Manitoba HVDC Research Centre Inc.

244 Cree Crescent

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3J 3W1
T 204 989 1240 F 204 989 1277
sales@pscad.com www.hvdc.ca

Introduction to PSCAD and

Applications
Training Course Presented by the Manitoba
HVDC Research Centre

Course Date:
Location:
Lead Instructor:

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 PSCAD GETTING-STARTED
TUTORIALS

Getting Started and Basic Features

Prepared by: Dharshana Muthumuni

Date: August 2005
Revision: 3
Date: March12, 2007

2 / 72
Getting Started - Tutorial 1

Objective(s):
 Getting familiar with PSCAD.
 Getting familiar with different sections of the Master Library.
 Different ways to access the master library.
 Creating a simple case.
 Data entry.
 Plotting and control.
 Interactive controls.

T1.1 Create a new case by using either the Menu or Toolbar. A new case should appear
in the Workspace settings entitled noname [psc]. Right-click on this Workspace settings
entry and select Save As… and give the case a name.

NOTE: Do not use any spaces in the name!

Create a folder called c:……/PscadTraining/Tutorial_01. Save the case as case01.psc

T1.2 Open the main page of your new case. Build a case to study the inrush phenomena
when energizing a transformer. The component data is as shown. The transformer is rated
66/12.47 kV.
RL

66 kV,60 Hz Source
Z+ = 3.9Ohms / 75.58 deg
RRL

Z0 = 14.95 Ohms / 80.46 deg

66 kV BUS
Ia

E_66
BRK

Timed
Breaker
BRK Logic
Open@t0

Y-Y Transformer
7.5 MVA
Z = 6.14 %
#1

Full load loss = 0.3%

No load loss = 0.5%
#2

No load current 1 %
1e6

Fig.1 Transformer energizing circuit.

T1.3 Plot the currents (Ia) and voltages (E_66) on the HV side of the transformer. Note:
Ia and Ea contains the three waveforms of the three phases.

3 / 72
 Fig.2 Basic steps to create a graph with a selected signal.

T1.4 The LV side of the transformer is not connected to a load or any other system
equipment. The breaker is closed at 0.5 s to energize the transformer 66 kV side.
Inrush is related to core saturation. Verify that saturation is included in the model used
for this simulation.
Ask your instructor to explain the large resistance connected to the HV side.
Inrush current magnitude depends on the ‘point on wave’ switching conditions. Use a
manual switch to operate the breaker. Note the point on wave dependency of the inrush
peak.
Main ...
BRK_Control
C O
BRK

1
Fig.3 Two state switch attached to a control panel.

4 / 72
T1.5 Modify the case to include a 12.47 kV/0.5 MVA (Wound rotor type) induction
machine. This case will be used to study the process of starting an Induction motor. The
component data is as shown.

12.47 kV BUS

81m U/G
54m OH Capacitor Main ...
800 KVars per phase R_C1
C O

R_C1 42.5 [uH] 40.94 [uF]

R_C1
Ib

Feeder EN484 1
C OU PLED
S E C TIO N
PI

Short line of 7.4 km

Z+ = 0.2 E-4 + j0.3 E-3 Ohms/m
Z0 = 0.3 E-3 + j0.1 E-2 Ohms/m
Use default values for the capacitances
B_mot

Etrv
Timed
Breaker
Logic
Emot

B_mot
Open@t0
N

0.001
500 kVA Induction machine.
This block models the mechanical Squerriel Cage Type.
IM

characteristics of a typical load. 13.8 kV(L-L) 7.697 kV

(Phase)
Mechanical Torque Irated = 0.02804 [kA]
TL

* Inertia = 0.7267 [s]

W

W X2 0.8 TIN Stator resistance = 0.005 PU

Rotor Resistance = 0.008
0 .0

0 .0

TIN

You may use the wire mode to connect different components.

T1.6 Enter the component data.
Note: Use ‘typical’ data for the machine.
T1.7 Plot the currents on either side of the transformer (ia and ib).
T1.8 The input torque to the machine is equal to 80% of the square of the speed. Derive
this signal using control blocks. i.e

5 / 72
 Tm  0.8  w 2

Use control blocks to implement the above equation.

Your instructor will explain the calculation program structure of EMTDC and the
definition of ‘electric’ and ‘control’ type models.
T1.9 The breaker (initially open) should be closed at 0.2s to start the motor.
T1.10 Plot the machine speed, the mechanical torque and the developed electric torque.
Note: Some variables can be measured from within the component. These are normally
listed under the parameter section ‘Internal output variables’

If time permits…

T1.11 Add a load of 1 MVA at 0.8-power factor at 12.47 kV. The same transformer
supplies this load. Does the load see an unacceptable voltage sag during motor start?

6 / 72
 Data:
Motor
500 kVA Induction machine.

Wound rotor Type.

13.8 kV(L-L) 7.697 kV (Phase)

Irated = 0.02804 [kA]

Inertia = 0.7267 [s]

Stator resistance = 0.005 PU

Rotor Resistance = 0.008 PU

Short Line
Short line of 7.4 km

Z+ = 0.2 E-4 + j0.3 E-3 Ohms/m

Z0 = 0.3 E-3 + j0.1 E-2 Ohms/m

Use default values for the capacitances

Mechanical Load model

This block models the mechanical
characteristics of a typical load.
Mechanical Torque

2 *
W X 0.8 TIN

Capacitor leg
Capacitor
800 KVars per phase

R_C1 42.5 [uH] 40.94 [uF]

7 / 72
 PSCAD ESSENTIAL TRAINING

Tutorials 1 – 6
1. Initializing a simulation
2. Switching study
3. Transformers and inrush
4. Transmission lines
5. Power electronic switching
6. Induction machine dynamics
7. Synchronous Machines and controls
8. Wind farms and doubly fed machines

Prepared by: Dharshana Muthumuni

Date: August 2005
Revision: 2
Date: Feb 16, 2007

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 Tutorial 1 – Two Area Power System – Initializing the simulation to a specific load 
flow. 

T1.1 Create a new case by using either the Menu or Toolbar. A new case should appear 
in the Workspace settings entitled noname [psc]. Right‐click on this Workspace settings 
entry and select Save As… and give the case a name.  

NOTE: Do not use any spaces in the name! 

Create a folder called c:……/PscadTraining/T_01. Save the case as T_01_a.psc 

T1.2 Open the main page of your new case. Build a case representing a simplified two 
area  power  system  as  shown  in  the  figure  below.  A  55  km  transmission  line  connects 
Station A to a 100 MW wind farm. All other connections to Station A are represented by 
an equivalent 230 kV source.  The equivalent source impedance is derived from a steady 
state  fault  study  at  60  Hz.  The  line  is  represented  by  its  series  reactance.  The 
transformer is represented by its impedance, referred to the 230 kV side.  

Wind Farm Station A

100 MVA Transformer 55 km line
33/230 kV, Z = 0.1 pu 230 kV

0.14 0.074
RRL

RRL
230 kV Eq. source
P1
Z_positive = 10 Ohms at 88
Q1 deg.
RL

RL
Z_zero = 7 Ohms at 82 deg.
P2

Q2 Q2

Fig1. Two area system

T1.3 The wind farm is also represented by a network equivalence. The positive sequence 
impedance of this source at 33 kV is 1 Ohm at 89 deg.   

NOTE: Referred to the 230 kV side the impedance value Ans:48.577 at 890

T1.4 The voltage behind the equivalent impedance at the wind farm is 35 kV. The phase 
angle is 7 degrees.  Determine the power flow across the line.  

Note: Converted to the 230 kV side, the equivalent voltage is 243.939 kV at 7 deg 

Note: The simplified calculations are outlined in the accompanying MathCAD worksheet.  

9 / 72
T1.5 Plot the power and reactive power flow at both ends of the line. These signals can 
be obtained from the voltage source models as internal outputs.  

T1.6 Use proper scale factors inside the Output Channels’ to convert PU values to MW 
and MVar. Verify the results. 

T1.7 How do you change the time step, the simulation time and the plot time? How do 
you determine the simulation time step?  

T1.8 Can you save results to external output files for post processing?   

T1.9 If you specified to write data to output files, where are they located? 

Save the case!  

The case should be saved as T_01_b.psc before proceeding. 

Different  parts  of  the  simulation  model  can  be  arranged  inside  page  modules.  PSCAD 
allows  ‘nested’  page  modules.  If  you  make  a  change  to  your  existing  case,  PSCAD  will 
identify  the  page  modules  where  changes  took  place.  Only  these  modules  will  be  re‐
compiled. (Time savings in large cases) 

T1.10 Create a page module and include the equivalent source for the wind farm inside 
this  module  as  shown  in  the  figures  2  and  3.  What  is  the  use  of  the  ‘XNODE’ 
component? 

Note: Your instructor will briefly discuss the use of ‘signal transmitters’ which can also 
be used to transmit (control) signals from a page to another. 

