Load Flow Studies

Load Flow Analysis Page 1 of 53
Load Flow Analysis

The ETAP Load Flow Analysis module calculates the bus voltages, branch power factors, currents, and power flows throughout the electrical system. ETAP allows for swing, voltage
regulated, and unregulated power sources with multiple power grids and generator connections. It is capable of performing analysis on both radial and loop systems. ETAP allows you to
select from several different methods in order to achieve the best calculation efficiency.
This chapter defines definitions and explains the usage of different tools you will need to run load flow studies. Theoretical background for different load flow calculation methods is also
provided.
The Load Flow Toolbar section explains how you can launch a load flow calculation, open and view an output report, or select display options. The Load Flow Study Case Editor section
explains how can you create a new study case, what parameters are required to specify a study case, and how to set them. The Display Options section explains what options are available
for displaying some key system parameters and the output results on the one-line diagram, and how to set them. The Load Flow Calculation Methods section shows formulations of
different load flow calculation methods. Comparisons on their rate of convergence, improving convergence based on different system parameters and configurations, and some tips on
selecting an appropriate calculation method are also found in this section. The Required Data for Calculations section describes what data is necessary to perform load flow calculations
and where to enter them. The Load Flow Study Output Report section illustrates and explains output reports and their format. Finally, the Load Flow Result Analyzer allows you to view
the results of various studies in one screen so you can analyze and compare the different results.
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Flow Result Analyzer
Load Analyzer
Load Flow Toolbar

The Load Flow Toolbar will appear on the screen when you are in the Load Flow Study mode.
Run Load Flow Studies

Select a study case from the Study Case Editor. Then click on the Run Load Flow Study icon to perform a load flow study. A dialog box will appear to specify the output report name if the
output file name is set to Prompt. The study results will then appear on the one-line diagram and in the output report.
Auto Run
Click to Activate or De-activate the Auto Run. When the Auto Run is active, any one of the following actions will run a load flow study:
 A PD has changed its status.

 An element has changed its properties.
 The load flow study case is changed.
Halt Current Calculation
file:///C:/Users/Administrator/AppData/Local/Temp/~hhDC44.htm 3/20/2021
The Stop Sign button is normally grayed-out. When a Load Flow calculation has been initiated, this button becomes enabled and shows a red stop sign. Clicking on this button will
terminate the calculation.
Alert View
After performing a load flow study, you can click on this button to open the Alert View, which lists all equipment with critical and marginal violations based on the settings in the study
case.
Alert View
After performing a load flow study, you can click on this button to open the Alert View, which lists all equipment with critical and marginal violations based on the settings in the study
case.
Load Flow Report Manager

Load flow output reports are provided in the form of a Crystal Report. The Report Manager provides four pages (Complete, Input, Result, and Summary) for viewing the different parts of
the output report for Crystal Reports. Available formats for Crystal Reports are displayed in each page of the Report Manager for load flow studies. You can view the report in the Crystal
Reports viewer, or save the report in PDF, MS Word, Rich Text Format, or Excel format. If you wish this selection to be the default for reports, click the Set As Default check box.
Choosing any format in the Report Manager activates the Crystal Reports. You can open the whole load flow output report or only a part of it, depending on the format selection. The
format names and corresponding output report sections are given below:
• Adjustments Indicates tolerance and temperature correction adjustments

• Alert-Complete Provides complete report of system alerts
• Alert-Critical Provides summary of critical alerts only
• Alert-Marginal Provides summary of marginal alerts only
• Branch Loading Branch loading results
• Branch Branch input data
• Bus Loading Displays overloaded bus information
• Bus Bus input data
• Cable Cable input data
• Complete Complete output report including all input and output
• Cover Title page of the output report
• Equipment Cable Equipment cable input data
• High Voltage DC Link High Voltage DC Link input data
• Impedance Provides detailed information about impedance elements in the system
• Line Coupling Displays Transmission Line coupling impedance data
• Load Flow Report Load Flow calculation results
• Losses Branch loss results
• NO Protective Devices Displays Normally Open protective devices
• Panel Report Load Flow calculation results for panel systems
• Reactor Reactor input data
• Summary Summary of load flow calculation
• SVC Static Var Compensator (SVC) input data
• Transformer Transformer input data
• UPS Report Load Flow calculation results for UPS systems
You can also view output reports by clicking on the View Output Report button on the Study Case toolbar. A list of all output files in the selected project directory is provided for load
flow calculations. To view any of the listed output reports, click on the output report name, and then click on the View Output Report button.

The Load Flow Result Analyzer allows you to view the results of various studies in one screen so you can analyze and compare the different results.
Load Flow Comparator

When ETAP Real-Time is set up and after you run a Load Flow study with online data, you can press this button to bring up the Load Flow Comparator view. It lists a comparison of all
system operating values between ETAP Real-Time output and Load Flow calculations.
Load Flow Display Options

The results from load flow studies are displayed on the one-line diagram. To edit how these results look, click on the Load Flow Display Options icon. For more information see Load
Flow Display Options.
Unit Display Options

Click to turn on/off the units in OLV display.
Power Flow Display Options

Click and hold to select the power flow display options.
or or
Voltage Display Options

Click and hold to select the voltage display options.
Load Terminal Voltage

Click to display load terminal voltage.
Line/Cable Voltage Drop

Click to display line or cable voltage drop.
Panel/Single Phase System

Click to display panel or single phase system results.
Get Online Data

When ETAP Real-Time is set up and the Sys Monitor presentation is online, you can bring real-time data into your offline presentation and run a Load Flow by pressing on this button.
You will notice that the Operating Loads, Bus Voltages, and Study Case editor will be updated with the online data.
Get Archived Data

When ETAPS Playback is set up and any presentation is on Playback mode, you can bring this data into your presentation and run a Load Flow by pressing on this button. You will notice
that the Operating Loads, Bus Voltages, and Study Case editor will be updated with the playback data.
Load Analyzer
The Load Analyzer tool and its associated reports are designed for load schedule reporting of ETAP models. This module allows the user to report loads of multilevel-connected elements
in a system directly (called Connected Loads), or by applying different multiplying factors (called Operating Loads).
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Analyzer
Load Flow Study Case Editor Overview

The Load Flow Study Case editor contains solution control variables, loading conditions, and a variety of options for output reports. ETAP allows you to create and save an unlimited
number of study cases. Load flow calculations are conducted and reported in accordance with the settings of the study case selected in the toolbar. You can easily switch between study
cases without having to reset the study case options each time. This feature is designed to organize your study efforts and save you time.
As a part of the multi-dimensional database concept of ETAP, study cases can be used for any combination of the three major system toolbar components, i.e. for any configuration status,
one-line diagram presentation, and Base/Revision data.
When you are in Load Flow Analysis mode, you can access the Load Flow Study Case editor by clicking on the Study Case button from the Load Flow Study Case toolbar. You can also
access this editor from the System Manager by clicking on the Load Flow Study Case folder.
There are two ways you can create a new study case. You can click on the “New” button inside the Study Case Editor. It will open the Duplicate Study Case dialog box for you to specify
names of an existing Study Case and the new study case you want to create.
You can also create a new study case from the System Manager, by right-clicking on the Load Flow Study Case folder and selecting Create New. ETAP will then create a new study case,
which is a copy of the default study case, and adds it to the Load Flow Study Case folder.
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Analyzer
Info Page - Load Flow Study Case Editor
Study Case ID
The Study case ID is shown in this entry field. You can rename a study case by deleting the old ID and entering the new ID. Study case ID can be up to 12 alphanumeric characters. Use
the Navigator button at the bottom of the editor to go from one study case to the next existing study case.
Method
In this group you can select a load flow solution method. Three methods are available: Newton-Raphson, Adaptive Newton-Raphson and Fast-decoupled.
For the Newton-Raphson and adaptive Newton Raphson methods, a few Gauss-Seidel iterations are made first, to establish a set of sound initial values for the bus voltages (since
convergence of the Newton-Raphson Method is highly dependent on the initial bus voltages).
Max. Iteration
Enter the maximum number for iterations in this field. If the solution has not converged before the specified number of iterations, the program will stop and inform you. The recommended
and default values is 99 for the Newton-Raphson and Fast-Decoupled Methods.
Precision
Enter the value for the solution precision in this field, which is used to check for convergence. This value determines how precise you want the final solution to be. For the Newton-
Raphson and Fast-Decoupled Methods, the precision is compared with the difference in power for each bus (MW and Mvar) between iterations. If the difference between the iterations is
less than or equal to the value entered for precision, the desired accuracy is achieved.
If the solution converges but the mismatch values are high, reduce the value of the precision to make your results more precise and run the program again (you may need to increase the
number of iterations).
Note: A smaller precision value results in lower mismatch (higher accuracy), as well as a longer run time. The default (and recommended) value is .0001 pu power for the Newton-
Raphson and Fast-Decoupled Methods.
Accel. Factor
This field is present if the Accelerated Gauss-Seidel method is used. Enter the convergence acceleration factor to be used between iterations. Typical values are between 1.2 and 1.7; the
default is 1.45.
Apply XFMR Phase-Shift

