Power System Analysis Using ETAP (Electrical Transient and Analysis Program) Course

Lesson 1 • Power System Structure and Components

Covers generation, transmission, distribution, and load hierarchy. Establishes the physical framework that all ETAP models will represent.

Lesson 2 • Network Representation and Modeling

Explains single-line diagrams, bus models, and branch impedance representation. These concepts map directly to ETAP's one-line editor.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to Analysis Study Types

Surveys load flow, short-circuit, protection, and dynamic study categories. Provides context for the full ETAP workflow covered in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • ETAP Workspace and Navigation

Introduces the one-line diagram editor, toolbars, and study mode ribbon. Efficient navigation reduces modelling errors in all subsequent work.

Lesson 2 • Equipment Data Entry and Libraries

Explains how to enter nameplate data and use the ETAP equipment library. Accurate data entry is the single largest factor in result reliability.

Lesson 3 • Project Configuration and Settings

Covers project properties, system frequency, base voltage levels, and unit preferences. Correct settings prevent scaling errors throughout the project.

Lesson 4 • Building the One-Line Diagram

Teaches placement and connection of buses, branches, and equipment symbols. A complete one-line diagram is the prerequisite for any ETAP study.

Lesson 1 • Running and Reviewing Load Flow Results

Executes the solver and reads bus voltage, branch loading, and power flow reports. Result interpretation is the core deliverable of every load flow study.

Lesson 2 • Load Flow Reporting and Documentation

Generates formatted reports and one-line annotations for client and internal use. Professional documentation is required for engineering submissions.

Lesson 3 • Configuring the Load Flow Study Case

Sets up generation dispatch, load models, and transformer tap positions in ETAP. Proper study case configuration ensures results reflect the intended operating scenario.

Lesson 4 • Voltage Regulation and Reactive Power Control

Analyses voltage profiles and applies capacitor banks and tap adjustments to correct violations. These corrective techniques are standard engineering deliverables.

Lesson 1 • Short-Circuit Reporting and Compliance

Produces duty summary reports and documents compliance with applicable equipment rating standards. Reports support engineering sign-off and regulatory submissions.

Lesson 2 • Equipment Duty Verification

Compares calculated fault duties against equipment ratings for circuit breakers, fuses, and buses. Duty verification is a mandatory step in any power system design review.

Lesson 3 • Running and Interpreting Fault Results

Executes the short-circuit solver and reads momentary, interrupting, and steady-state currents. Correct reading of these values drives equipment selection decisions.

Lesson 4 • Configuring the Short-Circuit Study Case

Sets fault type, calculation method, and equipment contribution parameters in ETAP. Correct configuration determines whether results meet ANSI or IEC standard requirements.

Lesson 1 • Coordination Study Reporting

Produces coordination reports with TCC plots, device settings, and selectivity margins. Complete reports are required for utility interconnection and insurance reviews.

Lesson 2 • Modelling Protective Devices in ETAP

Enters relay, fuse, and circuit breaker data using the ETAP Star protective device library. Accurate device models are the foundation of valid coordination plots.

Lesson 3 • Time-Current Curve Analysis

Plots and evaluates TCC curves for device pairs along a fault current path. TCC analysis reveals coordination gaps and overlapping operating zones.

Lesson 4 • Ground Fault and Differential Protection

Configures ground fault relays and transformer differential protection in ETAP. These protection schemes guard critical assets not covered by overcurrent devices alone.

Lesson 1 • Motor Starting Theory and Challenges

Explains inrush current, voltage dip, and torque-speed characteristics during motor starting. Understanding these phenomena defines the acceptance criteria used in ETAP studies.

Lesson 2 • Running and Interpreting Starting Results

Executes the motor starting solver and reads voltage, current, and torque transients. Result interpretation determines whether the starting event is acceptable.

Lesson 3 • Transient Stability Fundamentals in ETAP

Introduces swing equation, generator models, and disturbance simulation for stability assessment. Stability analysis extends motor starting skills to system-wide dynamic events.

Lesson 4 • Configuring Motor Starting Studies in ETAP

Sets up motor models, starting method parameters, and simulation time steps. Correct configuration ensures the transient simulation reflects real starting conditions.

Lesson 1 • Harmonic Source Modelling in ETAP

Enters harmonic current spectra for nonlinear loads and configures the harmonic study case. Accurate source modelling is the primary determinant of harmonic study validity.

Lesson 2 • Harmonic Distortion Assessment

Calculates voltage and current THD at each bus and compares results against distortion limits. Compliance assessment drives filter design and equipment derating decisions.

Lesson 3 • Harmonic Filter Design and Verification

Sizes passive harmonic filters and verifies THD reduction and resonance elimination. Filter design is the primary corrective action when distortion limits are exceeded.

Lesson 4 • Frequency Scan and Resonance Detection

Runs frequency scans to locate impedance peaks indicating parallel resonance. Resonance detection prevents capacitor bank failures and equipment overheating.

Lesson 1 • Optimal Power Flow and Loss Minimisation

Uses ETAP's OPF module to minimise losses while satisfying operational constraints. OPF results support economic dispatch and network reconfiguration decisions.

Lesson 2 • Integrating Multiple Studies into a System Report

Combines load flow, short-circuit, coordination, and arc flash results into a single engineering report. Integrated reporting demonstrates system-wide compliance and supports design approval.

Lesson 3 • Reliability Assessment with ETAP RELSYS

Models system reliability using failure rates, repair times, and switching sequences. Reliability indices quantify system performance and guide redundancy investment decisions.

Lesson 4 • Arc Flash Hazard Analysis

Calculates incident energy and arc flash boundaries using ETAP's arc flash module. Results determine personal protective equipment requirements and labelling for all equipment.