Wind
a
Farm
0.14 0.074
RRL
RL

P2

Q2 Q2

Fig.2 Main page 

10 / 72
 RRL
a

RL
P1

Q1

Fig.3. Subpage 

Save the case! 

The case should be saved as T_01_c.psc before proceeding. 

T1.11 Modify the source at Station A to control its parameters externally. Add a control 
panel to specify these values. Can the values be changed during a simulation?  

Note:  Make  sure  that  the  angle  is  specified  in  degrees  (parameter  setting  inside  the 
source model) 

Note: Observe the effect of varying the voltage angle/magnitude on P and Q flow 
Ph

Main : Controls
RRL

V230
250 90 10
F

9
60.0 8
7
6
5
V

4
3
2
220 -90 1
RL

230 0 1

Fig.4. External control of the source parameters. 

T1.12  Modify  the  circuit  to  include  breakers,  breaker  controls,  meters  and  the  PSCAD 
‘fault  component’.  The  case  should  look  like  as  shown  in  figure  5.  Plot,  E1,  I1  and  the 
rms value of E1. 

11 / 72
 Wind BRK2 BRK3
a BRK1 I1
Farm A
0.14 [H] 0.074 [H] E1 V

Ph
RRL

F
Timed 60.0
Breaker
Logic

V
P2 BRK1
Closed@t0 Timed
Breaker

RL
Q2 BRK3 Logic
Q2 Timed Closed@t0
Breaker Timed
Logic Fault
I1 BRK2 Logic
Closed@t0

E1 E1 Fault inception - 0.4 s and at 0.404 s

0 = No Fault
1 = Phase A to Ground
2 = Phase B to Ground
3 = Phase C to Ground
Main : Controls
4 = Phase AB to Ground
5 = Phase AC to Ground V230 Ph230 FTYPE
250 90 10
6 = Phase BC to Ground 9
8
7 = Phase ABC to 7
6
Ground 5
4
8 = Phase AB 3
2
220 -90 1
9 = Phase AC
10 = Phase BC 230 0 1
11 = Phase ABC

Fig.5. Meters, breakers and faults. 

T1.13 Simulate an A‐G fault. The fault inception time is 0.4s. The fault duration is 0.5 s. 
Note the dc offset of I1.  

(The dc offset can cause mal‐operation of protection due to CT saturation. We will study 
this in later on as a separate example.) 

T1.14 What factors influence the initial dc offset and its rate of decay? Change the fault 
inception time to 0.404 s and observe the results. 

T1.15  Breaker  3  is  initially  closed.  Open  and  close  this  breaker  at  0.5  s  and  0.65  s 
respectively. 

Save the case! 

The case should be saved as T_01_d.psc before proceeding. 

T1.16  Include  a  FFT  block  in  your  simulation  cases  shown  in  figure  6.  Convert  I1  to  its 
sequence  components.  Verify  the  results  of  the  FFT  for  different  fault  types.    Add  a 
‘poly‐meter’ to observe the frequency spectrum. 

Note: The instructor will demonstrate the use of the ‘phasor meter’. 

12 / 72
 1 1 1
2

I1 Mag+ Mag- Mag0

(31) (31) (31)
1 XA Ph+
I1 (31)
FFT
2 XB Ph-
I1 (31)
3 XC Ph0
F = 60.0 [Hz]
(31)
dcA dcB dcC

Fig.6. FFT Block. 

T1.17 Load the case T_01_e.psc from the example cases given to you as course material. 
Study the ‘sequencer units’ available to define a series of timed events. 

Save the case! 

13 / 72
 Tutorial 2 – Capacitor Switching Study: 
T2.1  Create  a  folder  called  c:……/PscadTraining/T_02.  Save  the  case  T_01_e.psc  as  
T_02_a.psc. 

The utility plans to add 300 MVars of capacitive reactive power at station A to support 
the  230  kV  bus  voltage.  A  transient  study  is  required  to  design  equipment  of  this 
installation.  

Calculations  and  simulations  are  required  to  determine  the  values/ratings  of  the 
associated limiting reactors (inrush and outrush) 

Modify the simulation case to include a sub‐page as shown in fig. 1.

230 kV
GT230
Voltage support
Cap. Bank
Ph
RRL

60.0
V
RL

Fig.1 Capacitor banks at Station A. 

The  circuit  inside  the  sub  page  represents  a  230  kV  capacitor  bank  with  4  steps  per 
phase  (see  attached  diagrams).  Each  step  is  rated  at  25  Mvar/phase.    The  capacitor 
banks  are  solidly  grounded.  The  inrush  and  the  outrush  reactors  sizes  are  to  be 
determined so that the switching transients do not exceed the breaker capabilities and 
are within the IEEE standards.  

The  values  of  the  outrush/inrush  reactors  have  been  determined  using  IEEE 
C37.06.2000. 

T2.2 Use manual breaker controls to switch the breakers R1, R2 and R4.  Also measure 
the currents in the breakers. 

T2.3 Add a timed breaker component to control breaker R3, measure the currents in R3. 

Note: Discuss with your instructor the purpose of making R3 operation controllable. 

14 / 72
T2.4  Add  meters  to  measure  the  currents  and  voltages  on  the  system  side  of  the 
outrush reactor. 

T2.5 Run the case with R1 closed, R2 and R4 open, and R3 set to close at 0.2 s. 

T2.6 Observe the peak value and frequency of oscillation of the current in R3.  

T2.7 Observe the peak value and frequency of oscillation of the current at the outrush 
reactor.  

T2.8 Note the differences between (7) and (8). Discuss the results. 

Important:  Ensure  that  you  are  using  the  proper  time  step  and  for  visualization 
purposes, the proper plot step! 

T2.9  A  Peak  inrush  current  depends  on  POW  switching.    This  should  be  studied  to 
ensure that the breaker meets the TRV and di/dt capabilities. 

T2.10 Use the Multiple Run component to control the R3 closing time.  Also record the 
currents in Breaker R3 and main feeder current. 

Set the multiple run to switch for 5 sequential points on the wave. 

Can we do random switching over a cycle? 

Can we optimize the run length using a snapshot? 

Take  a  snapshot  at  0.199sec  and  the  run  multiple  run  for  20  sequential  points  on  the 
wave. 

Compare  your  results  with  IEEE  standard  results.  Can  the  simulation  time  step  be 
changed when the case is run from a snapshot file?   

T2.11  What  are  some  considerations  for  the  selection  of  time‐step  for  this  type  of 
simulation? 

T2.12  EXTRA:  Check  the  impedance  spectrum  using  the  ‘Harmonic  Impedance’ 
component. This is an important step in the design of capacitor banks. The addition of 
the capacitors can give rise to system resonances that are not acceptable.  

Is this circuit appropriate to check for system resonances? Why? (not enough details of 
the system around the Station A bus is included to capture the frequency effects) 

15 / 72
 1.00E-06
1.00E-06
1.00E-06
1.00E-06
1.00E-06
Series1
1.00E-06
1.00E-06
1.00E-06
1.00E-06
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19

Save the case! 

The case should be saved as T_02_b.psc before proceeding. 

T2.13 Modify the circuit as shown in figure 2 to include surge arrestors. 

The  surge  arrestors  should  protect  the  capacitors  from  switching  over  voltages.  Re‐
strike  of  capacitors  breaker  can  cause  large  over‐voltage  transients  and  is  usually  the 
criteria for the selection of MOVs. Discuss the data entry for the MOV model. 

16 / 72
 0.00317
Outrush
Reactors kJoules
MOV

Imov
Closed@t0
Logic
Breaker MOV
Timed

-3.988e-005 [MVAR]

-3.988e-005 [MVAR]
-79.82 [MVAR]
0.08013 [MW]

0.05635 [MW]

0.09202 [MW]

0.05635 [MW]
-79.7 [MVAR]
R1

R2

R3

Closed@t0
Logic
R1 R2 Breaker R3 R4
R2 Timed R4

Fig.2. Surge arresters. 

T2.13  Breaker  R3  is  initially  closed.  It  is  opened  at  0.204  s  but  re‐strikes  at  0.2124  s. 
Observe  the  energy  accumulation  in  the  MOV  of  phase  A.  can  the  MOV  handle  this 
energy? Is a statistical study required to design the MOV ratings? 

Save the case! 

The case should be saved as T_03_a.psc before proceeding. 

17 / 72
Tutorial 3 – Inrush current and line energizing. 
T3.1  Create  a  folder  called  c:……/PscadTraining/T_03.  Save  the  case  T_02_b.psc  as  
T_03_a.psc. 

Open  the  capacitor  main  breaker  R3.  Keep  all  other  breakers  closed.  Make  the  ‘fault’ 
component inactive. 

Most transient studies require the accurate modeling of transformers and transmission 
lines.  Transformer  inrush  requires  the  accurate  modeling  of  the  non‐linear  iron  core. 
Switching  transient  studies  require  the  modeling  of  transmission  lines  to  include  the 
effects frequency dependent line parameters and traveling wave phenomena.  