Check this box to consider transformer phase-shift in load flow calculations. The phase-shift of a transformer can be found in the transformer editor.
Calc. 1-Ph/Panel Systems

Check this box to include 1-phase and/or panel system load flow calculations as part of the whole system load flow calculation. A 1-phase/panel system is defined as a radial sub-system
that is powered through a top panel, 1-phase UPS, or a phase adaptor connected to a 3-phase bus. A power system may contain several 1-phase/panel systems. Each 1-phase/panel system
has a top element that is a 3-phase panel, 1-phase UPS, or a phase adapter.
If this box is checked, bus voltages and branch flows in 1-phase/panel systems will be calculated in a load flow run and calculation results will be reported in the one-line diagram and the
crystal report. If this box is not checked, the load for each 1-phase/panel system will be summed up to its top element for the loading specified in the study case. This load summation is
based on the load rated voltage, power factor and efficiency, and does not consider any branch losses. The top element will be treated as a single load in the system.
The 1-phase/panel system must be a radial system. ETAP checks loop configurations in panel/1-phase UPS systems when performing load flow calculations. Should a loop configuration
be detected, the load flow calculation will be terminated and a message will be posted.
Update
In this group, you can decide to update initial conditions of the buses and/or set the transformer taps to the calculated value of LTCs. The selected options will be updated after the
subsequent load flow run.
Initial Bus Voltage

Select this option to update the values of the bus voltage magnitudes with the result of the load flow run. Bus voltage update will result in a faster convergence of the subsequent load flow
solutions since the initial bus voltages will be closer to the final values.
Inverter Operating Load

In an AC load flow study, an inverter is represented as a constant voltage source. When this option is checked, the load provided by the inverter will be updated to the inverter element,
which can be used later as DC load of the inverter in a DC load flow study.
Operating Load & V

The option is available if your ETAP key has the online feature. When this box is checked, the calculation results will be updated to sources, loads, and buses, so that they can be utilized
as input for later studies. These values are also displayed in element editors. If your ETAP key does not have the online feature, you can see the operating P, Q, and V in only element
editors, and they cannot be used in a later study.
Transformer LTCs
Select this option to update the transformer taps to reflect the result of load tap changer (LTC) settings, i.e., transformer taps will be set to values determined from the load flow solution
for LTCs. This feature is useful when you want to consider the impedance of the LTC taps for short-circuit calculations. Selecting this option will also display the LTC settings on the
OLV.
Cable Load Amp

Select this option to transfer cable load current data from the previously run load flow study. The data is transferred to the Operating Load Current in the Cable Editor for each cable
associated with the load flow study.
Report
Rated Voltage In
Bus nominal voltages seen in the output report can be printed in V or kV. Select your preference from the drop down list.
Bus Operating Voltage In

Calculated bus voltages seen in the output report can be printed in V, kV or in percent of the bus nominal voltages. Select your preference from the drop down list. For graphical display of
bus voltages see Load Flow Display Options.
Power In
Calculated power flows, loadings and generations seen in the output report can be printed in MVA or kVA. Select your preference from the drop down list. For graphical display of the
power flows see Load Flow Display Options.
Equipment Cable Losses and Vd

Select this option to print an equipment cable losses and voltage drop report. Once this option is selected, you will have the option to Exclude Load Diversity Factor. Checking this option
will exclude the load diversity factor in the calculations of equipment cable losses and voltage drop in the report only. For more information on load diversity factors, see the Loading page
of the Load Flow Study Case editor.
Initial Voltage Condition

Initial conditions for all bus voltages and angles can be specified in this section for load flow calculation purposes.
Bus Initial Voltages

Select this option to use bus voltages and angles as entered in the Info page of the bus editors. Using this option, you can simulate load flow studies with different initial conditions for bus
voltage.
User-Defined Fixed Value

This option allows you to simulate load flow studies using a fixed bus voltage and angle for all buses. When you select the fixed initial condition option, you must enter the initial voltage
value as the percent of the bus nominal voltage. The default values are 100% for bus voltage magnitude and zero degree for bus voltage angle.
Determination of Initial Bus Voltage Angle

When transformer phase-shift is considered in the load flow calculation, the initial bus voltage angle should be taken into account. Otherwise, very poor initial bus voltage angle may be
used and which may affect load flow convergence. To resolve this issue, the ETAP Load Flow module calculates the bus voltage angle based on transformer phase-shift and compare the
calculated value against the initial bus voltage angle from user selected option. If the difference between the two values is larger than the specified MaxIniAngDiff, ETAP uses the
calculated the values as the initial bus voltage angle, where MaxIniAngDiff is an ETAP.INI file entry defaulted at 10. According to the selection for the initial bus voltage and the Apply
XFMR Phase-Shift field, there are four different situations:
 When the Use Fixed Values is checked and the Apply XFMR Phase-Shift is also checked, the calculated initial bus voltage angles are used in the load flow calculation.

 When the Use Bus Voltages is checked and the Apply XFMR Phase-Shift is also checked, the initial bus voltage angle from the Bus editor is compared against the calculated bus
voltage angle. If the difference is less than MaxIniAngDiff, the initial bus voltage angle from the Bus editor is used; otherwise the calculated value is used in the load flow
calculation.

 When the Use Fixed Values is checked and the Apply XFMR Phase-Shift is not checked, the initial voltage angle entered in the Load Flow Study Case is used in the load flow
calculation. In this case, all the buses have the same initial voltage angle.

 When the Use Bus Voltages is checked and the Apply XFMR Phase-Shift is not checked, the initial bus voltage angles from the Bus editor are used in the load flow calculation.
When the operating load is specified as the system load, the operating voltage angles are used as the initial value. In this case, if the Apply XFMR Phase-Shift is checked, the operating
voltage angle is compared against the calculated bus voltage angle. If the difference is less than MaxIniAngDiff, the operating voltage angle is used; otherwise the calculated value is used
in the load flow calculation.
Study Remarks
You can enter up to 120 alphanumeric characters in this remarks field. Information entered in this location will be printed on the second line of every output page header line. These
remarks can provide specific information for each study cases. The first line of the header information is global for all study cases and is entered in the Project Information editor.
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Analyzer
Loading Page - Load Flow Study Case Editor
Loading Category
Select one of the ten Loading Categories for the current Load Flow Study. With the selection of any category, ETAP uses the percent loading of individual motors and other loads as
specified for the selected category.
Note: You can assign loading to each one of the ten categories from the Nameplate page of the induction machine editor and synchronous motor editor and the Loading or Rating page of
other load component editors.
Operating P,Q
This option is available if your ETAP key has the online feature. When this box is checked, the operating loads updated from online data or a previous load flow study will be utilized in
the load flow study.
Generation Category
Select one of the ten Generation Categories for the current Load Flow Study. With the selection of any category, ETAP uses the generator controls for the selected category, as specified in
the Rating page of the Generator editor. The generator controls will be different depending on the mode that the generator is operating under. The mode of generation is selected on the
Info page of the Generator editor. The table below shows the generation controls with respect to the mode of generation.
Mode Generation Category Control

Swing %V and Angle
Voltage Control %V and MW
MVAR Control MW and MVAR
PF Control MW and PF
Operating P,Q,V
This option is available if your ETAP key has the online feature. When this box is checked, the generator operating values updated from online data or a previous load flow study will be
utilized in the load flow study.
Load Diversity Factor

This section allows you to specify load diversity factors to be applied on the loading category load. When the Operating Load is selected, a diversity factor is not considered.
None
Select None to use the percent loading of each load as entered for the selected Loading Category.
Bus Minimum
When the minimum bus loading option is selected, all motors and other loads directly connected to each bus will be multiplied by the bus minimum diversity factor. Using this option, you
can simulate load flow studies with each bus having a different minimum diversity factor.
The minimum bus loading study option may be used to see the effect of transformer taps and capacitors (if any) on the system voltages under a minimum (light) loading condition.
Bus Maximum
When the Maximum Loading option is selected, all motors and other loads directly connected to each bus will be multiplied by the bus maximum diversity factor. Using this option, you
can simulate load flow studies with each bus having a different maximum diversity factor.
This study option is helpful when the future loading of the electrical system has to be considered and each bus may be loaded at a different maximum value.
Global Diversity Factor

