» June 2011

June 2011

Product of the Year: Intelligent Load Shedding (ILS)

ETAP Intelligent Load Shedding (ILS) has been selected as product of the year. ILS provides a full spectrum of solutions for system stability protection, steady-state overload protection, demand control, and safe restoration after a load shed condition. Some of the features that this module offers include:

Centralized optimization (minimum load shed) of the load shedding system
Easy integration to new & existing protection & control networks
Fast (few milliseconds) & optimal response to electrical & non-electrical disturbances
User friendly interface for monitoring & update
Power demand control
Overload protection for transformers, feeders, & generators
Load restoration
Integrated load shedding dynamic & steady-state simulation for a complete validation

Intelligent load shedding utilizes predictive analysis and complete system model to calculate the minimum required power to be shed for each subsystem according to the type and location of the disturbance, actual operating generation, spin reserve, loading, configuration, load distribution, and priority. Intelligent load shedding then selects the best combination of loads that will satisfy this requirement.

ILS is a proven technology applied in a number of industries including mining, off-shore platforms, FPSO’s, cement, refineries, and more.

For more information visit etap.com

25^th Year Anniversary! ETAP Continues to Make A Worldwide Impact on Power System Analysis & Automation

In 1986, the first version of ETAP power system analysis and design software was released. Since then, major milestones and achievements by the company include nuclear certification, the development and launch of ETAP Real-Time™ Power Management System, ISO 9001 certification and Nuclear / High Impact Software, ETAP Smart Grid Technology, and continuous improvements in software features and functionality up to and including the upcoming release – ETAP 11.

Market share growth of ETAP into all sectors of industrial and commercial power systems has been consistently strong. OTI has grown to be the world’s largest power system analysis software company, supported by an expert team of engineers and scientists, and experienced sales, marketing, and support staff.

Over the past decade, the rapid growth of ETAP has resulted in the establishment of ETAP Automation™ and subsidiary offices worldwide, including Europe, the Middle East, China, and India. These Operation Technology group of companies offer local and regional sales and support of ETAP using highly-qualified teams of authorized representatives and partners.

OTI is committed to not only producing the most comprehensive power system available, but to educate users about the myriad of functionalities available in ETAP. To this end, OTI offers training courses around the globe that cater to various levels of ETAP skill and familiarity. Each course is taught by a certified ETAP engineer so that students can gain maximum benefit from ETAP software.

Farrokh Shokooh, President and CEO of OTI notes, “Our mission has always been to provide state-of-the-art products and superior engineering services. We have achieved this by combining advanced technologies with the highest standard in quality while making our customers’ needs a priority. We will continue to develop innovative and flexible software solutions for the power industry that enable our customers to obtain their technology objectives.”

New ETAP – TVA Power Simulation Lab Opens at University
of Tennessee Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC) College of Engineering and Computer Science department recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the new ETAP-TVA Power Simulation Lab. Many school, business, and government officials were on hand to participate in the dedication, including Dr. Farrokh Shokooh, President and CEO of Operation Technology Inc. (OTI), the developer of ETAP.

UTC had received a donation of 40 ETAP licenses to augment students’ knowledge and experience with power system design, modeling, and analysis and prepare them for post-education employment or entry into graduate school. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) initiated the idea of a power lab and partnered with OTI to make it a reality.

The partnership with TVA and ETAP is a demonstration of a commitment to developing outstanding engineering and computer science graduates. Students develop specialized skills directly applicable to the electric utility field and many other industries.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at UTC is the region’s principal resource for educational, applied research, and service programs. It recently was awarded a $2.4 million grant from the Department of Energy to prepare electric power sector employees for smart grid applications and increase the number of engineers from undergraduate and graduate programs to support smart power applications.

ETAP is the most widely used electrical engineering software in the power industry, which means UTC students will have real-world, hands-on experience during their studies. The ETAP contribution will provide them with the innovation to develop the energy solutions and technologies of tomorrow.

One of the World’s Largest Wind Farms Using ETAP Real-Time™

One of the World’s Largest Wind Farms Now Using ETAP Real-Time™

The Colorado Green Wind Farm is a 162 megawatt operation that was originally modeled and designed with ETAP power systems software.