T3.2  Use  detailed  models  to  represent  the  33/230  kV  transformer  and  the  55  km 
transmission  line.  The  transformer has  a  Y‐Y  configuration  and  consists  of  three  single 
phase units. The no load current is 1 %. The no load and copper losses are 0.003 pu and 
0.002 pu respectively. 

The  conductor  arrangement  of  the  line  is  as  shown  below.    Use  the  frequency 
dependent phase model to represent the line. 

G1 G2
10 [m] C2
10 [m]

C1 5 [m] C3

10 [m]

Tower: 3H5
30 [m]
Conductors: chukar
Ground_Wires: 1/2"HighStrengthSteel

0 [m]

Fig.1. 230 kV Transmission tower. 

18 / 72
 Timed Three Phase
Breaker RMS Voltage Meter
Logic BRK1B
Open@t0
3 Phase
RMS
Timed
Breaker
Logic 230 kV
BRK1C GT230
Open@t0
Voltage support
Cap. Bank
BRK2 Line_01 BRK3
Wind
a I2 BRK1A I1
Farm #1 #2
E2 E1

Ph
Line_01 Line_01

RRL

F
Timed 60.0
Breaker
Logic

V
P2 BRK3
Open@t0

RL
Q2 Q2
Timed
Timed Fault
I1 Breaker Logic
Logic BRK2
Open@t0
E1 E1 Fault inception - 0.4 s and at 0.404 s

Fig.2. Two‐area system model for a transient study. 

Inrush Study: 

T3.3 Open the breakers #2 and #3. The transformer is energized on no load by closing 
the breaker #1. Close breaker 1 at 0.15s and observe the inrush currents.  

T3.4  Add  a  1  Ohm  resister  in  series  with  the  33  kV  winding  and  observe  the  results. 
What effect does the resistance have on the decay of the inrush current? 

T3.5  Does  the  breaker  closing  instant  influence  the  magnitude  of  inrush?  Close  the 
breaker at 0.1535 s and observe the current on phase A. 

T3.6 Enable the ‘single pole operation’ mode of the breaker. Close the poles at instants 
when the voltage of the respective phase is at a maximum. Observe results. 

T3.7 What situation would cause the transformer to saturate on both halves of a voltage 
cycle? 

Save the case! 

The case should be saved as T_03_b.psc before proceeding. 

19 / 72
Line Energizing Study: 

T3.8 Close breaker # 1 and open breaker # 3.  Include the multiple run component to 
control the operation of breaker #2 which is initially open. The closing instant B1 derived 
from the multiple run.  

1 Meas-Enab
E1
. 0.15 +
1 Ch. 1 . V1 D + B2
overvoltage.out B1
F
. B1

Multiple
Run

Fig.3. Multiple run component for breaker control. 

T3.9  The  breaker  closing  instant  (B1)  should  be  changed  for  each  run.  The  breaker  is 
opened 0.15 s after its closing operation. Set the multiple run to switch for 10 sequential 
points on a 60 Hz waveform. Record the peak voltage E1 at the receiving end. 

Save the case! 

The case should be saved as T_03_c.psc before proceeding. 

Lines on the same right of way: 

A  130  km  transmission  line  connects  the  Generating  Station  C  and  Station  A.  This  line 
runs  parallel  to  the  55  km  line  between  Station  A  and  the  Wind  Farm  for  20  km  from 
Station  A.  The  generating  voltage  is  stepped  up  to  the  transmission  level  through  an 
11/230 kV, Y‐Y bank. 

T3.10 Extend the model to include the 130 km line and the generator as shown in figure 
4. The transmission lines are arranged in a sub page as shown in figure 5. 

Save the case! 

20 / 72
 Station C
11/230 kV, 500MVA
Z=0.08 PU Three Phase
RMS Voltage Meter

RL RRL #1 #2
3 Phase
Zpos = 0.01 Ohms at 89 deg. Line_03 RMS
Zzero = 0.011Ohms and 80 deg.

Timed
Breaker
BRK3 Logic
Closed@t0
T lines
230 kV
GT230
Timed Line_01 Voltage support
Breaker Line_02
Logic BRK2 Cap. Bank
Closed@t0 Line_03 BRK3
I1
BRK2 E1

Ph
E2 BRK4
Line_01 Line_02

F
I4
60.0
E4

V
Timed
Fault
Logic

Fig.4. Three area system 

Line_01 Line_02

Line_01
Line_02

Line_03

Line_03

Fig.5. Line arrangement inside the sub‐page. 

T3.11  The  voltage  behind  the  equivalent  source  impedance  of  the  voltage  source 
representing the 4 generators at Station C is 12 kV at 21 degrees. 

T3.12 Use the Mathcad worksheet to verify results. 

T3.13 Change the configuration of  the 11/230  kV transformer to represent a D‐Y  unit. 

Adjust the 11 kV source angle to reflect this change. 

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Tutorial 4 – Wind Generator model and a Soft Start mechanism 
for the Generator. 
T4.1  Create  a  folder  called  c:……/PscadTraining/T_04.  Save  the  case  T_03_c.psc  as  
T_04_a.psc. 

The wind turbines in the wind farm are driving induction generators operating at 33 kV. 
The total MVA of the station is 100 MVA. Replace the equivalent source with a detailed 
model of an induction generator. Assume all generators at the wind farm are operating 
under identical conditions. The induction generator connection is shown in figure 1. 
External rotor
resistance

Rrotor

Rrotor

Rrotor
Wind...
TIME DIST

+
Rrotor
10
Q1 P1
Rrotor
ohm

P
Power
StoT 0

A
0 WIN W
1.0
IM
S Iabc
StoT a
TL
A TIN
-0.8 Ctrl = 1

-0.5 B
Ctrl 340 [uF]

DIST

Fig.1. Induction generator. 

T4.2 Close breaker #1 at 2 s. Keep all other breakers closed. Assume the machine speed 
is at 1 pu before closing breaker A. Has the power flow changed?  

T4.3  Calculate  the  value  of  the  shunt  capacitance  required  to  maintain  the  original 
power flow. See Mathcad calculations. Lower the time step to 25 us. 

T4.4  Will  the  system  be  stable  if  a  sudden  wind  gust  causes  the  input  torque  to  the 
machine to increase by 60% (or 80 %)? 

Save the case! 

The case should be saved as T_03_b.psc before proceeding. 

22 / 72
T4.5 Discuss how a small wind generator maybe connected to the system. 

Using BRKA appropriately, connect the wind generator to the system at 1 s. 

T4.6 Note the line currents on the system side when the wind farm is connected to the 
system.  Change  the  initial  speed  of  the  machine  to  0.6  pu  and  re  run  the  simulation. 
Note the current transients. 

A Soft Starter shown in figure 2 is used to limit the starting currents when connecting 
the induction generators to the system.  The back to back thyristors are used to control 
the  voltage  applied  to  the  machine  while  its  speed  builds  up.  The  firing  angle 
characteristics are given in the table in the file ‘softstart.txt’.  Model the circuit shown in 
figure 2. The firing controls for the thyristors are shown in figure 3. 
FP1 1
2

[Windfarm] ANG
T

ANG

BRK_SW
T
2

FP3
FP2
2

TIME 1
BRK_SW
T

BRK_SW
T

A Ctrl = 1
2

FP5 ANG
FP4 B
2

180.0 ANG1
Ctrl
T

BRKA
BRK_SW
T
2

FP6

Ea
BRKA
NA Eb NB
Timed
Breaker Ec
Logic BRKA
Open@t0

Fig.2. Soft Starter. 

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 THYRISTOR FIRING PULSE
CONTROL CIRCUIT

ANG_2 ANG_3
H H
ANG_1
H
L L
L
2 2
2 FP3 FP5
FP1 ANG1 ANG1
ANG1 ANG_2 ANG_3
H H
ANG_1
H

D + + L D + + L
+ L
D + F 2 F 2
F 2 FP4 FP6

180.0

180.0
FP2
180.0

Va Va Va
Ea Eb Ec
Vb PLL ANG_1
theta Vb PLL ANG_2
theta Vb PLL ANG_3
theta
Eb Ec Ea
Vc Vc Vc
Ec Ea Eb

Fig.3. Firing controls. 

T4.7 Observe the starting currents with and without soft start. 

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Tutorial 5 – Including a machine model in a simulation. 
T5.1  Create  a  folder  called  c:……/PscadTraining/T_05.  Save  the  case  T_04_c.psc  as  
T_05_a.psc. 

T5.2  Use  the  methods  discussed  in  the  supplementary  exercises  to  replace  the  11  kV 
source model with a detailed hydro generator model.  

T5.3  Enter  the  ratings  of  the  machine  to  reflect  the  500  MVA,  11  kV  unit.  (This  may 
represent a number of identical units operating in parallel). 