Enter the diversity factors for all constant kVA, constant Z, generic, and constant I loads. When you select this option, ETAP will globally multiply all motors, static loads, constant current
loads, and generic loads of the selected Loading Category with the entered values for the respective load diversity factors.
Constant kVA
Constant kVA loads include induction motors, synchronous motors, conventional and unbalanced lumped loads with % motor load, UPS’s, and chargers.
Constant Z
Constant impedance loads include static loads, capacitors, harmonic filters, MOV’s, and conventional and unbalanced lumped loads with % static load.
Constant I
Constant current loads include unbalanced lumped loads with % constant current load.
Generic
Generic loads include lumped loads modeled using either the exponential, polynomial, or comprehensive model.
Please refer to the Load Flow Calculations Methods section for the load-modeling concepts used in ETAP.
Note: A motor load-multiplying factor of 125% implies that the motor loads of all buses are increased by 25 percent above their nominal values. This value can be smaller or greater than
100 percent.
Charger Loading
You have the option to use the Loading Category or the Operating Load for chargers. The operating load for a charger can only be updated from a DC load flow study.
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Analyzer
Adjustment Page - Load Flow Study Case Editor

This page allows you to specify tolerance adjustments to length, equipment resistance, and impedance. Each tolerance adjustment can be applied based on the individual equipment percent
tolerance setting or based on a globally specified percent value.
Tolerances are typically applied to electrical calculations especially in cases where the actual equipment data is suspect, manufacturer datasheet reflects tolerances or it is a new electrical
system design.
Apply Neg. Tolerance and Min. Temp. Correction

When tolerances are applied to the load flow calculation, they are typically considered as positive tolerance for impedances & length and maximum temperature value from resistance
temperature correction. This is done such that the load flow calculations yield higher voltage drops & losses; making the results more conservative. By applying this checkbox, load flow
calculations shall utilize negative tolerance and minimum temperature correction making the results less conservative.
Impedance Tolerance
This group allows you to consider tolerance adjustments to impedance values for transformer, reactor, and overload heater.
Transformer Impedance Adjustment

This adjustment is applied to transformer impedance. The net effect of the transformer impedance adjustment in load flow calculations is to increase the impedance by the specified percent
tolerance value. For example, if the transformer impedance is 12% and the tolerance is 10%, the adjusted impedance used in the load flow calculation will be 13.2%, resulting in higher
losses.
The Impedance Adjustment can be applied to individual transformers by using the tolerance percent value specified in the Transformer Editor Rating page. A global Transformer
Impedance Adjustment can be specified as well by selecting and specifying a global tolerance other than 0% in the corresponding field of Load Flow Study Case Editor Adjustment page.
The global Impedance Adjustment overrides any individual transformer tolerance value.
Reactor Impedance Adjustment

This adjustment is applied to the reactor impedance. The Load Flow module increases the reactor impedance by the specified percent tolerance resulting in a larger impedance and
consequently a larger voltage drop. For example, if the impedance of the reactor is 0.1 Ohm and its tolerance is 5%, then the adjusted reactor impedance used in the load flow calculation is
0.105 Ohm.
The Impedance Adjustment can be applied to individual reactors by using the tolerance percent value specified in the Reactor Editor Rating page. A global Reactor Impedance Adjustment
can be specified as well by selecting and specifying a global tolerance other than 0% in the corresponding field of the Load Flow Study Case Editor Adjustment page. The global
Impedance Adjustment overrides any individual reactor tolerance value.
Overload Heater Resistance

This adjustment is applied to the overload heater (OH) resistance. The Load Flow module increases the OH resistance by the specified percent tolerance resulting in a larger resistance and
consequently a larger voltage drop. For example, if the resistance of the OH is 0.1 Ohm and its tolerance is 5%, then the adjusted OH resistance used in the load flow calculation is 0.105
Ohm.
The Resistance Adjustment can be applied to individual overload heaters by using the tolerance percent value specified in the Overload Heaters Editor Rating page. A global Overload
Heater Resistance Adjustment can be specified as well by selecting and specifying a global tolerance other than 0% in the corresponding field of Short Circuit Study Case Editor
Adjustment page. The global Resistance Adjustment overrides any individual overload heater tolerance value.
Length Tolerance
This section allows you to consider tolerance adjustments to cable and transmission line lengths.
Cable Length Adjustment

This adjustment is applied to the cable length. The Load Flow module increases the cable length by the specified percent tolerance resulting in larger impedance and consequently a larger
voltage drop. For example, if the length of the cable is 200 ft. and the tolerance is 5%, then the adjusted cable length used in the load flow calculation is 210 ft.
The Length Adjustment can be applied to individual cables by using the tolerance percent value specified in the Cable Editor Info page. A global Cable Length Adjustment can be
specified as well by selecting and specifying a global tolerance other than 0% in the corresponding field of the Load Flow Study Case Editor Adjustment page. The global Length
Adjustment overrides any individual cable tolerance value.
Transmission Line Length Adjustment

This adjustment is applied to the transmission line length. The Load Flow module increases the transmission line length by the specified percent tolerance resulting in larger impedance
and consequently a larger voltage drop. For example, if the length of the transmission line is 2 miles and the tolerance is 2.5%, then the adjusted transmission line length used in the load
flow calculation is 2.05 miles.
The Length Adjustment can be applied to individual lines by using the tolerance percent value specified in the Transmission Line Editor Info page. A global Transmission Line Length
Adjustment can be specified as well by selecting and specifying a global tolerance other than 0% in the corresponding field of the Load Flow Study Case Editor Adjustment page. The
global Length Adjustment overrides any individual transmission line tolerance value.
Resistance Temperature Correction

This group allows you to consider resistance correction based on the maximum operating temperature for cable and transmission line conductors. Each temperature resistance correction
can be applied based on the individual cable/line maximum temperature setting or based on a globally specified value.
Temperature Correction for Cable Resistance

This adjustment is applied to the cable conductor resistance. The Load Flow module adjusts the conductor resistance based on the maximum operating temperature. If the maximum
operating temperature is greater than the rated base temperature of the conductor, then its resistance is increased.
The temperature correction can be applied to individual cables by using the maximum operating temperature value specified in the Cable Editor Impedance Page. A global temperature
correction can be specified as well by selecting and specifying a global maximum temperature value in the corresponding field of the Load Flow Study Case Editor Adjustment Page. The
global temperature correction value overrides any individual Cable Impedance Page maximum temperature. Please refer to the Cable Editor Impedance Page section in Chapter AC-
Editors.
Temperature Correction for Transmission Line Resistance

This adjustment is applied to the transmission line conductor resistance. The Load Flow module adjusts the conductor resistance based on the maximum operating temperature. If the
maximum operating temperature is greater than the rated base temperature of the conductor, then the resistance is increased.
The temperature correction can be applied to individual lines by using the maximum operating temperature value specified in the Transmission Line Editor Impedance page. A global
temperature correction can be specified as well by selecting and specifying a global maximum temperature value in the corresponding field of the Load Flow Study Case Editor
Adjustment page. The global temperature correction value overrides any individual Transmission Line Impedance page maximum temperature. Please refer to the Transmission Line
Editor Impedance Page section in Chapter AC-Editors.
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Analyzer
Alert Page - Load Flow Study Case Editor

The Alert page in the Load Flow Study Case Editor is used to specify the setup of all the Simulation Alerts that are provided to notify you of an abnormal loading condition based on
predetermined, “allowable”, percent values and system topology. The functional capability of the Simulation Alert System is to generate alerts when there is an overload in protective
devices, buses, transformers, cables, lines, panels, DC links, reactors, generators, and power grid. The alerts are reported by the generation of different types of alerts, either graphically in
the one-line diagram display or in the Alert View window.
Critical and Marginal Alerts