Existing electrical telemetry devices were connected to the ETAP intelligent one-line diagram and metering elements, such as GE Universal Relays, were added to the offline model. This system configuration allows the ETAP Real-Time system to continuously capture and record wind farm operating data. The system detects potential threats by determining the source of potential problems and advises on corrective actions to avoid interruptions and the costs associated with them.

The issue of wind farms losing interconnection with the power grid due to power quality issues is common to a number of wind projects throughout the world. Each time a wind farm disconnects from the power grid, generation is unavailable for a significant period. ETAP Real-Time monitors the voltages and power flows throughout the wind farm network and combines ETAP simulation tools to assist operators in understanding the events that caused an outage. Thereafter, it can test and verify the appropriateness of the solution prior to deploying any changes.

Root cause & effect analysis tools were supplied in order to perform a faster power system triage. With complete system visibility through monitoring and integrated predictive simulation tools, ETAP Real-Time can quickly analyze and provide feedback to the wind farm operator who can then implement appropriate countermeasures.

For more information about ETAP Renewable Energy solutions visit etap.com

Attention U.S. Federal Government Agencies:
ETAP is an Approved GSA Schedule Product

For years, ETAP has been part of GSA Schedule 70, Contract Number GS-35F-0416T issued to Operation Technology, Inc. (OTI), the developer. ETAP’s GSA schedule offers a broad range of information technology, including software solutions, and technical and professional services.

As a GSA Schedule Vendor product, government customers can obtain special and approved pricing and license terms.

OTI has been serving the federal government for more than 15 years, providing a variety of technology and business solutions to the Department of Energy, NASA, Department of Defense, Army Corps of Engineers, Navy, Air Force, and civilian agencies.

United States government institutions and its Armed Forces are most cognizant of the strategic importance of a healthy electric power system. These electrical systems play a vital role on existing as well as next generation combat and transport vehicles. Designers and engineers working on cutting-edge projects demand a software solution that would enable them to conceptualize their model, simulate the integrity and security of the system, analyze the results with accurate reports and manage the electrical system with added real-time capability. ETAP meets these needs. With modules like Intelligent Load Shedding to optimize load preservation onboard vehicles, ETAP can reduce downtime for critical loads and provide a robust load management system through its use of a highly evolved neural network.

OTI is constantly adding products and services to the GSA schedules to keep the technology current and to offer the best price/performance in hardware and software products. Along with the superior product suite, the GSA schedules also provide installation and maintenance services that can assist users in planning and implementing a solution or system. Any government agency can buy from these schedules.

For ordering questions or additional information on our products and services, contact GSA@etap.com

ETAP 101 in China August 2 & 4

ETAP 101 training is a practical one-day session to learn about the latest features and capabilities of ETAP enterprise solution software for power systems. It is open to all non-users and new customers of ETAP interested in learning about state-of-the-art tools for analysis, design, and operations of electrical systems. Dozens of ETAP 101s have taken place across the world.

On August 2 and on August 4, two ETAP 101s will be held in Beijing, China, and Wuhan, China, respectively. Dr. Farrokh Shokooh, President and CEO of Operation Technology, the parent company of ETAP, will deliver the keynote address. Among his topics will be a look at the next software release, ETAP 11.

Participants are encouraged to sign up early as space is limited. As a bonus, attendees will be entered in a drawing for a free ETAP license (Attendees must be present to win.)

Learn more about the China 101 trainings here.

Focus On: Workshops & Training

ETAP power system software is a comprehensive set of tools for electrical engineers. A multitude of training courses on ETAP have been designed to familiarize you with the capabilities and functionality of the software.

ETAP training courses and workshops are tiered by skill level, length, and topic to accommodate your schedule. Potential topics to learn about include power system automation, an extensive look into our short circuit software and arc flash software and general overviews of our electrical software.

ETAP recognizes that users are spread all over the world and, as such, holds training courses worldwide to accommodate users no matter where they might be. ETAP courses are separated by skill level, length, and topic to cater to the various wants and availabilities of ETAP users.

Whether you’re an advanced user or a potential user of ETAP, there is a course specifically designed to meet your needs and expertise. The courses are taught by certified ETAP engineers that are more than willing to assist you in reaching the next level of ETAP proficiency. Find a course that suits you and join in on learning about ETAP power engineering software. Learn about the various types of training here.

If you already know what you’re looking for, find a training session near you on the ETAP website!