T5.4 Include the generator controls in the simulation. 

T5.5  The  voltage  magnitude  and  the  phase  angle  of  the  11  kV  source  are  used  to 
initialize  the  machine.  Observe  the  power  flow  and  explain  the  reasons  for  minor 
differences. 

T5.6 Try using suitable control methods to adjust the machine power flow to the original 
values. 

T5.7 How do we model a thermal generator? 

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Tutorial 6 – Doubly fed induction machine model. 
T6.1  Create  a  folder  called  c:……/PscadTraining/T_06.  Load  the  library  file 
dqo_new_lib.psl.  Load  the  cases  T_06_a  and T_06_b.psc  given  to  you  with  the  course 
material. Save this file in your T_06 folder. 

T6.2 Understand the basic concept of the double fed connection.  

T6.3 Identify the role of different control blocks in the model. 

T6.4  Are  all  models  in  the  control  system  found  in  the  master  library?  Can  the  user 
define custom components and use then along with standard models from the master 
library? 

T6.5 Verify the operation of the two cases. 

D
+
Va -
C
* 1 phisx
A
Isa 0.037 sT sT X mag
alfa G r to p
D + Valfa 1 + sT Vsmag phsmag
- B 3 to 2 Y
Vb Transform Y phi
C G sT X
* beta Vbeta 1 1 + sT phis
C
Isb 0.037 D sT phisy
+
Vc -
C
*
Isc 0.037

Stator flux vector

slpang

A Ira_ref Iraa
D alfa alfa
Rotor
to Stator 2 to 3 B
Transform Irb_ref Irbb
Q beta beta
C Irc_ref Ircc

Rotor reference currents

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 Transient Recovery Voltage Across
Breaker Poles
(TRV)

Prepared by: Dharshana Muthumuni

Date: August 2005
Revision: 2
Date: Feb 16, 2007

27 / 72
Breaker TRV Studies - Tutorial 1

Objective:
Fundamental aspects of Breaker TRV
Selection of time step
Influence of stray capacitance
Influence of loads and losses (resistance)
IEEE defined breaker capability curves
TRV under fault and normal switching conditions and use of multiple run

T1.1 Open the case T_03_a.psc that was completed in Tutorial 3. Rename this as
T_03_a_trv.psc. Keep breakers #1, #2 and #3 closed and the capacitor banks open. Run
the case and make sure the power flow is as expected.

T1.2 Apply a three phase fault to ground at 0.4s. The duration is 1s.

T1.3 Open breaker #3 at 0.44 s. Observe the voltage across the breaker poles.

T1.4 Discuss the reason for TRV. Now lower the time step to 2 us and observe the
results. This will make clear that for TRV studies, a small time step is necessary.

TRV_ENV(+) TRV_ENV(-) Ea TRV_ENV(+) TRV_ENV(-) Ea

20 20.0

15.0

10 10.0

5.0
0
0.0
y

-5.0
-10
-10.0

-20 -15.0

-20.0

-30 -25.0
0.0200 0.0220 0.0240 0.0260 0.0280 0.0300 0.0320 0.0340 0.021820 0.021825 0.021830 0.021835 0.021840 0.021845 0.021850

Fig.1. Breaker TRV and the IEEE TRV limits

T1.5 In TRV studies, the stray capacitances near the breaker must be modeled
adequately. How do we determine these values?
T1.6 IEEE standards (IEEE C37.011) define the TRV capability curves for different
breakers. These limits depend on a number of factors.

 Breaker voltage rating

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  Fault current rating

 Actual fault level

Open the two PSCAD included with the course material. The two cases are
TRV_Case_01.psc and TRV_Case_02.psc. TRV_Case_02.psc is from a low voltage
distribution system of a utility in Florida. It was used to identify TRV issues and to
identify corrective measures.
T1.7 Observe how the IEEE TRV limits are simulated.
T1.8 What are the measures available to reduce TRV levels?

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 Large Industrial Loads – Induction
Motor Transients
Objectives:

Induction motor starting

Motor data
Voltage dips and fluctuations - Flicker
Motor starting methods
Motor load types
Soft starting
Reading data from external files
Control blocks
Power electronic switches

Prepared by: Dharshana Muthumuni

Date: August 2005
Revision: 2
Date: Feb 16, 2007

30 / 72
Induction Machine Dynamics/Transients - Tutorial 1

T1.1 Connect a 13.8 kV, 15 kA induction motor to an infinite bus through a transformer
and a breaker. The infinite bus voltage is 66 kV.

Pmot Qmot

Q
P
Power
A

B
W
0.0
IM
S Is
0.0 #1 #2
BRK 0.001
TL
TIN
13.8 kV,2.2 kA motor
50.19 MVA, Inertia(J)= 2.2 pu BRK

*
W TIN

T1.2 The load torque applied to the motor is related to the motor speed. Derive a control
block that will generate a torque signal that is proportional to the speed. (TIN = k*w)
T1.3 The motor is to be switched on to the supply using a breaker. Use a ‘two state’
switch to send a signal to the breaker.
T1.4 Observe the starting characteristics. Plot the line current, speed, Electric and
mechanical torque and the terminal voltage at the machine.
T1.5 What could cause the motor be driven into a generating mode.
T1.6 Load the case ind_motor_starting_01.psc.
This case models the loads of an industrial plant. Identify different components in the
model.
T1.7 Note the voltage dip during motor starting. Is this a power quality concern?

T1.8 What methods can be employed to limit starting transients?

T1.9 What could cause the motor be driven into a generating mode.

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T1.10 Induction motor transients can lead to serious power quality issues. The simulation
example in case ind_motor_starting_01.psc illustrates the voltage dips seen by the other
loads connected to the transformer. Load and run this case.
a) Does additional rotor resistance affect the starting transients?
b) See the effect of rotating inertia and mechanical damping on the transients.
c) What are the typical loads types (characteristics) that are encountered in
industry applications?

T1.11 Load the case ind_motor_starting_02.psc. Note the load torque profile. Observe
the voltage variation at the load terminal.
FP1

1
2

T
BRK_SW
T

FP3
FP2
2

BRK_SW
T

FP5
FP4
2

BRK_SW
T

FP6
BRK

a1 A Ea a2

b1 B Eb b2

c1 C Ec c2

Fig.2. Soft starter

T1.12 Soft starting methods such as that shown in Fig 2 are used to limit the starting
current of large induction machines. Discuss the current limiting mechanism of this
scheme. Load the case ind_motor_starting_03.psc.
a) What is the role of the PLL?
b) How are signals transmitted from the main page to the sub page?
c) Can PSCAD read data from external files? List a few applications where this
can be useful?
Verify the operation of the soft switch.

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 Fast Front Studies

Lightening Strike

Objectives:

Representing stray capacitances

Representing arresters
Representing Bus-bars
Representing long lines
Positioning of Arresters

Prepared by: Dharshana Muthumuni

Date: August 2005
Revision: 2
Date: Feb 16, 2007

33 / 72
Fast front studies - Tutorial 1

T1.1 The circuit shown below represents the arrangement of a transformer sub-station.
This model is used to study the over voltages at a transformers terminal during a
lightning strike on a station bus bar.

Stray capacitance
Stray capacitance of equipment
of equipment

0.0006

0.0006

0.0006

0.0003

0.0003

0.0003
1 km Transmission Line
90 m Station Bus 10 m Station Bus
1 1 1 1 1 1

TA1 TA1 bYC1 bYC1 bYC2 bYC2

Va Vtf
TA1 bYC1 bYC2

0.0027

0.0027

0.0027
350.0

350.0

350.0

P
Approximate surge
impedance Steep Front
line termination Surge
Arrester Winding Capacitance for
ABB EXLIM Surge 220 kV Autotransformer
N Arrester 192 kV (approximate)

e Bx B

0.5
- * To account for the fundamental
TIME * frequency voltage component,
+ 1.02 Lightning Current
the dc source is set to peak
F ac volts.
e Bx

Simple Lightning Surge 1.2*50 Usec:

I = 1.02*I1 * [ EXP(-13000 * t) - EXP(-4.4E6 * t) ]

Fig.1. Circuit for lightening study

T1.2 Identify different components of the model

T1.3 How do you represent the transformer? Where do you obtain the data?
T1.4 How are transmission lines and cables represented for the purpose of this study?
Can we justify this representation?
T1.5 Does the position of the arrester have an impact on the over-voltage at the
transformer? Place the arrester at the transformer terminal and observe the over-voltage.
T1.6 What does the dc source represent?
T1.7 How do we model the lightening surge? How do we define parameters for the
surge?

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 Ferro-Resonance Investigation

Objectives:

Transformer parameters
Saturation
Selection of the simulation time step

Prepared by: Dharshana Muthumuni

Date: August 2005
Revision: 2
Date: Feb 16, 2007

35 / 72
Ferro-resonance - Tutorial 1

T1.1 Open the case ferroresonance.psc. This case is used to study a ferro resonance
event during a breaker malfunction.

