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How to simulate high-voltage network faults in a cascaded transmission system using ETAP analytical tools

The aim of this project is to precisely simulate a pre-existing grid with ETAP using only the real-time model to adjust the parameters of each component to match the real system. If successful, ETAP Real-Time can serve as the basis for creating a virtual twin of a smart grid using only real-time measurements and basic knowledge of the network.
By Stefano Rivera Cardenas, UTEC University

This study conducted at UTEC (Universidad de Ingenier铆a y Tecnolog铆a, Peru) demonstrates how ETAP Real-Time can be used to replicate, tune, and validate a real high-voltage network model using experimental data obtained from a laboratory-scale 220 kV cascade transmission system. The project evaluates ETAP鈥檚 ability to build a virtual twin of the network capable of accurately predicting load flow, short-circuit behavior, and transient responses - with deviations consistently below 1.5% when compared to real measurements.

The University of Engineering and Technology (UTEC), also known as Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, is a private university located in Lima, Peru. Established in 2021, their research projects focus on addressing global challenges and advancing knowledge in areas such as energy use, water and environmental care, material characterization, and the development of information technologies and mechanical systems.

Location: UTEC University, Lima, Peru

Year: 2023

Accurately replicate an existing 220kV grid in the twin-model

Challenges

  • Recreating a 220 kV system at scale using only laboratory hardware and limited measurements.
  • Adjusting and tuning component parameters so that the simulated model behaves like the real one.
  • Achieving accurate load flow results with minimal deviation from experimental data (<1.5%).
  • Predicting short-circuit peak and steady-state currents with high fidelity for validation.
  • Ensuring reliable SCADA communication via Modbus between meters, switches, PLCs, and ETAP Real-Time.

Which solutions did they choose for research?

Selected applications

The team used:
  • ETAP Real-Time for visualization, real-time monitoring, SCADA integration, and iterative model refinement.
  • ETAP short-circuit analysis to compare simulated faults with real laboratory short-circuit measurements.
  • Load flow analysis for tuning the virtual grid through successive refinement cycles.

 

Methodology

The project followed a three-step iterative workflow until the simulated system matched the real grid with high precision:
  1. Measurement of the physical circuit at each node and component.
  2. Visualization and monitoring using ETAP Real-Time.
  3. Simulation and parameter adjustment in ETAP until convergence between real and virtual load flows is achieved.
The laboratory setup included scaled transmission lines, capacitor banks, and controlled loads, all interfaced with ETAP through PLCs and Modbus-enabled meters.

Why do they use ETAP?

Main customer benefits

  • Creation of a precise virtual twin of the 220 kV network using only real-time data and basic topology knowledge.
  • Load flow deviation below 1.5%, enabling accurate replication of real-world operating conditions.
  • Fault transients predicted with remarkable accuracy:
    • Peak current deviation: 1.37%
    • Steady-state fault current deviation: 0.58%
  • Validation of short-circuit behavior without requiring extensive in-field measurements.
  • Proof of ETAP Real-Time as an effective platform for building digital twins of transmission networks.

What do they think about ETAP?

Customer perspectives

This project aims to precisely simulate a pre-existing grid using ETAP, adjusting only the real-time model to align the parameters of each component with the real system.
By Stefano Rivera Cardenas, UTEC University

Our results show that ETAP Real-Time can be used to create a virtual twin of the smart grid using only real-time data and basic knowledge of the grid’s topology.
By Stefano Rivera Cardenas, UTEC University


Videos

This study utilizes ETAP software to analyze a real high voltage short circuit in scale cascade transmission lines, employing the Real Time (RT) and SCADA Integrator module for simulation, including load-flow and transient analysis, with experimental validation conducted in the Renewable Energy and Smart Grid Laboratory at UTEC, highlighting the novelty of simulating a high voltage short circuit with experimental validation.


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