There are two types of simulation alerts generated after a load flow study. The difference between Marginal and Critical Alerts is their use of different percent value conditions to
determine if an alert should be generated. If a condition for a Critical alert is met, then an alert will be generated in the Alert View window and the overloaded element will turn red in the
one-line diagram. The same is true for Marginal Alerts, except that the overloaded component will be displayed in magenta color. Also, the Marginal Alerts check box must be selected if
you wish to display the Marginal Alerts. If a device alert qualifies it for both Critical and Marginal alerts, only Critical Alerts are displayed. It should be noted that in order for ETAP to
generate alerts for an element type, both the element rating and the percent value entered in this page must be non-zero. The element ratings for alert checking are given in the following
sections.
Loading
This set of value fields allows you to enter the condition percent values of the monitored parameters used to determine if an alert should be reported based on loading conditions
determined by a load flow calculation. The Load Flow Loading Alerts generate overload alerts.
Bus Alert
The Load Flow module will generate a Bus Loading Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of rated continuous current in the bus is exceeded. The rated continuous current in the
bus is specified in the Rating page of the Bus editor.
Cable Alert
The Load Flow module will generate a Cable Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of allowable ampacity in the cable is exceeded. The allowable ampacity of the cable is specified
in the Ampacity page of the Cable editor.
Line Alert
The Load Flow module will generate a Line Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of derated ampacity in the transmission line is exceeded. The derated ampacity of the
transmission line is calculated in the Ampacity page of the Transmission Line editor.
Reactor Alert
The Load Flow module will generate a Reactor Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of rated current in the reactor is exceeded. The rated current in the reactor is specified in the
Rating page of the Reactor editor.
Transformer Alert
The Load Flow module will generate a Transformer Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of maximum MVA of the transformer is exceeded. The maximum MVA of the
transformer is specified in the Rating page of the Transformer editor. The simulation alerts work for both two and three winding transformers.
Panel Alert
The Load Flow module will generate a Panel Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of rated current in the panel is exceeded. The rated current of the panel is specified in the Rating
page of the Panel editor.
Protective Device Alert

The Load Flow module will generate Protective Device Alerts when certain predetermined parameter value ratings are exceeded. The following table contains a list of the conditions used
by the Alert Simulation program to determine when to report an alert. Load flow results are compared to the monitored parameters listed in the following table:
Protective Devices Monitored parameters in percent of Condition reported
Low Voltage Circuit Breaker Continuous rated Current OverLoad

High Voltage Circuit Breaker Continuous rated Current OverLoad
Fuses Rated Current OverLoad
Contactors Continuous rated Current OverLoad
SPDT/SPST switches Continuous rated Current OverLoad
The Load Flow module will generate Protective Device Alerts only if the monitored parameter rating is larger than zero.
Generator Alert
The Load Flow module will generate a Generator Alert if the Critical or Marginal percent limit of rated MW of the generator is exceeded. The rated MW of the generator is specified in the
Rating page of the Generator editor.
Bus Voltage Alerts

Bus Voltage Simulation Alerts generate alerts if the voltage magnitude percent results from the load flow calculation exceed or are below the specified nominal kV rating percent values.
Bus Voltage Alerts report over voltage and under voltage alerts.
Generator/Power Grid Excitation Alerts

Simulation Alerts for generator and power grid excitation monitor the percent rated var limits. An alert for Over Excitation is reported if the Upper Excitation percent limit (Qmax) for the
generator is exceeded according to a load flow calculation. An alert for Under Excitation is reported if the generator Mvar result from the load flow calculation is below the specified
Lower Excitation percent limit (Qmin). You have the option to run the load flow calculation without monitoring Under Excitation conditions. An alert for Under Excitation will be
reported if the UnderExcited (Qmin) check box is selected. The Under Excitation percent limit for the generator is 100% of Q min.
ETAP also has two alerts for the generator built into the load flow calculation. ETAP will produce an Under-Power alert if the real power output of the generator, from the load flow
calculation, is less than the value of Pmin. You can specify Pmin in the Capability page of the Generator editor. Pmin must be non-zero in order for ETAP to generate the alert. Also, if the
generator is modeled in Swing mode, it will absorb real power in load flow if necessary; therefore, ETAP will produce a Pout<0 alert for Swing mode generators if the real power output
from the load flow calculation is negative.
Marginal Limit
If the Marginal Limit option is checked, the Alert View window will display the marginal alerts as well. If not selected, the Alert View window will display only the critical alerts.
Auto Display
If the Auto Display option is checked, the Alert View window automatically opens after the load flow calculation completes. If not checked, the Alert View window can be opened by
clicking the Alert View icon on the Load Flow toolbar.
Load Flow Analysis

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Load Analyzer
Load Flow Display Options

Results Page
The Load Flow Analysis Display Options consist of a Results page and three pages for Results, AC, AC-DC, and Colors information annotations. The colors and displayed annotations
selected for each study are specific to that study.
Show Units
Select this option to show units for power flow and current displayed on the one-line diagram.
Check All
Select this option to show all available result annotations. When this box is unchecked, the previous settings are restored.
Voltage
Voltage
Select kV or percent for voltage display on the one-line diagram from the list.
Bus Mag.
Select this option to display bus voltages on the one-line diagram. Bus voltages are displayed at 15 degrees.
Bus Angle
Select this option to display bus angles in degrees on the one-line diagram. Bus angles are displayed at -15 degrees.
L-N
Select this option to display calculated bus voltages on the one-line diagram as Line to Neutral values.
L-L
Select this option to display calculated bus voltages on the one-line diagram as Line to Line values.
Load Term. Mag.

Select this option to display load (motors and static loads) terminal voltages on the one-line diagram. Load terminal voltages are displayed at 15 degrees. Load terminal voltages can be
displayed based on load rated kV or bus nominal kV, depending on the selection in Load Term. Base kV.
Load Term. Base kV

This group allows you to select base kV for load terminal magnitude, when the voltage is selected to be displayed in percent. This group will be disabled if it is selected to display voltage
in kV.
Load Rated kV
Select this option to use load rated kV as the base for load terminal voltage display.
Bus Nom. kV
Select this option to use bus nominal kV as the base for load terminal voltage display.
Voltage Drop
Line/Cable
Select this option to display line and cable voltage drops on the one-line diagram.
Load FDR
Select this option to display the load feeder voltage drops.
Panel/UPS Systems
Results
Select this option to display results for panel systems in the one-line diagram, assuming that the Calc. 1-Phase/Panel System option has been checked in the study case when the load flow
calculation was carried out. If the Calc. Panel System option has not been checked in the load flow study case or the panel system display option is not checked, no results will be
displayed in the one-line diagram.
Average Values
Select this option to display average values for panel system results as shown in the following table.
Panel System Load Flow Results Displayed in Average Values

Phase Type Voltage Current Power
3-Phase Average Value Average Value Total Power
1-Phase, 3-Wire LL Value Average Value Total Power
1-Phase, 2-Wire Phase Value Phase Value Phase Value
Panel System Load Flow Results Displayed in Average Values
All Phases
Select this option to display individual phase values for panel system results. For 3-phase elements, voltage, current, and power for phases A, B, and C are displayed in sequence, and for
one-phase three-wire elements, voltage, current, and power for phases LL, L1, and L2 are displayed in sequence.
Panel System Load Flow Results Displayed in All Phases

Phase Type Voltage Current Power
3-Phase Phase A, B, & C Phase A, B, & C Phase A, B, & C
1-Phase, 3-Wire Phase LL, L1, & L2 Phase LL, L1, & L2 Phase LL, L1, & L2
1-Phase, 2-Wire Phase Value Phase Value Phase Value
Panel System Load Flow Results Displayed in All Phases
Power Flows
You can specify how the flows will be displayed in this area.
Units
Select the unit (VA or kVA or MVA) to be used to display power flow on the one-line diagram.
kW
Select the kW radio button to display power flow in W, kW or MW.
jkvar
Select the jkvar radio button to display power flow in var, kvar or Mvar.
kW + jkvar
Select the kW + jkvar radio button to display power flow in kW+jkvar or MW+jMvar.
kVA
Select the kVA radio button to display power flow in kVA or MVA.
Amp
Select the Amp radio button to display current flow in amperes.
kVA + Amp
Select the kVA + Amp radio button to display power flow in VA + Amp, kVA + Amp or MVA + Amp.
%PF
When the Amp or kVA radio button is selected, you can check this box to show power factor of power flow along with the current.
Flow Results
Branch
Select this option to display power flow through all branches on the one-line diagram. ETAP displays the power flow at one end of a branch, i.e., the end that has a positive kW value
flowing into the branch. For three-winding transformers, all three power flows are displayed.
Source
Select this option to display power flow for generators and power grids on the one-line diagram.
Load
Select this option to display power flow for motors, MOVs, capacitors, lumped loads, and static loads on the one-line diagram.
Composite Motor
Select this option to display power flow into composite motors.
Composite Network
Select the check box to display power flow into composite networks.
Branch Losses
Select this option to display branch losses on the one-line diagram. Losses are displayed inside a bracket in [kW+jkvar] or [MW+jMvar].
Meters
Ammeter
Check this option to display primary current for the branch to which an ammeter is attached.
Voltmeter
Check this option to display primary voltage for the bus to which a voltmeter is attached.
Multi-Meter
Check this option to display the measurements of a multi-meter, including bus voltage, branch current, branch power flow, power factor, and frequency.
Display Options Pages:

AC Page
AC-DC Page
Colors Page
Load Flow Analysis

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Load Analyzer
Load Flow Calculation Methods

