Power System Analytical Studies

Managing an electrical system and the energy it delivers requires:

  • A comprehensive understanding of the system’s normal and abnormal operation
  • Knowledge of a wide variety of equipment
  • The successful application of industry codes and standards

Performed by professional engineers, our analytical studies help fine-tune your electrical system for optimal operation. Each study includes a detailed report of findings along with corrective recommendations to help maximize the reliability and operational efficiency of your system.

Schneider Electric Engineering Services’ portfolio of power system analyses includes over 10,000 studies and designs successfully completed over the past 40 years. Our broad range of capabilities includes:

Strategically Located to Serve You Better
Schneider Electric has established regional engineering operations located strategically throughout the United States. These operations are staffed by professional engineers who are licensed in the local jurisdiction and have the full support and capabilities of Schneider Electric worldwide.

Having a power system engineer close by assures familiarity with authorities having jurisdiction, local codes and standards, utility systems and operations. Our engineers are collectively registered in every state.

Protective Device Time-Current Coordination Analysis                return to top                      
The goal of a coordination study is to provide power equipment with the required protection while selecting  appropriate settings for overcurrent protective devices to insure minimum service interruption under overload and short circuit conditions. The output of the study is a set of time current coordination graphs which demonstrate optimal settings for circuit breakers and relays.  Schneider Electric engineers have many years of  experience in protection engineering and will help minimize your electrical system’s downtime, nuisance  operation and equipment damage.

Short Circuit Analysis                                                                          return to top                               
The goal of a short circuit study is to increase the electrical system’s life and minimize downtime associated with a short circuit occurrence. The output of the study is a comparison table which compares the short circuit levels with the published ratings of the equipment. Recommendations are provided to economically correct system deficiencies.

Load Flow Analysis                                                                              return to top                                  
One of the most common studies performed on industrial power systems, a load flow study evaluates the steady state performance under various operating conditions (normal or contingency). The results are used to optimize the loading of electrical distribution equipment, establish reactive power flows needed to stabilize bus voltages, determine transformer tap settings and minimize system losses. Load flow studies form the basis for determining when new equipment additions are necessary and for determining the effectiveness of new alternatives to address present deficiencies and meet future demand.

Harmonic Analysis                                                                               return to top
With the proliferation of power electronic equipment, harmonic sources are now a large percentage of the total facility load. Therefore, harmonic studies are necessary to assure proper system loading and avoid malfunction of sensitive electronics. Schneider Electric engineers have been involved in the development of harmonic standards for many years and are active participants in many of IEEE standard making bodies. Equipped with all the necessary measurement and analysis tools, our engineers can help you resolve any harmonic related problem in your facility.

Motor Starting Analysis                                                                       return to top
Motor starting analysis calculates the electrical parameters (voltage and current) and the accelerating torque of the motor during the starting process. Normally applied to large electric motors (larger than 30% of the KVA rating of the supply transformer) the study also evaluates the effect of reduced voltage on other running motors in the plant.

Switching Transient Modeling and Analysis                                        return to top                    
Switching transient analyses are commonly employed to evaluate power factor correction capacitor switching issues or to evaluate transient recovery voltages produced due to circuit breaker operation. The study provides an understanding of the stresses that the system components are exposed to and provides alternative approaches to reduce the shock to the system. This may include alternative switching schemes, addition of components or changes in power system configuration.
Case Study: Complex Power Quality Problem Yields Simple Solutions

Reliability Analysis                                                                               return to top
Reliability studies are typically performed for mission critical power systems such as data centers and Critical Operations Power Systems, as defined in the National Electrical Code. However, the principles of this type of analysis can be applied to any power system in order to optimize the selection and arrangement of the power distribution components. The goal of the study is to quantify the relative reliability of different design options, using the projected performance of equipment.

Substation Ground Grid Analysis                                                        return to top
Soil is generally a poor conductor and the flow of current through the soil can generate significant voltage gradients. A grounding grid analysis calculates the difference in potential between different points on the earth surface during a fault. Touch and step potentials are calculated and minimized in an iterative process using a computerized model of the ground grid. The study results graphically demonstrate the areas of high touch and step potential and provide recommendation for improvement.

Stability Analysis                                                                                  return to top
The goal of the dynamic stability analysis is to evaluate the conditions under which a system comprising two or more generators could oscillate out of synchronism. The output of the study provides an understanding of system response to abnormal conditions and allows better preparation and the development of contingency plans. Mitigation opportunities to resolve stability problems are evaluated using a computerized model of the power system by modifying the protection system or the arrangement of the switching devices.