30MVA Distribution Transformer

System Equivalent 230kV/13.2kV, Delta/Wye-Gnd
Source Representation Ztx=7.65%

VbusA VPriA VSecA

3 Phase A A COUPLED A A A
Eq. Source PI 30 [MVA]
LINEA
with VbusB SECTION VPriB VSecB
z1 and z0 B B B B B
#1 #2
LINEB
VbusC VPriC VSecC
C C C C 230.0 13.2 C
LINEC

230 kV, 20 mile Transmission Line

Timed
Breaker Disable saturation
BRKC

BRKB

BRKA

LINEA Logic and re run

Closed@t0
0.0015

0.0015

0.0015

50 MVAr @ 230kV Timing for Line Breaker

1.5mH Outrush Reactor Timed Phase A: Closed (stuck)

Breaker Secondary Load
Logic Phase B: Opens at 100mSec
LINEB
Closed@t0 Phase C: Closed (stuck)
Output Voltages
0.350 [MW]
2.51

2.51

2.51

Timed
Breaker
LINEC Logic
Closed@t0

Fig.1. Circuit for Ferro resonance Case Study

T1.2 Check the data entry for transformer saturation. What do different entries represent?
T1.3 Include transformer losses. Do you see a change in results?
T1.4 Open the capacitor banks. Are the results different?
T1.5 Change the line length and observe the results?
T1.6 What effect does the load have on the over voltage transients?
T1.7 Are the transients sensitive to the transformer core characteristics?

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Faults and Current Transformers and
Relays

Prepared by: Dharshana Muthumuni

Date: August 2005
Revision: 2
Date: Feb 16, 2007

37 / 72
Faults and Current Transformers and relays - Tutorial 1

Objective

Getting familiar with models related to fault simulation.

Getting familiar with different CT models.

T1.1 Create a new case by using either the Menu or Toolbar. A new case should appear
in the Workspace settings entitled noname [psc]. Right-click on this Workspace settings
entry and select Save As… and give the case a name.
NOTE: Do not use any spaces in the name!
Create a folder called c:……/PscadTraining/Faults. Save the case as case01.psc

T1.2 Open the main page of your new case. The single line diagram shown below is a
part of a substation feeding a shunt reactor. The reactor is modeled in two parts to enable
a falut at point B, inside the turns. The component data is as shown. (make the
transformer losses zero to limit the number of nodes if using the student version)

Station 115 kV
bus
Short line
#1 #2
RL RRL
0.005 0.1 Ea

115 kV,50 Hz Source

EL
Z+ = 1.1Ohms / 88 deg Y-D Transformer Station 13.8 kV
Z0 = 2 Ohms / 86 deg Z = 8% bus
Full load loss = 0.3%
No load loss = 0.5%

REACTORS IL

Ir2 Ir1
0.0125 B 0.0125 A

You may use the wire mode to connect different components.

T1.3 Build the case in PSCAD and enter the component data.

T1.3 Plot the current IL and the voltage EL.

T1.4 Use the ‘fault component to simulate a phase A to ground falut at location A at 0.1s.

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 Timed
Fault
Logic

T1.5 Observe the fault curent, IL. What is the reason for the presence of the initial DC
exponential component?

T1.6 What affects the rate of decay of the DC components. Change the resistance of the
short line to 1 Ohm and observe the results.

T1.7 Does the instant of the fault inception have an effect on the DC offset.?

T1.8 What negative impacts can the DC offset have on the system protection.?

T1.9 Connect the phase A line current at point A to the CT model as shown below. The
CT ratio is 5:400. The CT burden is 0.15 Ohms in series with 0.8mH. Plot the secondary
current and the flux density.

IL1

Burden resistance
1 and 0.1 Ohms

T1.10 Increase the burden resistance to 4 Ohms and observe the results. Note the half
cycle saturation effects due to the dc offset in the primary current.
T1.11 The reactor is protected by a differential relay scheme. Use the 2-CT model in
PSCAD to connect one phase of the reactor protection scheme.

Ir11

Ir21

T1.12 Verify the burden current in the differential CT connection for faults at A and B.
T1.13 Does the impedance of the connection leads have an effect on the results.? How is
this impedance accounted for.?
T1.14 Open the case ftdiff.psc. Check the performance of the differential relay during
transformer energization.

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Faults and Current Transformers and relays - Tutorial 2

Objective:

Getting familiar with models in the ‘Relay’ section of the master library.

T2.1 Create a new case by using either the Menu or Toolbar. A new case should appear
in the Workspace settings entitled noname [psc]. Right-click on this Workspace settings
entry and select Save As… and give the case a name.
NOTE: Do not use any spaces in the name!
Create a folder called c:……/PscadTraining/Faults. Save the case as case02.psc

T2.2 Open the main page of your new case. Construct the simple two area system shown
in the diagram. The voltage sources are set to 230 kV. The inputs to the page module
‘Relay’ are all real data inputs.

0.1 0.1
I1
E 8.0 0.08 2.0 0.02

Timed
Fault
ABC->G Logic

Ic
I1 1 2 3 Ic
Ia Ib Ic Ib
Ib
E 1 Ia Relay Expand this page to view the
Ea Ia relay components
Ea
Ea

T2.3 Use the modules in the ‘relay’ section of the master library to construct a simple
distance relay. The different modules are shown below.

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 FFTto extract the
fundamental
Mag
(7) 1 Impedance calculation
FFT
Ph EaM
Ea (7) 1 VM
dc EaP EaM VP
F = 60.0 [Hz]
EaP IM Va R
Mag IaM IP X R
(7) 1 IaP I0M I + kI
FFT a 0 N
IaM I0M I0P X N/D
Ph
Ia (7) 1 I0P
376.99 D
dc IaP
F = 60.0 [Hz]

Ia Mag
B (7) 1
FFT
+ Ph I0M
IbD + + (7) 1 21
R
F dc I0P R
F = 60.0 [Hz]
Ic
X
X
Mho
Ia
Characteistics
Ib
Ic
Ea

T2.4 Identify the function of each module.

T2.5 Verify the operation of the relay.

41 / 72
 Power Quality

Electric Arc Furnace Model

Prepared by: Wang Pei

Date: February 2007
Revision:
Date:

42 / 72
 Electric arc furnace model

The developed EAF model is based on the non-linear differential equations as outlined in
[1], which models the non-linear characteristics of the electric arc as pictured in Fig. 1a.
The equations representing the arc voltage (v) to arc current (i) are shown below, where r
is the arc radius:
dr k 2
k1  r  k 2 r dt  r m32  i
n

v k 3
i
m 2
r
The parameters ki, r and n characterize the arc under a given operating condition. In
reality, this V-I characteristic shows much more “noise” due to the unpredictable and
chaotic nature of the load. Fig. 1b shows a more realistic EAF V-I characteristic.

Main : XY Plot

X Axis Y Axis
I2 V2

100
+y

75

50

25

-x +x
0

-25

-50

-75

-y
-100
-1.50 -1.00 -0.50 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50
Aperture Width 2.5550660793
0.000s 20.000s Position 11.661

(a) Ideal (b) Actual

Fig. 1 Ideal and actual V-I characteristic of an EAF

Arc Data Setting:

Parameters k1 to k3 can be selected to obtain the EAF settings, such as active power,
reactive power and power factor close to what were measured in the practical system. As
the EAF model is sensitive to the system connected, parameters k1 to k3 may need to be
re-tuned if the system configuration changes. The EAF model is designed to be able to
take the inputs parameters as variables so the optimization routines of PSCAD can be
used to expedite the process.

Modulation Type setting:

The randomness feature of the EAF model is simulated by adding certain sinusoidal and
Gaussian noise. The magnitude/frequency of sinusoidal modulation and the standard

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deviation of Gaussian function can be specified. Each phase can be independently
controlled.

It is important to note that it is impossible to get a simulation case to match the observed
results perfectly due to the nature of the problem. The important thing is to capture the
essential features and the trends of a practical arc furnace.

Reference:
[1] “A Harmonic Domain Computational Package for Non-Linear Problems and its
Application to Electric Arcs,” E. Acha, A. Semlyen, N. Rajakovic. IEEE Transactions on
Power Delivery,Vol 5, No.3, July 1990.

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 FACTS DEVICES

Active Filters

Instantaneous Reactive Power Method

Synchronous Reference Frame Method

Prepared by: Dharshana Muthumuni

Date: August 2005
Revision: 2
Date: Feb 16, 2007

45 / 72
Facts Devices - Tutorial - l

Objective:
Getting familiar with power electronic firing models
Getting familiar with control system building block models
Active filter theory

T14.1 Open the two PSCAD cases provided with the course material. The two cases are:
Activefilter_SRF.psc
Activefilter_IRP.psc
They are located in the folder named ‘Active_filter’

T14.2 The main loads on both these case produce significant harmonics. Study the
different models used in the control circuit for the variable speed drive in
Activefilter_IRP.psc.