ETAP provides three load flow calculation methods: Adaptive Newton-Raphson, Newton-Raphson, and Fast-Decoupled. They possess different convergent characteristics, and sometimes
one is more favorable in terms of achieving the best performance. You can select any one of them depending on your system configuration, generation, loading condition, and the initial
bus voltages.
Newton-Raphson Method
The Newton-Raphson method formulates and solves iteratively the following load flow equation:
where ΔP and ΔQ are bus real power and reactive power mismatch vectors between specified value and calculated value, respectively; ΔV and Δδ represents bus voltage magnitude and
angle vectors in an incremental form; and J1 through J4 are called Jacobian matrices.
The Newton-Raphson method possesses a unique quadratic convergence characteristic. It usually has a very fast convergence speed compared to other load flow calculation methods. It
also has the advantage that the convergence criteria are specified to ensure convergence for bus real power and reactive power mismatches. This criterion gives you direct control of the
accuracy you want to specify for the load flow solution. The convergence criteria for the Newton-Raphson method are typically set to 0.001 MW and Mvar.
The Newton-Raphson method is highly dependent on the bus voltage initial values. A careful selection of bus voltage initial values is strongly recommended. Before running load flow
using the Newton-Raphson method, ETAP makes a few Gauss-Seidel iterations to establish a set of sound initial values for the bus voltages.
The Newton-Raphson method is recommended for use with any system as a first choice.
Adaptive Newton-Raphson Method

This improved Newton-Raphson Method introduces a set of smaller steps for iterations where a potential divergence condition is encountered. The smaller increments may help to reach a
load flow solution for some systems where the regular Newton-Raphson method might fail to reach one.
The Newton-Raphson method is based on the Taylor series approximation. For simplicity and incremental steps a linear interpolation/extrapolation of the additional time step increments is
performed to improve the solution.
The incremental steps are controlled by adjusting the value of αk to find a possible solution for the following solution step.
The test results prove that the adaptive load flow method can improve the convergence for distribution and transmission systems with significant series capacitance effects (i.e. negative
series reactance). It is also considered to possibly improve convergence for systems with very small impedance values, but that is not guaranteed.
One side effect of using this method is reduced calculation speed because of the incremental steps in the solution.
Fast-Decoupled Method
The Fast-Decoupled method is derived from the Newton-Raphson method. It takes the fact that a small change in the magnitude of bus voltage does not vary the real power at the bus
appreciably, and likewise, for a small change in the phase angle of the bus voltage, the reactive power does not change appreciably. Thus the load flow equation from the Newton-Raphson
method can be simplified into two separate decoupled sets of load flow equations, which can be solved iteratively:
The Fast-Decoupled method reduces computer memory storage by approximately half, compared to the Newton-Raphson method. It also solves the load flow equations using significantly
less computer time than that required by the Newton-Raphson method, since the Jacobian matrices are constant.
As with the Newton-Raphson method, convergence criteria of the Fast-Decoupled method is based on real power and reactive power mismatches, which are typically set to 0.001 in the
order of MW and Mvar.
Although for a fixed number of iterations it is not as accurate as the Newton-Raphson method, the savings in computer time and the more favorable convergence criteria makes for a very
good overall performance.
In general, the Fast-Decoupled method can be used as an alternative to the Newton-Raphson method, and it should definitely be given a try if the Newton-Raphson method has failed when
dealing with long radial systems or systems that have long transmission lines or cables.
Load Flow Convergence

As in any iterative solution method, the convergence of the load flow solution is affected by a number of factors specific to power systems.
Negative Impedance
Negative reactance should be avoided. As an example, the traditional method of modeling three-winding transformers by a Y equivalent model, using one impedance and two two-winding
transformers, sometimes results in a negative impedance value for one of the impedance branches. In this case, the negative impedance should be combined with other series circuit
elements so that the result is a positive impedance value. Load flow calculations may not converge if a large value of negative impedance is used. ETAP can now model three-winding
transformers directly with no need for the user to do any conversions.
Negative Reactance
Series transmission line capacitance can create overall negative reactance on the branch element. In versions of ETAP, (11.1.1 and below), it is likely that larger negative reactance values
may cause divergence. ETAP 12.0.0 and higher includes a new method called Adaptive load flow.
Zero or Very Small Impedance

A zero or very small impedance value of any branch is not allowed, since this will result in infinity or a huge number in the system admittance matrix. You should represent this type of
impedance by a tie circuit breaker to solve the problem.
Widely Different Branch Impedance Values

Widely different branch impedance values on the same per unit base may result in a slow convergence. To avoid this situation, various techniques, such as combining series branches with
low impedance values, ignoring short length transmission lines and/or cables, or modeling a small impedance branch with tie circuit breakers, can be employed.
Long Radial System Configurations

Long radial system configurations usually take a longer time to converge than loop configurations. In general, the Fast-Decoupled Method works faster than the Newton-Raphson for radial
system.
Bad Bus Voltage Initial Values

Solution convergence speed and computing time are functions of the initial voltages for load-type buses. The closer the initial voltages are to their final profile, the faster the solution
converges. The solution may not converge if the initial voltages are too far from the final profile, thus it is recommended that the Update Bus Voltage option be used to obtain a set of
sound initial bus voltages.
Modeling of Loads
Constant Power Load
Constant power loads include induction motors, synchronous motors, conventional and unbalanced lumped loads with % motor load, UPS’s, and chargers. The power output remains
constant for all changes in input voltage. Below are the respective I-V and P-V curves for a constant power load:
Constant Impedance Load

Constant impedance loads include static loads, capacitors, harmonic filters, MOV’s, and conventional and unbalanced lumped loads with % static load. The input power increases
proportionally to the square of the input voltage. Below are the respective I-V and P-V curves for a constant impedance load:
Constant Current Loads

Constant current loads include unbalanced lumped loads with % constant current load. The current remains constant for all changes in voltage. Below are the respective I-V and P-V
curves for a constant current load:
Generic Load
Generic loads include lumped loads using either the exponential, polynomial, or comprehensive model.
A generic load model expresses the characteristics of the load at any instant of time as algebraic functions of the bus voltage magnitude and frequency at that instant. Refer to the Lumped
Load section in Chapter AC-Editors for more information.
Modeling of AC-DC Converters

In a Load Flow Study, chargers are represented as constant kVA loads connected to their AC input bus. An inverter is represented as an AC source without considering the internal
impedances, which can have several operating modes as a generator can have.
Modeling of HV DC’s
In a load flow study, the HV DC link is represented as a branch, which consists of a Rectifier, a DC line, and an Inverter. Both the Inverter and the Rectifier of the HV DC link require a
connection either directly to a swing bus or to a system containing a swing bus.
Modeling of SVC’s
In a Load Flow Study, the SVC is represented as a variable static load. The SVC regulates voltage at its terminal by controlling the amount of reactive power injected into or absorbed
from the power system. When running load flow on a system containing an SVC, load flow will first determine the system voltages without the SVC. If the initial voltage of the bus
connected to SVC is lower than the reference voltage, the SVC will inject reactive power. And if the initial voltage of the bus connected to SVC is higher than the reference voltage, the
SVC will absorb reactive power. Refer to the Static Var Compensator section in Chapter AC-Editors for more information.
Modeling of UPS
In a Load Flow Study, the UPS is represented as a constant load at its input side and a swing source at its output side (where the output side is energized).
When the UPS is selected as a load based on its loading category in its loading page, the system that is connected to the UPS output side will be de-energized if there is not any other swing
sources in the system and the UPS is modeled as a pure constant load.
UPS Output Side is De-energized
When the UPS is selected as a load based on its connected load, the UPS output bus will be modeled as a swing bus with the UPS rated output voltage as its regulating voltage for its
output bus. Then the calculated UPS output bus loading will be treated/shared as the UPS output side loading.
If multiple UPS selected as connected loads share the same output bus, the calculated UPS output bus loading will be shared among all the UPS by their maximum rated currents. The UPS
output side loading will be reflected onto the UPS input bus by considering its efficiency and the operating input power factor selection in its loading page. For example, if the UPS share
of its output bus loading is P + j*Q, then the UPS loading will be reflected onto its input bus based on the operating input PF selection as a load:
1. P/EFF + j*P/EFF*sqrt(1-PF*PF)/PF where EFF is the UPS efficiency and PF is the rated or user-defined power factor.
2. P/EFF + j*Q when connected load power factor is selected.
Modeling of VFD
In a Load Flow Study, the VFD is modeled the same way as the UPS except for:
 The VFD is modeled as a load based on its connected load.

