involve rapid changes in voltage and current, typically occurring due to switching operations, lightning strikes, fault conditions, or the interaction of power electronic converters. These transient events, which can span from microseconds to several seconds, can lead to severe overvoltages, overcurrents, and resonant conditions that stress insulation, disrupt protection systems, and cause widespread outages. PSCAD/EMTDC (Power Systems Computer Aided Design / Electromagnetic Transients including DC) is the industry-standard software tool specifically designed for the simulation of these complex electromagnetic transients. Its detailed modeling capabilities enable engineers to accurately analyze dynamic interactions, design effective protection schemes, and validate control strategies. Without proficiency in PSCAD/EMTDC for Power System Transients, electrical professionals would lack the essential tools to comprehensively analyze, predict, and mitigate these critical dynamic behaviors, underscoring the vital need for specialized training in this powerful simulation environment. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master PSCAD/EMTDC for Power System Transients.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, power system analysts, researchers, protection engineers, and control system designers with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to effectively utilize PSCAD/EMTDC for Power System Transients. Participants will gain hands-on experience in building and simulating detailed power system models, performing various types of electromagnetic transient studies, interpreting complex waveform results, and designing mitigation strategies for transient phenomena. The course will delve into topics such as modeling distributed parameters lines, simulating lightning surges, analyzing switching overvoltages, detailed modeling of power electronic converters (e.g., HVDC, FACTS), protective relay testing, and the integration of control systems with electromagnetic models. By mastering the principles and practical application of PSCAD/EMTDC for Power System Transients, participants will be prepared to accurately diagnose and solve complex transient problems, enhance system resilience, optimize equipment design, and contribute significantly to the advanced analysis and safe operation of modern electrical grids.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers (Power Systems)
• Power System Analysts and Researchers
• Protection Engineers
• Control System Engineers (Power Electronics Focus)
• HVDC and FACTS Engineers
• Renewable Energy Grid Integration Specialists
• Consulting Engineers (Transmission, Distribution, Industrial)
• Academics and PhD Students in Power Systems
• Equipment Designers (Transformers, Circuit Breakers)
• R&D Engineers in Power Electronics

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of electromagnetic transients in power systems.
• Learn the architecture and capabilities of PSCAD/EMTDC software.
• Acquire skills in building detailed power system models using PSCAD/EMTDC components.
• Comprehend techniques for simulating and analyzing switching overvoltages and inrush currents.
• Explore strategies for modeling and simulating lightning surges and overvoltage protection.
• Understand the detailed modeling of power electronic converters (e.g., HVDC, STATCOM).
• Gain insights into protective relay testing and analysis using transient simulations.
• Develop a practical understanding of subsynchronous resonance (SSR) and its mitigation.
• Learn to perform harmonic and inter-harmonic analysis in the time domain.
• Master transient analysis for renewable energy grid integration studies.
• Acquire skills in utilizing the Component Workbench for custom model development.
• Understand the application of control system design and integration within PSCAD.
• Explore interaction between AC and DC systems under transient conditions.
• Develop proficiency in interpreting complex simulation results and generating reports.
• Prepare to address cutting-edge power system transient challenges using PSCAD/EMTDC.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Power System Transients and PSCAD/EMTDC

• Definition and types of power system transients (switching, lightning, faults).
• Importance of electromagnetic transient (EMT) analysis.
• Overview of PSCAD/EMTDC: history, capabilities, and applications.
• PSCAD interface navigation: workspace, master library, project settings.
• Basic model building and simulation workflow in PSCAD.

Module 2: Basic Component Modeling and Simulation Setup

• Modeling ideal and RLC components (resistors, inductors, capacitors).
• AC and DC voltage sources, current sources.
• Basic switches and breakers.
• Setting up simulation control parameters (time step, duration).
• Data recording and visualization: output channels, plots.

Module 3: Transmission Line and Cable Modeling

• Lumped parameter vs. distributed parameter line models.
• Bergeron model for lossless lines.
• Clarke and Carson's transformations for multi-phase lines.
• Frequency-dependent (FD) line models: accurate transient response.
• Modeling cables and underground systems.

