January 2011

Sneak Peek into ETAP® Solar Array Module

The upcoming release of ETAP now includes a solar / photovoltaic (PV) array module that can be used to design solar farms as well as utilize real-time power applications for solar farm operations and performance reporting.

The new solar array module is designed as an integrated part of the existing mature and robust power system simulation modules – Load Flow, Short Circuit, Protective Device Coordination, Arc Flash, Transient Stability, Harmonics, Underground Raceways, Ground Grid Systems, etc., that are required as part of solar farm design and equipment sizing.


ETAP Solar / PV Array module includes:

• Detailed Array and Inverter Modeling
• Multiple Inverter Modes of Operation
• Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT)
• Comprehensive PV Array Library
• Performance Adjustment Coefficients
• Convenient Representation of PV Farms for Large Grid Scale Analysis

Combined with ETAP Real-Time^™, the solar array module is an essential part of the Distribution Management System (DMS), Generation Management System (GMS) and all-encompassing Smart Grid Solution. ETAP Real-Time balances renewable energy integration including wind and solar technologies. It allows power grids to move away from Just-In-Time (JIT) energy (generate power as and when needed or load following generation). Power grids can have better planning and control over generation and make more informed decision irrespective of variations in renewable energy production.

For more information on ETAP Solar / PV Array module, contact sales@etap.com.

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ETAP Automation™ Expands into Europe with Opening of Netherlands Office

ETAP Automation, an Operation Technology company, has expanded its operations into Europe with the opening of its latest office near Rotterdam, Netherlands.  The new office increases ETAP Automation’s ability to offer local sales, support, and training services to its fast growing base of customers and prospects in the region.

Corporations in Europe have been strong adopters of ETAP solutions, particularly in engineering and design, manufacturing, transportation, power generation, and utility sectors.

ETAP Automation’s office in the Netherlands will serve as the hub for working with existing and new ETAP customers as well as partners and representatives throughout Europe.

ETAP is the most widely used electrical engineering software in the power industry globally and is fully localized in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.  Additionally, each language edition has output reports available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and German; output reports can be generated in all of the supported six languages regardless of localized edition.

ETAP Automation has been considering ways to better engage with European customers and partners and this latest development is only the first step in the planned line of expansion in the region.  Its presence in Europe is a key component of a global operation strategy.

The European expansion follows on the heels of ETAP Automation growth into the Middle East, India, and North America.  Read the full press release.

The new ETAP Automation office in the Netherlands is located at:

ETAP Automation B.V.
Hoekeindsehof No 6
2665 JZ, Bleiswijk
Netherlands
Tel: + 31 10-522-4878
Fax: +31 10-522-4879
Email: info@etapautomation.com

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Module of the Month: Motor Starting & Acceleration Software

ETAP’s motor starting and acceleration software enables engineers to calculate motor acceleration time and the voltage impact of motor starting on electrical power systems. The motor acceleration module is fully capable of starting individual motors or transitioning an entire electrical power system to another state.

In addition, it utilizes comprehensive libraries and detailed modeling of induction and synchronous motors for dynamic motor starting simulation and motor acceleration.

Finally, the motor starting and acceleration module offers detailed reporting of motor starting calculation results in Crystal Reports, one-line view display, and plots.

After motor starting calculations are completed, ETAP checks for any abnormal operating conditions, and automatically identifies marginal /overstressed devices, and generates a summary of alerts based on user-defined alert settings.

Motor Starting Analysis Software Key Features

• Dynamic motor acceleration
• Static motor starting
• Voltage flicker
• Motor & load dynamic models
• Conventional reduced voltage starters & soft starting devices
• Multi-sequence starting
• Load & generation transitioning
• Comprehensive alert & warning
• Motor operated valve (MOV) simulation

To see a tutorial on ETAP motor starting and acceleration, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wARmPN32Thg.

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Focus On: ETAP Automation India Pvt. Ltd.

ETAP Automation India started its full-fledged operation in July 2010. ETAP Automation India manages the sales of ETAP products in India and serves as an engineering and support center for ETAP customers and partners in the region. ETAP Automation India specializes in integration and implementation of ETAP Real-Time™ power management system as well as offers value-added engineering consulting & analytical services.

With a long term commitment to customers in India and the surrounding region, ETAP Automation has launched offices in three strategic locations in India. Each office is structured and equipped with a strong technical base comprising of electrical and controls engineers. With over 20 employees, ETAP Automation’s highly qualified and experienced staff deliver support and sales solutions based on industry demands.

ETAP Automation recently participated in India Electricity 2010 and successfully showcased ETAP products and solutions focused on Power System Simulation, System Automation, Power Management System, Distribution Management System, Smart Grid Solution, Renewable Energy (Solar and Wind generation).