 The VFD output swing bus voltage is specified by the VFD loading category.
 The VFD output side loading will be reflected onto its input side and shared equally by its input branches if the VFD is connected to multiple input branches. Otherwise, the VFD
output side loading will be reflected onto its input bus.
Modeling of Inverter Current Limit

If inverter loading current is less than Imax, the inverter controls its terminal voltage and behaves as a constant voltage source. Once the loading current reaches Imax, the loading current
and voltage follow the current limit curve. The inverter voltage-current curve is shown as following, where Vreg is the rated inverter voltage. When Imax = Isc, current limit model is not
applicable. Current limit model is used for inverters in swing or voltage control mode. This model is not applied for 1-phase inverters.
Imax is specified in Inverter Editor Rating Page and Isc is SC Model Page S.C. Current Imax field.
Different Factors Considered in Load Calculation

ETAP provides you with great flexibility in modeling load variations through different load factors, such as demand factor, load percent, service factor, and application factor, etc.
Depending on your specifications, these factors are used differently in calculating loads under several circumstances:
 Load Editor – Calculation of load for loading categories and voltage drop
 Input for Studies – Calculation of load specification for load flow and initial load for motor starting and transient stability studies
 Studies Results – Calculation of load displayed in one-line diagram from load flow, motor starting, and transient stability studies
 Bus Editor – Sum of load connected to a bus
The following two tables describe how these factors are used in these cases:
Factors Used for Motor Load Calculation

Load Editor Input to Studies Results from Studies Bus
Load Loss Vd Load Loss Load Loss Vd Editor
Bus Nominal kV x x x x x x x x
Bus Operating V x x x x x
Demand Factor x x x x x x x x x
Loading % x x x x x x x x x
Service Factor *
App. Factor *
Load Quantity x x x x x x x
Bus Diversity Factor * * * * *
Global Diversity Factor * * * * *
Factors Used for Static Load Calculation

Results from
Load Editor Input to Studies Bus
Studies
Editor
Load Loss Vd Load Loss Load Loss Vd
Bus Nominal kV x x x x x x x x x
Bus Operating V x x x x
Demand Factor x x x x x x x x x
Loading % x x x x x x x x x
App. Factor *
Load Quantity x x x x x x x
Bus Diversity Factor * * * * *
Global Diversity Factor * * * * *
* Indicates the factor is used in calculation if specified by the user in the related load editor or study case.
Notes:
 Motor load includes induction motor and generator, synchronous motor, and motor load portion of lumped load.
 Static load includes static load, capacitor, MOV, and static load portion of conventional and unbalanced lumped loads.
Comparison of System Element Models
Dynamic Static
Element Load Flow Transient Stability Motor Acceleration Motor Starting
Dynamically Constant Voltage Constant Voltage

Generators Infinite Bus
Modeled Behind Xd” Behind Xd”
Exciter/Governors Dynamically
Not Applicable Not Modeled Not Modeled
Modeled
Utility Ties Infinite Bus Constant Voltage

Constant Voltage Constant Voltage Behind X”
Behind X” Behind X”
Modeled
Dynamically or
Operating Motors Constant kVA Constant kVA Constant kVA
Constant kVA
Single1, Single2, Single1, Single2,

Locked-Rotor Z and
Starting Motors Not Applicable DBL1, & DBL2 DBL1, DBL2, & TSC
Power Factor
Models Models
Starters Not Applicable Modeled Modeled Modeled
Load Flow Analysis

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Load Analyzer
1-Phase/Panel System Load Flow Calculation

When the Calc. Panel/UPS System option is checked in the study case, the panel/UPS system load flow will be carried out along with the 3-phase system in a load flow run. Due to special
conditions for panel/UPS systems, the calculations are performed with a different method from the one used for the 3-phase system.
When the Calc. Panel/UPS System option is not checked in the Study Case, loads from a panel/UPS system is summed up for the specified load category to the top element (a panel, a
phase-adaptor, or an UPS) of the panel/UPS system and this top element is treated as a load to the 3-phase system. In this load summation, loads are added up under rated voltage, power
factor and efficiency, without considering losses and voltage drop.
1-Phase/Panel Systems
A panel system is defined as a radial sub-system that is powered through a top panel, a phase adaptor, or an 1-phase UPS connected to a 3-phase bus. A power system may contain several
panel systems. Each panel system has a top element that is either a 3-phase panel or a phase adapter.
Special Conditions for 1-Phase/Panel System Load Flow Calculation

Looped 1-Phase/Panel System
A 1-phase/panel system should be a radial sub-system. There should be no loops involved. Before load flow calculation, ETAP checks for loop configurations. In case any loops are
detected in a 1-phase/panel system, an error will be posted.
Transformer LTC
Transformer LTC is not considered for any transformer in 1-phase/panel systems. Even if the LTC field is checked in the Transformer Editor, it will be ignored in 1-phase/panel system
load flow calculation.
Branch Shunt Impedance

Shunt impedance for branches such as cable, transmission line, and impedance are not included in the 1-phase/panel system load flow calculation.
Feeder Cable for Panel Internal Loads

In the load flow calculation, internal loads for a panel are lumped into an equivalent load. As a result, losses caused by feeder cables of panel internal loads are not considered in panel
system load flow calculation. However, feeder cables for external loads are included in the calculation.
Calculation Method
The 1-phase/panel system load flow calculation is carried out sequentially with 3-phase load flow to achieve accurate result. The calculation involved three stages.
Before the 3-phase system load flow calculation is performed, a load flow computation is carried out for each 1-phase/panel system for the loading category and diversity factors specified
in the study case. In this computation, the terminal bus voltage of the top element is assumed to be fixed at its initial value entered in the Bus Editor. The purpose of this pre-load-flow
calculation is to accurately calculate 1-phase/panel system load, including branch losses and effect of voltage drop on various types of loads.
Once the 1-phase/panel system load is calculated, it is stored in the top element. The 3-phase system load flow calculation is then carried out, in which the top element of each 1-
phase/panel system is represented as a single load connected to a 3-phase bus.
After the 3-phase system load flow is completed, a load flow calculation is carried out again for each 1-phase/panel system with the updated terminal bus voltage of the top element just
calculated from the 3-phase system load flow. Subsequently, if the updated terminal bus voltages are notably different from the original values used in the calculations, then a consecutive
load flow calculation may result in different values from the first calculation results.
The results of the calculation are reported on the one-line diagram and in Crystal Report.
Load Flow Analysis

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Load Analyzer
Load Flow Required Data - Load Flow Analysis

Bus Data
Required data for load flow calculations for buses includes:
 Nominal kV
 %V and Angle (when Initial Condition is set to use Use Bus Voltages)
 Load Diversity Factor (when the Loading option is set to use Diversity Factor)
Branch Data
Branch data is entered into the Branch Editors, i.e., Transformer, Transmission Line, Cable, Reactor, and Impedance editors. Required data for load flow calculations for branches
includes:
 Branch Z, R, X, or X/R values and units, tolerance, and temperature, if applicable
 Cable and transmission line, length, and unit
 Transformer rated kV and kVA/MVA, tap, and LTC settings
 Impedance base kV and base kVA/MVA
Power Grid Data

Required data for load flow calculations for power grids includes:
 Operating mode (Swing, Voltage Control, Mvar Control, or PF Control)
 Nominal kV
 %V and Angle for swing mode
 %V, MW loading, and Mvar limits (Qmax & Qmin) for Voltage Control mode
 MW and Mvar loading, and Mvar limits Mvar Control mode
 MW loading and PF, and Mvar limits for PF Control mode
Synchronous Generator Data

Required data for load flow calculations for synchronous generators includes:
 Operating mode (Swing, Voltage Control, or Mvar Control)
 Rated kV
 %V and Angle for swing mode of operation
 %V, MW loading, and Mvar limits (Qmax and Qmin) for Voltage Control mode
 MW and Mvar loading, and Mvar limits Mvar Control mode
 MW loading and PF, and Mvar limits for PF Control mode
Note: The Mvar limits (Qmax and Qmin) can also be calculated from the capability curve. The required additional data for this calculation includes:
 All data on the Capability page
 Synchronous reactance (Xd)
Inverter Data
Required data for load flow calculations for inverters includes:
 Inverter ID
 DC and AC rating data
 AC output voltage regulating data
Synchronous Motor Data

Required data for load flow calculations for synchronous motors includes:
 Rated kW/hp and kV
 Power factors and efficiencies at 100%, 75%, and 50% loadings
 % Loading for desired Loading Category
 Equipment cable data
Induction Motor Data

Required data for load flow calculations for induction motors includes:
 Rated kW/hp and kV
 Power factors and efficiencies at 100%, 75%, and 50% loadings
Static Load Data
Required data for load flow calculations for static loads includes:
 Static Load ID
 Rated kVA/MVA and kV
 Power factor
Capacitor Data
Required data for load flow calculations for capacitors includes:
 Capacitor ID
 Rated kV, kvar/bank, and number of banks
Lumped Load Data