Module 4: Switching Overvoltages and Inrush Currents

• Causes of switching overvoltages (capacitor switching, line energization).
• Simulating circuit breaker operations and restrikes.
• Transformer inrush current phenomena.
• Techniques for mitigating switching transients (e.g., pre-insertion resistors).
• Analyzing overvoltage magnitudes and durations.

Module 5: Lightning Surges and Insulation Coordination

• Physics of lightning discharges and their impact on power systems.
• Modeling lightning strokes and surge generators.
• Overvoltage protection devices: surge arresters (MOV model).
• Insulation coordination principles.
• Simulating direct and indirect lightning strikes.

Module 6: Synchronous Machine Modeling for Transients

• Detailed modeling of synchronous generators (subtransient, transient reactances).
• Exciter models (IEEE standards, custom).
• Governor models (hydro, thermal, gas turbines).
• Simulating generator synchronization and sudden load changes.
• Analyzing generator dynamics during faults.

Module 7: Power Electronic Converters (Basic HVDC and FACTS)

• Introduction to power electronic switching devices (IGBTs, Thyristors).
• Modeling simple rectifiers and inverters.
• Basic HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) converter models.
• Introduction to FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) devices like STATCOM.
• Impact of power electronics on system transients.

Module 8: Protective Relays and Circuit Breaker Interaction

• Modeling protective relays (overcurrent, differential) in PSCAD.
• Integrating relay models with the power system model.
• Simulating relay operation during fault conditions.
• Breaker failure scenarios and reclosing schemes.
• Using PSCAD for protective relay testing and performance validation.

Module 9: Subsynchronous Resonance (SSR) Analysis

• Understanding subsynchronous resonance phenomena.
• Causes of SSR: series compensated lines, turbine-generator interaction.
• Modeling turbine-generator shaft models.
• Simulating SSR conditions and identifying instability.
• Mitigation techniques for SSR (e.g., SSR dampers, FACTS devices).

Module 10: Harmonic and Inter-harmonic Analysis

• Sources of harmonics from power electronic converters.
• Time-domain simulation for harmonic content.
• Analyzing harmonic current and voltage distortion.
• Identifying inter-harmonics and their sources.
• Design and evaluation of passive and active filters for harmonic mitigation.

Module 11: Renewable Energy Integration Transient Studies

• Detailed modeling of wind turbine generators (DFIG, Full Converter).
• Modeling solar PV inverter systems and grid connection.
• Simulating grid code compliance tests (LVRT, HVRT) for renewables.
• Impact of renewable energy on transient stability and protection.
• Transient behavior of energy storage systems.

Module 12: Control System Design and Integration

• Developing control systems using PSCAD's control blocks (PID, filters).
• Integrating custom control logic with power system models.
• Designing and tuning controllers for HVDC, FACTS, and renewable energy.
• Simulating the interaction between power system and control system.
• Validation of control algorithms in a transient environment.

Module 13: Advanced Modeling Techniques and Component Workbench

• Creating custom components using PSCAD's Component Workbench.
• Utilizing FORTRAN for complex model development.
• User-defined models (UDMs) for specialized equipment.
• Parameterization and validation of custom models.
• Advanced debugging techniques for large PSCAD projects.

Module 14: Data Analysis and Post-Processing of Results

• Advanced plotting and visualization of simulation results.
• Exporting data for external analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Frequency domain analysis from time-domain data (FFT).
• Statistical analysis of transient events.
• Generating professional reports from simulation results.

Module 15: Real-World Case Studies and Advanced Applications

• Case studies of complex power system transient events (e.g., widespread blackouts, major equipment failures).
• Application of PSCAD/EMTDC in HVDC system design and optimization.
• Power quality investigations: transient overvoltages, sags, swells.
• Offshore wind farm grid connection studies.
• Challenges and future trends in power system transient analysis.

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.