T14.3 Study the control technique used in both IRP and SRF methods.

T14.4 Study how the current reference PWM is implemented to in the active filter bridge.
What is the function of the interpolated firing pulse module?

0.002
1
2
3
2
4 (1) G11
5
H_on 6 2
6 H (2) G21
ON
6 2
L (3) G31

H_off 6 2
H (4) G41
OFF
6 2
L (5) G51

2
(6) G61

Fig.1. Integrated firing pulse module

T14.5 Change the parameters of the filters in the control circuit of the active filter and
see the change in response. Can we use FFT to extract the frequencies of interest?

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 PSCAD BASIC TRAINING

Synchronous Machines
Exercises 1 - 2

Prepared by: Dharshana Muthumuni

Date: August 2005
Revision: 2
Date: Feb 16, 2007

47 / 72
Exercise 1

One machine infinite bus case

E1.1 Open the case case_01_startup.psc.

Tim er 3 Phas e
LRR RMS

Tim er
S2M
EF

17.32

V
IF

60.0

0.01

F
C

A
Ph
Ef0 Ef If
A Iffa A
HydroGener

B Iffb B
Te

C Iffc C
Tm
w Tm Tm 0
W TM

0.495

E1.2 How do you start the machine as a ‘voltage source’. How do you switch from a
‘voltage source’ to a machine rotating at a fixed speed? How do you enable the rotational
dynamics of the machine ?

E1.3 What are the functions of signals Ef0 and Tm0 of the synchronous machine model.

E1.4 Set the machine initial voltage magnitude to 1.04 pu and the phase to 0.75 rad.

E1.5 Run the case and note the Power and Reactive Power levels at steady state. Also
measure the input torque Tm and the field voltage Ef at steady state.

E1.6 Start the machine in the normal ‘machine’ mode and observe the results.

E1.7 Use the steady state Tm and Ef values in E5.5 as inputs to Tm and Ef. Start the
machine in the ‘machine’ mode. Observe results.

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Exercise 2

Initializing the machine to a load flow

E2.1 Open the case Gen_Pqini_startmetds_01.psc.

S/H
in out
hold

S2M

Vref0 Vref 3 Phas e

Exciter_(AC 1A) R MS
VT
Ef0 IT 3
Ef If
EF

IF

0.01
C

A
Ef0 Ef If VT 3
IT A Iffa A
HydroGener

B Iffb B
Te

C Iffc C
Tm
w Tm Tm 0

TM

W Tm s tdy
w w Tm
z z
Hydro Gov 1 Hydro Tur 1
z0 zi
Wref Wref
1.0

E2.2 Make sure the machine is rated at 150 MVA, 17.32 kV. It should be connected to an
infinite bus rated at the same voltage through a transmission line of inductance 0.01 H.
E2.3 Calculate the machine terminal voltage in PU and the phase angle in radians, if the
steady state power and reactive power flow is 54 MW and 27 MVar respectively.
E2.4 Set the machine initial conditions so that the simulation will give the correct steady
state P and Q flow.
E2.5 How are the governor, turbine and the exciter initialized?
E2.6 Start the machine as a source and simulate the case.
E2.7 Start the simulation with the machine in the normal ‘machine’ mode. What
additional initial conditions are to be supplied to the machine?

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 PSCAD ESSENTIAL TUTORIALS

Synchronous Machine Application Studies

Prepared by: Dharshana Muthumuni

Date: August 2005
Revision: 2
Date: Feb 16, 2007

50 / 72
Two area power system:

Twoarea_system.psc

This case shows two hydro generators connected through a tie line. When the system load
changes, the tie line power is determined by the governor droop settings.
Check if the machine inertia affects the results.
Changes the droop settings to see the effects.

Small signal stability:

Ex_Smallsignal.psc
Ex_Smallsignal_exciter.psc
(The machine parameters and the system parameters are as given in the book, Power
System Stability and Control by Prabha Kundur.
The steady state P and Q values are 0.9 and 0.3 respectively.
The oscillation frequency, upon a small disturbance is around 1 Hz and agrees with the
Eigen Value calculation.)

These cases illustrate the oscillations in a system when a small disturbance is applied.
The oscillation frequencies are in agreement with frequency domain Eigan value
calculations.
Does machine parameters affect the oscillation frequency?
Does the machine inertia affect the oscillation frequency?
Does the load flow condition effect the oscillation frequency?

Critical clearing time for faults:

Ex_fault_exciter.psc
Critical clearing time for this fault is 0.1 if the regulator gain is over 400. For values less
than 400, the system becomes unstable. Try different fault clearing times and exciter
gains to see how they are related.

Power System Stabilizer:

Ex_pss_tune.psc
The system shown in this case is unstable if run without a power system stabilizer. Run
the case with a constant field voltage and see if the system is stable. This will verify that
the instability is due to the exciter action.
Can we make the system stable by reducing the exciter gain?
Design a power system stabilizer (PSS) to minimize the speed change upon a disturbance.
Use the optimization method of PSCAD to design the PSS parameters.

51 / 72
 CONVERSION OF LOAD FLOW
DATA FILES

Direct Conversion of PSS/E Files for PSCAD

Model Building

Prepared by: Pei Wang

Date: Feb. 2006
Revision:

52 / 72
Conversion of load flow dats files – Tutorial -1
Direct conversion of PSS/E files

Objectives:

Getting familiar with building large systems in PSCAD

Using E-TRAN to convert PSS/E data files
Guidelines to determine detailed network for EMT study
Validation of developed model

T1.1 Create two cases with E-TRAN for the IEEE 39 bus systems: one using only the
.raw file and the other including the dynamic data .dyr file.
- Practice with the selection of zone/area/bus/proximity/
- Network equivalences
- Manual modifications required for EMT study purpose

Fig. 1.Single line diagram of IEEE 39 bus system

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T1.2 E-TRAN Runtime Library for PSCAD and custom substitution libraries
- Series components (Tline/Transformer) and shunt components (generator)
- Use of the sample substitution library
EnabExc
VREF
VCT Enab Vref

0.0 IEEET1
VS VS
Ef0
3
EF0 E VT
G EF IF 3IT
Exciter VREF 1 + sT Ef0 Ef If 1 VT G Vm
Ef If A
is loadflow term inal voltage... V 1 + sT
E E
VREF TE Te
0.9972 Volts (pu)
4.1825 Angle(deg) GENROU E
Tm
632.0 / 1.0 Pout(MW)
w Tm
109.911 / 1.0 Qout(MVAR) E Wpu TM Tm 0 G TM0
Initial Conditions from Loadflow
1 + sT
W TM
TM0
IEEEG1
EnabGov
Enab
E Wref

1.0 WRef
Fig. 2: Detailed machine mode in the substitution library for EMT study

T1.3 Method to determine the kept system (frequency scan)

Fig. 3 Frequency scan results at interested bus

T1.4 Model verification.

- Comparison of P, Q, V
- Short circuit data

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Converting a Solved PSS/E Case to PSCAD for Transient Simulations
Many utilities have their power systems modeled in load flow programs. A great deal of
effort is required to re-enter network data for transient simulation studies in
Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) type programs. This application note describes the use
a new tool that allows for an automated setup of PSCAD simulation cases by directly
importing data from solved PSS/E load flow cases, thus maximizing the simulation
engineer productivity. Some helpful tips are also provided on how to ensure the validity
of the transient study by effectively selecting the size of the subsystem to be simulated in
PSCAD. Some key points addressed here are:

 Direct conversion of the PSS/E file: Basic steps

 E-TRAN Runtime Library for PSCAD and E-TRAN custom substitution libraries

 Network equivalences

 Guidelines to determine the extent of the network to be modeled in detail

 Model validation

 Importing dynamic data from the PSS/E *.dyr file

The IEEE 39-bus system (see Figure 1) is used as the base case to illustrate the PSS/E to
PSCAD conversion process. The IEEE 39-bus system is a standard system used for
testing new power systems simulation methodologies. It was created based on a
simplified model of the New England power system. The 39-bus system has 10
generators, 19 loads, 36 transmission lines and 12 transformers.

The conversion of the system into PSCAD is achieved through E-TRAN, a program
developed by Electranix Corporation. In addition to converting PSS/E data into PSCAD
cases, this program offers many powerful features that could be manipulated by the
simulation engineer to reduce the time spent on a study. The software’s most relevant
features are outlined in this document.