Required data for load flow calculations for lumped loads includes:
Conventional
 Load ID
 Rated kV, kVA/MVA, power factor, and % motor load
Unbalanced
 Load ID
 Rated kV, kVA/MVA, power factor, % motor load, and % static load
Exponential
 Load ID
 Rated kV, P0, Q0, a, and b
Polynomial
 Load ID
 Rated kV, P0, Q0, p1, p2, q1, and q2
Comprehensive
 Load ID
 Rated kV, P0, Q0, a1, a2, b1, b2, p1, p2, p3, p4, q1, q2, q3, and q4
Charger and UPS Data

Required data for load flow calculations for chargers and UPS’s includes:
 Element ID
 Rated AC kV, MVA, and power factor, as well as DC rating data
HV DC Link Data
Required data for load flow calculations for HVDC links includes:
 Element ID
 All data on the Rating page is required for Load Flow calculations
 Inverter current margin (I m)
SVC Data
Required data for load flow calculations for SVC’s includes:
 Element ID
 Rated kV
 Inductive Rating (Either QL, IL, or BL)
 Capacitive Rating (Either QC, IC, or B C)
 Max Inductive Rating (Either QL(Max), or IL(Max))
 Max Capacitive Rating (Either QC(Min), or I C(Min))
Note: QC, QC(Min), and BL must be entered as a negative value
Panel Data
Required data for load flow calculations for panels includes:
 Element ID
 Rated kV and Amps
 Number of Branch Circuits
 Loading and %Loading
 Phasing, Number of Poles, and State
 Connection Type, i.e. Internal, External, Spare, etc.
Other Data
There are some study case related data, which must also be provided. This includes:
 Method (Newton-Raphson or Fast-Decoupled)
 Max Iteration
 Precision
 Loading Category
 Initial Voltage Condition
 Report (report format)
 Update (for bus voltages and transformer LTCs using load flow result)
The study case related data is entered into the Load Flow Study Case editor.
Load Flow Analysis

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Load Analyzer
Load Flow Output Reports

The load flow calculation results are reported both on the one-line diagram and in the Crystal Reports format. The graphical one-line diagram displays the calculated bus voltages, branch
flows and voltage drops, load power consumption, etc. You can use the Display Options editor to specify the content to be displayed. It also flags abnormal operating conditions, such as
overloaded cables and over- or undervoltage buses, in different colors.
The Crystal Reports format provides you with detailed information for a load flow analysis. You can utilize the Load Flow Report Manager to help you view the output report.
Crystal Reports
Load Flow Analysis

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Crystal Reports
View from Study Case Toolbar
This is a shortcut for the Report Manger. When you click on the View Output Report button, ETAP automatically opens the output report listed in the Study Case toolbar with the selected
format. In the picture shown below, the output report name is LF 100A and the selected format is Complete.
Report Manager
To open the Report Manager, simply click on the Report Manager button on the Load Flow toolbar. The editor includes four pages (Complete, Input, Result, and Summary) representing
different sections of the output report. The Report Manager allows you to select formats available for different portions of the report and view it via Crystal Reports. There are several
fields and buttons common to every page, as described below.
Output Report Name

This field displays the name of the output report you want to view.
Project File Name

This field displays the name of the project file based on which report was generated, along with the directory where the project file is located.
Path
This field displays the name of the project file based on which report was generated, along with the directory where the project file is located.
Help
Click on this button to access Help.
OK/Cancel
Click on the OK button to close the editor and open the Crystal Reports view to show the selected portion of the output report. If no selection is made, it will close the editor. Click on the
Cancel button to close the editor without viewing the report.
Complete
The complete report includes input data, results, and summary reports.
Viewer and File Options

You can view the report in the Crystal Reports viewer, or save the report in PDF, MS Word, Rich Text Format, or Excel format. If you wish this selection to be the default for reports, click
the Set As Default check box.
Input Data
This page allows you to select different formats for viewing input data, grouped according to type. They include:
Adjustments
Branch
Bus
Cable
Cover
Equipment Cable
High Voltage DC Link
Impedance
Line Coupling
NO Protective Devices
Reactor
SVC
Transformer
Note: Input Data is not included for 1-Ph elements. The Unbalanced Load Flow module may be used to report this data.
Results
This page allows you to select the desired output report.
Summary
This page allows you to select different portions of the load flow summary to view.
Note: Some portions of the summary are available only when you have selected specific options in the study case, such as Critical and Marginal Voltage options.
Alert-Complete
Alert-Critical
Alert-Marginal
Branch Loading
Bus Loading
Losses
Summary
Over voltage (or under voltage) alerts for AB, BC, and CA buses and three-phase buses under panels are generated based on the highest (or lowest) line to neutral voltage. This voltage
value is scaled to line-line base by multiplying by 1.732 and displayed in the operating voltage column.
The summary of total generation, loading and demand is reported in either MW and Mvar or MVA and %PF (Power Factor). The total Source generation is separated into at Swing Buses
and at Non-Swing Buses. Total Demand is the total of Motor Load, Static Load, Constant I Load and Generic Load, plus the Apparent Losses, where the Apparent Losses are the
calculated total MW and Mvar losses of the system.
This report does not include the result for 1-Ph systems. The Unbalanced Load Flow module may be used to report the results for unbalanced systems.
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Analyzer
Alert View - Load Flow Analysis

The functional objective of the Alert View is to provide an immediate list of all the alerts generated by the load flow calculation. The Alert View window may be configured to
automatically display as soon as the load flow calculation is over by selecting the Auto Display check box in the Alarm page of the load flow study case. It may also be accessed by a left-
click on the Alert View icon. The Alert View provides several tabulated sections of information about the reported alerts. You may refer to Section Alert Page for detailed information on
alerts for each type of elements.
Device ID
The Device Identification group of the Alert View lists the names of all the components that qualified as alerts after the load flow calculation.
Type
The Type group of the Alert View displays information about the type of the device having the displayed alert.
Condition
The Condition group of the Alert View provides a brief comment about the type of alert being reported. In the case of load flow alerts, the different conditions reported are Overloads,
Over Voltage, Under Voltage, Over Excited, and Under Excited.
Rating/Limit
The Rating group of the Alert View provides the rating information being used by the Load Flow module to determine whether an alert should be reported and of what kind. Section Alert
Page provides detailed information on alerts for each type of elements.
Operating
The Operating group of the Alert View displays the results from the Load Flow calculation. The results listed here are used in combination with those displayed in the ratings section to
determine the operating percent values. These values are then compared to those entered in the Alert page of the Load Flow Study Case Editor.
Over voltage (or under voltage) alerts for AB, BC, and CA buses and three-phase buses under panels are generated based on the highest (or lowest) line to neutral voltage. This voltage
value is scaled to line-line base by multiplying by 1.732 and displayed in the operating voltage column.
%Operating
This group displays the percent operating values calculated based on the load flow results and the different element ratings/Limits. The values displayed here are directly compared to the
percent of monitored parameters entered directly into the Alert page of the Load Flow Study Case editor. Based on the element type, system topology and given conditions, the Alert
Simulation program uses these percent values to determine if and what kind of alert should be displayed.
Phase Type
This group displays whether the alert being displayed is for a Single-Phase or 3-Phase component.
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Analyzer
Messages - Load Flow Analysis

Messages are provided to troubleshoot load flow calculation related issues. The messages are categorized in the table below.
Category Description Range

The most important messages. These messages
Critical may be the main reasons for convergence issues, 70-99
and should be reviewed.
Marginal messages are not as important as critical
messages, but they may contain causes for
Marginal 40-69
divergence. Incorrect data entry may be divulged
in marginal parts.
These are not as important as the two previous
categories and causes of divergence. However,
Informative 1-39
reviewing them will help to check the entered
data.
By default, all of the possible messages will be reported and can be viewed in the message table. Users may control which message categories are to be displayed in the message table by
adding the INI entry “MessageSwitchOn” in the ETAPS.INI file. See the below table for descriptions of the different INI entry values.
MessageSwitchOn Description
3 (Default) Show all messages.
2 Show only critical and marginal messages.
1 Show only critical messages.
0 Off
Accessing the Message Table

In the current ETAP release, users may view the messages by loading the load flow report database. To accomplish this, first select “List Output Reports” from the Study Case toolbar.
Select the report to be viewed.
In the database viewer, double click the table “Messages” to view the messages.
Message Table Fields

Each message contains following information which are listed in the Message table.
Code
Explained in the Message Description section
Type
List the type of message
Category
Critical: 70-99, Marginal: 40-69, Informative: 1-39
Description
A description of the message
ElemType1
The element type of the involved element or the first element if two elements are involved
ElemID1
The element ID of the involved or first involved element
ElemType2
The element type of the second element if two elements are involved
ElemID2
The element ID of the second involved element
CalcValue
Calculated value for this message
LimitValue
Limit values for this message
Message Descriptions
The message code starts from 11010. Detailed descriptions for each message code are listed below. Note that the limits can be set by an entry in ETAPS.INI as listed.
11010 Load flow did not converge.