ETAP Automation India will continue to grow and bring global best practices, experience and implementation skills to the Indian Power sector as a services and support oriented company.

Visit etapautomation.com

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ETAP Remains the Electrical Software of Choice for the Nuclear Power Markets

ETAP continues to be on the Approved Supplier List for nuclear facilities following the recent successful audit by the Nuclear Procurement Issues Committee (NUPIC).

NUPIC evaluates suppliers to high standards of quality and its members include all domestic U.S. nuclear utilities and several international members. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), for example, relies on the effectiveness of the NUPIC audit process for evaluating the quality assurance programs of suppliers to the nuclear industry. ETAP has earned its place on the NUPIC Approved Supplier List continuously since 1991.

ETAP is used in 94% of U.S. nuclear power generation plants for the design, simulation, and operation of their electrical power systems, in addition to being in use at many other nuclear plants worldwide. ETAP is Verified and Validated (V&V) against field results, real system measurements, established programs, and hand calculations in order to ensure its technical accuracy. Each release of ETAP undergoes a complete V&V process using hundreds of test cases for each and every calculation module.

The purchase of an ETAP nuclear package allows our users to periodically assess our quality system, and currently, our clients audit our program several times a year. All audits have resulted in continued compliance. The recent NUPIC audit is another example why ETAP remains the electrical software of choice for both the nuclear and commercial power markets.

Visit our Quality Assurance page for more info.

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ETAP User Groups – A Valuable Local Forum for Power Engineers and Managers

An ETAP User Group is a valuable resource for power engineers and managers who want to delve into the intricacies of ETAP by hearing and learning from other ETAP users in their local area. ETAP User Groups are also organized to provide information and interaction among potential users. User groups are established in various locations worldwide and, if there isn’t one in your locale, you are invited to start one yourself. Visit http://etap.com/industries/etap-user-groups-list.htm to find a user group near you or to learn more on how to start one.


Here are some recent user group activities that took place in Southern California:
The ETAP Southern California User Group met December 7, 2010, to hear a presentation on an ETAP Real-Time implementation at a major mining facility. The presentation discussed a case study as how a large mining facility utilized ETAP Real-Time – Power Management System and Intelligent Load Shedding solutions to gain visibility of their electrical network and improve the operations by minimizing down time.

Meeting attendees saw how ETAP Real-Time saves the mining company a substantial amount of money by monitoring and predicting energy activities and situations that ultimately reduce downtime by a major factor. To learn more about ETAP Real-Time, visit http://etap.com/real-time/real-time-software.htm.

On November 17, 2010, the Southern California ETAP User Group heard from guest speaker Daleep Mohla, a recognized P.E. and IEEE Fellow.

ETAP users and clients came to learn about “Considerations When Applying High Resistance Grounding to Reduce the Possibility of an Arc Flash Event.” Mr. Mohla also presented possible upcoming changes to NFPA 70E 2012 and how they may affect Arc Flash Analysis. Mr. Mohla gave a captivating and informative presentation on the dangers inherent in electrical engineering and the criticality of effective fault analysis.

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Congratulations to our Newest Solution Providers

We want to congratulate our three newest partners under the ETAP Partner Program; they represent a truly global perspective.

ETAP continues to expand its work with qualified Solution Providers and System Integrators wanting to use the industry standard electrical engineering software. For further information on ETAP’s Partner Program, please see http://etap.com/partner-program/partners-overview.htm.


Roettger Engineering – An ETAP Solution Provider partner from Florida that has been involved with ETAP’s annual Nuclear Symposium as a presenter, and has developed and enhanced ETAP models for a number of nuclear stations. This company’s expertise includes steady state, dynamic and transient analysis of electrical power systems. Roettger Engineering Inc. is a licensed ETAP facility and provides power system analyses and calculations for nuclear power plants. (roettgerengineering.com)

PetroPro – An ETAP Solution Provider partner from Egypt that has performed work for companies such as WNPOC and Qarun Petroleum. PetroPro excels at data collection verifications and testing, short circuit analysis, and load flow studies. PetroPro is also active in the training field. (petroproegypt.com)

Soluzioni & Impianti (S&I) – An ETAP Solution Provider partner in Italy that provides engineering services, consulting and installation of electrical systems and maintenance of renewable energy. S&I conducts studies of power grids in accordance with international standards (ANSI / IEEE, IEC), providing solutions and expert assistance in all phases of design. They have used ETAP for specialized studies of the electrical network as load flow, short circuit currents, starting motors, protective device coordination and dynamic stability, and have been involved with firms such as GE Oil & Gas and Linde AG. (soluzionieimpianti.it)

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