55 / 72
 BUS29
T
E_26_29_1 P = 975.2
Q = 54.56
V = 1.026
230.0 : 230.0
GEN

GEN
1 A

9
8
E V

Q = 22.96
P = 551.2

V = 1.04
BUS28 BUS38

A
V
T T
E_26_28_1 E_28_29_1
100.0 P,Q
E Load VBUS38
25.0

BUS37 BUS26 VBUS29

230.0 : 230.0
VBUS37 VBUS26

25.0
100.0
T T

1
GEN E_25_26_1
100.0 P,Q E_23_24_1

E
10 25.0 E Load

E Load
P,Q
V = 1.052
Q = 163.6
P = 253.9

T VBUS28
BUS25 GEN
E_26_27_1
A
V

100.0 BUS24 6
P,Q
VBUS25 25.0 E Load

V = 1.059
Q = 235.6
P = 681.8
VBUS24

25.0
100.0
BUS30

A
V
T
230.0 : 230.0

VBUS30 E_2_25_1 T

E Load
VBUS27 E_16_24_1
BUS27 BUS35

P,Q
1
E

VBUS18 100.0 P,Q

BUS18 25.0 E Load VBUS35

230.0 : 230.0
BUS2 BUS16
25.0
100.0

1
E_17_27_1
100.0 P,Q

E
VBUS2 T VBUS16 25.0 E Load
E_17_18_1 T
T E_16_21_1
E Load

T E_3_18_1 T
E_2_3_1 E_15_16_1 T
P,Q

E_16_19_1 VBUS22
T BUS21 BUS22
E_16_17_1

VBUS17
VBUS21 T
BUS3 BUS15
E_21_22_1
BUS17 BUS19 T
100.0 P,Q
VBUS15 E_22_23_1
25.0
100.0

VBUS3 25.0 E Load 100.0 P,Q

VBUS19 E Load
25.0
T BUS23
E Load

E_3_4_1 T

230.0 : 230.0

230.0 : 230.0

25.0
100.0
E_14_15_1
P,Q

T
E_1_2_1 VBUS23

1
E

E
T

E Load
E_4_14_1

230.0 : 230.0
BUS4

P,Q
BUS14

1
100.0 P,Q

E
VBUS4 E Load
25.0
VBUS14
BUS20 BUS33
T 25.0
E_4_5_1 Load E
P,Q 100.0 VBUS20 VBUS33 BUS36

Q = 133.8
P = 662.4

V = 1.007

V = 0.06819
Q = 101.5
P = 573.7
A
V
230.0 : 230.0
VBUS36

A
V
BUS5

1
E
GEN
BUS1 VBUS5 4 GEN
E

7
<-- 100 -->

VBUS1
T-Line
Line1

T BUS34
E_13_14_1
VBUS34
BUS6

Q = 164.5
P = 535.2

V = 1.018
BUS12

A
V
T VBUS6
T 100.0 P,Q
E_1_39_1 VBUS12
E_5_8_1 T 25.0 E Load
E_6_7_1
GEN
230.0 : 230.0

230.0 : 230.0

T 5
E_6_11_1
BUS7
1

1
E

E
25.0
100.0

VBUS39
230.0 : 230.0

BUS39 T
E_7_8_1
E Load
Q = 114.2

1
P = 743.8

V = 1.029

BUS11 BUS13
P,Q
A
V
25.0
100.0

BUS8
E

VBUS13
<-- 100 -->

<-- 100 -->

VBUS8 VBUS11
25.0
100.0

T-Line

T-Line
Line1

Line1
E Load

T
P,Q

GEN E_9_39_1
1 BUS31
E Load

T
E_8_9_1
P,Q

VBUS31
25.0
100.0

BUS10
E Load

BUS9 VBUS10
P,Q

230.0 : 230.0

VBUS9
1
E
Q = 235.7
V = 0.9961
P = 529.7

A
V

BUS32
Q = 226.8
V = 0.9918
P = 697.9

VBUS32
GEN
A
V

2
Slack Bus
GEN
3

Figure 1 Single line diagram of the IEEE 39 bus system in PSCAD

Converting the base PSS/E Case to PSCAD

When converting a case from the PSS/E load flow data file (*.raw) and dynamic data file
(*.dyr), E-TRAN allows for several options that provide enhanced flexibility to the final
user.

To convert the *.raw/*.dyr files, start the E-TRAN program. The pop-up dialog will
prompt the user through the conversion steps (see Error! Reference source not found.).
The user will have to specify the location of the *.raw/*dyr data files and the target *.psc
file. In the next dialog, the user will specify if the entire network is to be ‘kept’ or if only
a specific part is kept and the rest equivalenced. In most transient studies there is no
added benefit in modeling the details of the network beyond a few buses away from the
location of main interest. E-TRAN allows for the system to be partially or fully converted
(all its nodes) into PSCAD.

56 / 72
 Figure 2 E-TRAN dialog boxes

The conversion process will generate a PSCAD (*.psc) file in the specified location. The
network equivalent sources will have their magnitudes and phase angles automatically set
for the same power flow as in the original PSS/E file.

57 / 72
 E-TRAN Runtime Library for PSCAD
The E-TRAN Runtime Substitution Library (see Figure 3) contains a series of models
specially developed for PSS/E-PSCAD conversions that translates PSS/E component
information into equivalent PSCAD component information. The E-TRAN Runtime
Substitution Library is provided with the program and contains the models that will
appear in the converted PSCAD case. To run the converted PSCAD case:

 Open PSCAD

 Load the E-TRAN Runtime substitution library

 Load the PSCAD case

 Verify the load flow results

Figure 3 E-TRAN Runtime library for PSCAD

Custom Substitution Libraries and data entry

Load flow programs represent the power system network using simplified models
consisting of resistances, inductances and capacitances. When converted to a PSCAD
case, these components can be replaced by more detailed models to represent the
respective unit. Therefore, depending on the user needs, some of the models
automatically substituted from the E-TRAN substitution library may require additional
data or may have to be replaced by more complex models from the PSCAD master

58 / 72
library. Fortunately, E-TRAN allows the user to create a user substitution library where
any additional information will have to be entered by the users only once, when the
component is used the first time.

An example that calls for the use of the custom substitution library could be a
transmission line, where the PI section or the Bergeron models used to represent it may
have to be replaced by a more accurate frequency dependant model, which will require
specific information on the tower, conductor and right of way dimensions.

In the custom substitution library the user can predefine the substitution of a specific
system component to be done with a pre-filled out PSCAD master library component (or
a user built component) by referencing to the bus number they are connected to (see
Figure 4)
E
~
Source1

Syncronous m achine
at bus 159

T
B_456_ B_822_T1

A detailed frequency dependant TLine

From bus 456 to bus 822, Circuit T1

Figure 4 Examples of ‘custom substitution library’ components

“You can save detailed device data in this library, and E-TRAN will use this data (substituting it for the simple load
flow data) every time a region of the network is converted into PSCAD. The goal is to eventually have all detailed
model data entered into this library. Once this is achieved, this library can be used to generate PSCAD cases for any
location of your system.

The models in the Substitution Library can also be custom written components, or even page components. A page
component can also have as many layers of sub-pages as required. Each page can also contain sliders, plots, graphs,
control-panels etc... When E-TRAN copies the data from your Substitution Library, it will also replace initial condition
information. For example, E-TRAN will modify synchronous machine data to replace the data for the terminal voltage,
angle, P and Q.”

The construction of the custom library will require a significant investment of time for
large networks. However, once it is completed, you can convert any part of your network
without having to do any manual data entry. This was identified as a key time saving
feature by large utilities and consultants who are required to work on different parts of
large networks when undertaking different projects.

59 / 72
 Deciding on the Part of the Network to be Kept
A transient study would require the detailed modeling of a small part of the network
around the main point of interest. Typically, this would be about 2 or 3 buses away from
this point. E-TRAN allows the users to efficiently decide and check if the ‘kept’ network
details are adequate for a given study. The following steps are recommended. This makes
use of the ‘network frequency scan’ component of PSCAD (see Figure 5).

 Convert the PSS/E file to PSCAD, keeping the details 2 or 3 buses away from the
main point of interest and equivalencing the rest.

 Use the frequency scan component of PSCAD to plot the impedance vs.
frequency characteristic of this system at the bus concerned.

 Reconvert the PSS/E file, this time, keeping the details of one more bus away
than in the earlier step.

 Plot the impedance vs. frequency characteristics of this system at the bus
concerned and compare with the first plot.

 Repeat the process until the differences in frequency characteristics are minor in
the frequency range of interest. Adding more details of the network beyond this
point is unlikely to improve results.

Z(f)

0.0 -
2000 [Hz]

Figure 5 PSCAD Frequency Scan component

60 / 72
 Figure 6 Frequency scans 2, 3, … 6 buses away at bus No. 15 for the system under study

Figure 6 shows the use of the frequency scan feature. Here different network equivalents
were constructed using E-TRAN for the IEEE 39 bus system at bus No. 15 for 2, 3, … 6
buses away (with 6 buses away comprising the whole network). These network
equivalents were created using the load flow data file only (*.raw). It can be observed
that the frequency spectrums of the equivalent networks start providing a good
approximation for the whole network starting at ‘4 buses away’.

