From Keentel Engineering

Power System Studies Process

Transmission-Level HV & EHV Engineering Methodology

High-voltage and extra-high-voltage (HV/EHV) systems demand a disciplined, multi-platform engineering workflow. Keentel Engineering follows a structured study process using PSS®E, PSCAD, ETAP, and DIgSILENT PowerFactory to deliver ISO-ready, compliance-aligned, and technically defensible results.



Our methodology is built for utilities, renewable developers, EPC firms, and large industrial operators requiring transmission-grade validation.

Phase 01

Project Initiation & Study Matrix Development

Every engagement begins with clearly defined objectives and modeling boundaries.

Scope Definition

• Establish POI-to-grid modeling limits
• Define voltage levels and equipment ratings
• Identify N-0, N-1, and N-1-1 contingencies
• Include peak, light load, seasonal, and export scenarios
• Identify weak grid / minimum SCR cases (if applicable)
  

Software Allocation

Each study type is assigned to the appropriate platform:

Compliance Alignment

• Utility / ISO interconnection standards
• IEEE C37, C57, 1584, 519, 2800
• NERC standards (if BES applicable)
• ANSI / IEC duty verification
• NFPA 70E arc flash requirements
  

Phase 02

Structured Data Collection & Model Integrity

Accurate modeling depends on validated technical inputs.

Transmission & Dynamic Data

• Utility base case files (.sav, .raw, .dyr, PowerFactory)
• Line R/X/B parameters and ratings
• Transformer MVA, impedance %, vector group, tap range
• Generator / inverter dynamic models
• Plant controller models
• Reactive devices (SVC, STATCOM, capacitor banks)
• POI short-circuit levels
  

Facility & Protection Data

• As-built one-line diagrams
• Breaker interrupting ratings
• CT/PT ratios
• Relay types and firmware
• Cable lengths and conductor data
• Ground grid layout and soil resistivity
  

All assumptions are logged in a controlled Model Assumption Register for audit traceability.

Phase 03

Transmission-Level RMS Modeling

(PSS®E / DIgSILENT)

Base Case Development

• Import and validate utility base model
• Add POI, GSU, collector systems, and station buses
• Verify transformer vector groups
• Confirm per-unit base consistency
• Set machine capability curves and reactive limits
  

Power Flow & Contingency Analysis

• Flat-start load flow validation
• Voltage profile verification (0.95–1.05 pu)
• MW/MVAR balance review
• Equipment loading checks
• N-1 and N-1-1 simulations
• Violation documentation and corrective recommendations
  

Short Circuit Screening

• 3-phase and SLG fault simulations
• POI duty validation
• Generator and remote system contribution review
  

Transient Stability (RMS)

• 3ϕ POI fault simulations (4–9 cycles)
• Line outages and generator trips
• Frequency and voltage recovery analysis
• Oscillation damping assessment
• Ride-through validation per IEEE 2800 / PRC standards
  

Phase 04

EMT & Fast Transient Validation

(PSCAD / DIgSILENT EMT)

For inverter-based resources and weak grid applications, detailed EMT modeling is performed.

• Inverter switching model development
• Control block validation
• Transformer saturation modeling
• Frequency-dependent cable representation
• Breaker switching logic
• Weak grid stability (low SCR conditions)
• Transformer energization and inrush
• Switching surge and TRV analysis
• SSR evaluation (if applicable)
  

Controller tuning from RMS studies is validated in EMT environment.

Phase 05

Detailed Facility & Protection Studies

(ETAP / DIgSILENT)

Detailed Short Circuit (ANSI / IEC)

• 3ϕ, SLG, LL, and DLG fault studies
• Breaker interrupting and momentary duty verification
• CT saturation risk analysis
• Equipment withstand validation
  

Protection Coordination

• Distance protection (Zones 1–3)
• Transformer differential
• Breaker failure schemes
• Overcurrent backup
• TCC curve development
• Selectivity and grading margin confirmation

Arc Flash (IEEE 1584)

• Incident energy calculation
• PPE category determination
• Arc flash boundary definition
• Equipment labeling

Harmonics & Grounding

• Voltage THD and current distortion
• Resonance and filter adequacy review
• Ground grid step and touch voltage validation
• GPR assessment

Phase 06

Cross-Platform Validation

Consistency across modeling platforms is critical.

• Reconcile transformer impedance values
• Validate fault current magnitudes and X/R ratios
• Confirm POI strength consistency
• Verify controller dynamic response alignment
• Investigate mismatches exceeding engineering tolerance thresholds
  

Phase 07

Mitigation & Optimization

For identified violations, mitigation strategies are engineered and validated:

• Capacitor banks / STATCOM / tap adjustments
• Reconductoring or parallel circuit solutions
• Reactor installation or breaker upgrades
• Protection setting refinement
• Controller tuning (AVR, PSS, plant controller)
• Harmonic filter redesign
  

All mitigations are re-simulated to confirm compliance.

Phase 08

QA/QC & Final Deliverables

Independent technical review ensures defensible results.

QA/QC Review

• Model topology validation
• Protection logic verification
• Stability plot review
• EMT waveform review
• Arc flash clearing time confirmation
• Version control and case tracking
  

Final Deliverables

• Executive technical report
• Assumption register
• Violation summary & mitigation plan
• PSS®E / PSCAD / ETAP / DIgSILENT model files
• Stability plots and contingency reports
• TCC curves and arc flash labels
• Ground grid contour plots
  

All documentation is formatted for utility, ISO, and regulatory submission.

Explore Our Core Service

For full details on Keentel Engineering’s study capabilities, visit: Power System Studies Services.

Ready to Solve Your Power System Challenges?

The projects above demonstrate how Keentel Engineering delivers practical, compliance-driven solutions for complex electrical systems. Whether you are interconnecting a renewable plant, expanding an industrial facility, or managing grid reliability, our engineers provide accurate analysis and actionable recommendations through our core Power System Studies Services.

If you need support with harmonic analysis, load flow modeling, or protection coordination, we’re here to help.

Related Technical Articles & Resources

For deeper technical insights into power system studies, harmonic analysis, and grid compliance, explore these expert resources from Keentel Engineering:

About the Author:

Sonny Patel P.E. EC

IEEE Senior Member

In 1995, Sandip (Sonny) R. Patel earned his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois, specializing in Electrical Engineering . But degrees don’t build legacies—action does. For three decades, he’s been shaping the future of engineering, not just as a licensed Professional Engineer across multiple states (Florida, California, New York, West Virginia, and Minnesota), but as a doer. A builder. A leader. Not just an engineer. A Licensed Electrical Contractor in Florida with an Unlimited EC license. Not just an executive. The founder and CEO of KEENTEL LLC—where expertise meets execution. Three decades. Multiple states. Endless impact.

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About the Author:

Sonny Patel P.E. EC

IEEE Senior Member

In 1995, Sandip (Sonny) R. Patel earned his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois, specializing in Electrical Engineering . But degrees don’t build legacies—action does. For three decades, he’s been shaping the future of engineering, not just as a licensed Professional Engineer across multiple states (Florida, California, New York, West Virginia, and Minnesota), but as a doer. A builder. A leader. Not just an engineer. A Licensed Electrical Contractor in Florida with an Unlimited EC license. Not just an executive. The founder and CEO of KEENTEL LLC—where expertise meets execution. Three decades. Multiple states. Endless impact.