Analytical Services

We provide complete analyses of project-specific problems and will investigate and determine the sensitive parameters, calculate, and present alternative solutions or offer consultation to implement an effective solution. Engineering Consulting Services uses a streamlined conceptual design process to identify multiple design concepts to the point where they can be evaluated objectively. The concept that survives the evaluation process is subjected to a detailed engineering design in preparation for system modeling.

Feasibility studies are done to establish a workable, economical, and reliable configuration for the electrical power station. Other factors to be considered in this type of study include ease of maintenance and operation, minimum power loss, interchangeability of equipment, and capability of future load/generator addition.

Existing system data and one-line diagrams are used to develop a preliminary ETAP system model. The preliminary (skeleton) model is set up and tailored for various system studies. The model is then completed through job site surveys where all data pertinent to the specified studies are verified. In some cases system data is available through a third party database where ETAP Data Exchange Services can be employed to transfer or synchronize data to and from your ETAP model.

Analysis to establish equipment rating for short circuit capabilities and relay coordination studies for better continuity of services under upset conditions. Short circuit analysis is carried out based on guidelines set by ANSI as well as IEC standards

Arc Flash Analysis estimates the arc flash incident energy under a bolted three-phase short circuit fault and determines the flash protective boundary to live parts for shock protection. The Arc Flash Analysis is conducted in conjunction with the ANSI/IEEE and IEC Short-Circuit Device Duty calculations and maintaining compliance with the latest OSHA, NFPA70E, and IEEE 1584 standards.

Studies to plot time-current curves of protective devices in the power system. The objective of the study is to protect each component against system faults and failures while selectively isolating faults with the minimum system disturbance.

Analysis to effectively maintain power voltage and power levels to prevent overloading, brownouts, and under/over voltage conditions.

Studies to determine flickering levels, excessive voltage dips, and motor torque adequacy.

Analysis to calculate the ampacity and/or operating temperatures of cables in various raceway systems. Scope of the analysis may also include accurate prediction of cable pulling forces is essential for the proper design of cable systems. This knowledge makes it possible to avoid under-estimated and/or over conservative design practices to achieve substantial capital savings during construction.

To determine step and touch potentials to evaluate shock hazards in substations or other ground mat environments.

Studies to determine the stability and continuity of services under various system disturbances and to establish necessary load shedding requirements where applicable.

Studies to identify unacceptable voltage distortion and frequencies where harmonic amplification caused by nonlinear loads are present. To evaluate the effectiveness of harmonic filters and tuning reactors.

To determine and evaluate system voltage profiles and component loading conditions, the ratings of system protective devices, and the appropriate size of the battery for a selected load duty cycle.

Based on the existing failure rates and outage duration times, the objective of this study is to evaluate the probability of electrical components in performing their intended purpose adequately during the system lifetime and under the various operating conditions encountered.

The statistical availability of different subsystems within the electrical system is determined and their effects on the overall system availability is reported.

Studies to strategically place capacitors for voltage support and power factor correction while minimizing installation and long-term operation costs.

Using an intelligent load flow that employs techniques to automatically adjust the power system control settings, ETAP can provide device settings to optimize operating conditions within specific system constraints.