Validation
A quick method to validate the simplified equivalent system provided by E-TRAN is to
compare the values calculated by PSCAD for node voltages, transmission line load flows
or P, Q flows at generation busses with the ones previously calculated by PSS/E. For
such purpose, use the multi-meter to display the voltage at the node of concern and the P
and Q flows in the respective transmission line. Then, display the same information for
such node in the PSS/E load flow utility. The converted PSCAD case will have auto
generated labels that display the P, Q flows at generation buses. Figure 7 shows the
PSS/E and PSCAD results for the voltage magnitude and angle at node 15 as well as the
P and Q flows for the nodes 15 to 16 transmission line.

61 / 72
 PSS/E Loa d Flow output
BUS 15 LBUS15 345 AREA CKT MW MVAR MVA %I 1.0154PU -7.75 DEG
1 350.31KV
TO 16 LBUS16 345 1 1 -314.7 -151.7 349.3

P1 : ...
V15 Angle

V15_Ang

P = -314.7
-7.74857
Q = -151.7
Z(f) LBUS15 V = 1.015
N15 T
A E_15_16_1
0.0 - V
2000 [Hz]

Figure 7 Comparison of load flow results between PSCAD and PSS/E

Short-circuit level calculation at certain buses for the converted PSCAD case is also
recommended. The short-circuit results can be compared to those from the PSS/E study
or utility system data for validation purpose. Once the PSCAD system has been validated,
it is ready to be used for transient studies.

Importing Dynamic Data from the .dyr File

During the conversion process the user can specify to import dynamic data from the
PSS/E *dyr file. If this option is selected, all generators in the ‘kept’ part of the network
will be replaced by detailed machine models (see Figure 8). The machine controls and
related models (exciter, governor, PSS, turbine) will also be included in the PSCAD
model. All information necessary to initialize these models will either be imported from
the *raw/*dyr files or be computed by E-TRAN. Thus, the simulation will automatically
come to the specific steady state after a few cycles of simulation time.

62 / 72
 EnabExc
VREF
VCT Enab Vref

0.0 IEEET1
VS VS
Ef0
3
EF0 E VT
G EF IF 3IT
Exciter VREF 1 + sT Ef0 Ef If 1 VT G Vm
Ef If A
is loadflow term inal voltage... V 1 + sT
E E
VREF TE Te
0.9972 Volts (pu)
4.1825 Angle(deg) GENROU E
/ 1.0 Tm
632.0 Pout(MW)
w Tm
109.911 / 1.0 Qout(MVAR) E
Wpu TM Tm 0 G TM0
Initial Conditions from Loadflow
1 + sT
W TM
TM0
IEEEG1
EnabGov
Enab
E Wref

1.0 WRef

Figure 8 Detailed synchronous machine model automatically generated by E-TRAN with

parameters taken from the PSS/E *.dyr and *.raw files

63 / 72
LBUS01 LBUS02 LBUS03 LBUS04
T T T
N1 N2 N3 N4 500.0 P,Q
E_1_2_1 E_2_3_1 E_3_4_1
184.0 E Load
322.0 P,Q
2.4 E Load
LBUS18
T
N18 158.0 P,Q
E_3_18_1
30.0 E Load
LBUS25 LBUS26
T T
N25 N26 139.0 P,Q
E_2_25_1 E_25_26_1
17.0 E Load
224.0 P,Q
47.2 E Load
GBUS37
345.0 : 22.0 E
1 N37 540.0
0.445 ~
E VN37 E_37_0_1
GBUS30
345.0 : 22.0 E
1 N30 250.0
146.154 ~ P = 522
E VN30 E_30_0_1 Q = 176
GBUS39 LBUS09 LBUS08
T T T
N39 N9 N8 522.0 P,Q
E_1_39_1 E_9_39_1 E_8_9_1 A
176.0 E Load
VN39 V
1104.0 P,Q
250.0 E Load
1000.0 E
88.281 ~
E_39_0_1

Figure 9 IEEE 39 bus system converted to PSCAD for bus No. 1 (3 nodes away)

A subsequent validation document will discuss the conversion process in more detail.
This will include a discussion on importing dynamic devices, saturation and comparison
of low frequency transients with transient stability results.

References

[1] Electranix Corporation “E-TRAN V1.1: Electrical Translation Program for Power
Systems. User’s Manual” February 2003

Prepared by:

Juan Carlos Garcia

Dharshana Muthumuni

Pei Wang

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 PSCAD ADVANCE TRAINING

Tutorial on Creating Custom Components

Prepared by: Dharshana Muthumuni

Date: August 2005
Revision: 2
Date: Feb 16, 2007

65 / 72
PSCAD Advanced Training - Tutorial 1

Adder

Purpose:
To get familiar with the Component Workshop (or the design editor).
Create input/output nodes.
Get familiar with the graphic, Parameters and the script sections of the editor.

Create a library file.

Use the component workshop to create a simple control block to do the following
computation.

K1  A  K 2  B  C

A and B - External inputs

K1 and K2 – Internal parameters
C – Output

Include the component in a case and verify its accuracy

Modify the component so that K1 and K2 can be entered as variables.

Verify the modified component.

A
Adder C
B

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PSCAD Advanced Training - Tutorial 2

Integrator

Purpose:
Calling external subroutines.
Storing data for computations in following (future) time steps.

The block should perform the following function

y   xdt
x – input
y – output

To keep things simple, use ‘rectangular integration’.

y (t )  y (t  t )  x (t )  t

This will require the storage of ‘past’ value of y.

Allow for the input of initial value of y.
Use an external FORTRAN Subroutine to do the calculations.

Integrator

x y

67 / 72
PSCAD Advanced Training - Tutorial 3

Electrical Component – Transformer (coupled wires)

Purpose:
Design an ‘electrical’ component.
Using ‘branch’ and ‘transformer’ sections of the ‘script’

Design a model of two magnetically coupled wires.

The model is to be interfaced with other electrical components in the master library.

The inductances and resistances are the inputs.

va   La Mab d ia   Ra o  ia 

vb    Mab Lb  dt ib    o Rb ib 
        

Use the ‘transformers’ section to enter the L and R values.

Connect the model to a source and verify the model.

a1 a2

b1 b2
Two coupled
wires with capacitance

Use the ‘Branch’ section to add ‘stray capacitance’ between the wires on the input side.

68 / 72
PSCAD Advanced Training - Tutorial 4

Electrical Component – A simple DC Machine

Purpose:
Interface an electric component as a voltage source. (Branch based interface)

Design a simple model of a DC machine.

Field circuit - Series L and R

Armature circuit – A series branch of L, R and a voltage source of magnitude Eb.

Eb  k _   w
w  speed

k _ 
150
188.5
 
1  e if / kf
if – Field current
kf – Input parameter (constant)
The inductances and resistances are the other inputs.

f1 f2
a1
Simple
DC Machine
a2

69 / 72
 FORTRAN CODES
Integrator:
!
SUBROUTINE INTEGRATOR(x,y,YINI)
!
! Purpose - integration of a real signal
! Language - Fortran 77/90
! Date -
! Author -
!
! Include Files
! -------------
INCLUDE 'nd.h'
INCLUDE 's1.h'
INCLUDE 'emtstor.h'
!
! Variable Declarations
! ---------------------
REAL x,y,YINI
REAL YOLD
INTEGER ISTORF
!
! Program begins
! --------------
! ISTORF = NSTORF
NSTORF = NSTORF + 1
! it is good to assign NSTORF to ISTORF and
! have all the user assigned STORx locations at the
! top, then you can even use the other functions
! available in EMTDC in your code without worrying
! about which STORx locations are
! used by them
YOLD = STORF(ISTORF)
! here NSTORF points to the first STORF location
! used in the routine, in the old method in V2, NEXC
! pointed to the last STOR location in the previously
! called subroutine/function.
Y = x*DELT + YOLD
! output at time zero
IF (TIMEZERO) THEN
Y = YINI
ENDIF
! save the data for next time step
STORF(ISTORF) = y
!
RETURN
END

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 Simple DC Machine:
SUBROUTINE SIMPLEDC(Kf,w,A1A2,F1F2,SS)
!
! Dharshana : 04 Aug 2002
!
INCLUDE 'nd.h'
INCLUDE 's0.h'
INCLUDE 's1.h'
INCLUDE 's2.h'
INCLUDE 'branches.h'

REAL Kf,Ifld,w,k_pi
INTEGER A1A2,F1F2,SS

! Activate the source on branch A1A2

SOURCE(A1A2,SS)=.TRUE.

!
! Read the field current and the armature current during the previous time step

Ifld=CBR(F1F2,SS)*1000

!
! Define the noload excitation charactersitics for the machine
!
k_pi = (150/188.5)*(1 -EXP(-Ifld/Kf))
!
EBR(A1A2,SS)=-k_pi*w/1000
!

RETURN
END
!

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That concludes the Introduction to PSCAD and Applications course. Thank

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