When the load flow does not converge in the specified iteration number, or diverges during the iterations, the 11010 message will be shown in the messages table.
11012 Load flow converged, but the results may be not valid.
There are certain situations that the load flow convergence may not be valid.
11014 Load flow cannot be run due to superfluous connection between two buses.
This message appears when there is a superfluous connection in the system. For example, a branch is shorted by a tie PD.
11020 to 11030
When any of codes from 11020 to11030 exists, this indicates that the voltage of PQ buses is reaching a limit.
11020 Average voltage at all PQ buses is lower than limit.

This message appears when the average of voltage magnitude in all PQ buses is below limit as set below.
Default Value Minimum Maximum

INI Variable
(%) (%) (%)
LF_V_Average 80 50 100
11022 Average voltage at all PQ buses is near limit.

This message appears when the average of voltage magnitude in all PQ buses is near (less than 1.1 times) the limit.
11030 Voltage at this PQ bus is lower than limit.

This message appears when the voltage magnitude of an individual PQ bus is below the limit as set below.

INI Variable
(%) (%) (%)
LF_V_Minimum 60 40 100
11032 Voltage at this PQ bus is near limit.

This message appears when the voltage magnitude of an individual PQ bus is near (less than 1.1 times) the limit.
11040 Individual bus power mismatch (MVA) is higher than limit.

When the power mismatch (difference between specified and calculated load) at an individual bus is higher than limit as set below, this message appears.

INI Variable
(MVA) (MVA) (MVA)
LF_Max_Indiv_Mismatch 0.1 0.001 1
11042 Individual bus power mismatch (MVA) is near limit.

When the power mismatch (difference between specified and calculated load) at an individual bus is near (greater than 0.8 times) the limit, this message appears.
11050 Individual bus power mismatch percentage is higher than limit.

When the percent of the power mismatch in compare with the installed load (difference between specified and calculated load) at an individual bus is higher than limit as set below, this
message appears.

INI Variable
(%) (%) (%)
LF_Max_Indiv_Mismatch_Percent 0.1 0.01 1
11052 Individual bus power mismatch percentage is near limit.

When the percent of the power mismatch (difference between specified and calculated load) in compare with the specified load at an individual bus is near (greater than 0.8 times) the
limit, this message appears.
11060 Total system power mismatch percentage is higher than limit.

When the percent of the power mismatch (difference between specified and calculated load) in compare with the specified load at all buses is higher than limit as set below, this message
appears.

INI Variable
(%) (%) (%)
LF_Max_Total_Mismatch_Percent 0.1 0.01 1
11062 Total system power mismatch percentage is near limit.

When the percent of the power mismatch (difference between specified and calculated load) in compare with the specified load at all buses is greater than 0.8 times the limit as set above,
this message appears.
11070 Bus initial voltage value is lower than limit value.

This message appears if the initial voltage of a bus entered is lower than 80% of the limit as set below. Lower initial voltage could cause load flow divergence.

INI Variable
(%) (%) (%)
LF_BusInitV 100 50 120
11074 Bus initial voltage value is higher than limit value.

This message appears if the initial voltage of a bus entered is higher than 120% of the limit as set in above table. Higher initial voltage could cause load flow divergence.
11080 Admittance matrix has ill condition, causing the load flow convergence problem.
Ill condition admittance matrix represents the situation that very small impedance is connected to a very large one. In this case, large elements in the Jacobian are emerged, which causes
the Newton-Raphson or Fast-Decoupled method to fluctuate and fail to converge.
11090 Directly connected load at this bus, based on the voltage level, is larger than the limit.
This message appears when the sum of all connected load at this bus is larger than the limit as set below. All connected load includes all constant power, constant current and constant
impedance loads which are directly connected to an individual bus.
Voltage Level Default Value Minimum Maximum

INI Variable
(kV) (100xMVA) (100xMVA) (100xMVA)
<1 LF_OutRange_Load_1kV 0.1 0.0001 10
≥ 1 & < 35 LF_OutRange_Load_35kV 1.0 0.0001 20
≥ 35 & < 110 LF_OutRange_Load_110kV 4.0 0.0001 50
≥ 110 LF_OutRange_Load_P110kV 10.0 0.0001 100
11092 Directly connected load at this bus, based on the voltage level, is near limit.
This message appears when the sum of all connected load at this bus is not larger than the limit, but it is larger than 80% of the limit. All connected load includes all constant power,
constant current and constant impedance loads which are directly connected to an individual bus.
11100 Directly connected load at this bus, compared to average of other buses, is near limit.
This message appears when the sum of all connected load at this bus is not larger than the limit, but it is larger than 2 times of the limit. All connected load includes all constant power,
constant current and constant impedance loads which are connected to an individual bus. The limit is calculated based on the average loads of all other buses.
11110 Directly connected generation at this bus, based on the voltage level, is larger than the limit.
This message appears when the sum of all connected generation units at this bus is larger than the limit as set below. All connected generation includes all generators, which are directly
connected to an individual bus.

INI Variable
(kV) (100xMVA) (100xMVA) (100xMVA)
<1 LF_OutRange_Gen_1kV 3.0 0.0001 100
≥ 1 & < 35 LF_OutRange_Gen_35kV 5.0 0.0001 100
≥ 35 & < 110 LF_OutRange_Gen_110kV 7.0 0.0001 100
≥ 110 LF_OutRange_Gen_P110kV 10.0 0.0001 100
11112 Directly connected generation at this bus, based on the voltage level, is near limit.
This message appears when the sum of all connected generation units at this bus is not larger than the limit, but it is larger than 80% of the limit. All connected generation includes all
generators, which are directly connected to an individual bus.
11120 Directly connected generation at this bus, compared to average of other buses, is larger than the limit.
This message appears when the sum of all connected generation units at this bus is larger than the limit. All connected generation includes all generators, which are directly connected to
an individual bus. The limit is calculated based on the average of generation units of all other buses.
11130 Nominal voltage at this bus is greater than 120 percent of the system voltage.
This message appears when the nominal bus voltage is higher than 120% of the system voltage (Vbase).
11132 Nominal voltage at this bus is greater than 110 percent of the system voltage.
This message appears when the nominal bus voltage is between 110% and 120% of the system voltage (Vbase).
11134 Nominal voltage at this bus is less than 80 percent of the system voltage.
This message appears when the nominal bus voltage is less than 80% of the system voltage (Vbase).
11136 Nominal voltage at this bus is less than 90 percent of the system voltage.
This message appears when the nominal bus voltage is between 80% and 90% of the system voltage (Vbase).
Vbase is the base voltage calculated based on the swing source.
11150 Precision order is higher than limit value.

This message appears when the precision order is higher than 6 (e.g. 10-7, 10-8).
11152 Precision order is lower than limit value.

This message appears when the precision order is lower than 4 (e.g. 10-3, 10-2).
11160 Maximum number of iterations is lower than limit value.

This message appears when the number of iteration is less than 10.
11170 Cable length, based on the voltage level, is larger than the limit.
This message appears when a cable’s length based on the nominal voltage level is larger than the limit as set below.

INI Variable
(kV) (ft) (ft) (ft)
<1 LF_OutRange_CableLength_1kV 1500 0.0001 1000000
≥ 1 & < 35 LF_OutRange_CableLength_35kV 2500 0.0001 1000000
≥ 35 & < 110 LF_OutRange_CableLength_110kV 3500 0.0001 1000000
≥ 110 LF_OutRange_CableLength_P110kV 4500 0.0001 1000000
11172 Cable length, based on the voltage level, is near the limit.
This message appears when a cable’s length based on the nominal voltage level is larger than 0.8 times of the limit.
11180 Cable length (ft), compared to average of other cables, is larger than the limit.
This message appears when the cable length is larger than 2 times of the limit. The limit is calculated based on the average of cable length of all other cables.
11190 Impedance of this branch, based on the voltage level, is larger than the limit.
This message appears when the impedance of cable, impedance or transmission line is larger than the limit as set below.

INI Variable
(kV) (p.u.) (p.u.) (p.u.)
<1 LF_OutRange_Impedance_1kV 300 1 1000
≥ 1 & < 35 LF_OutRange_Impedance_35kV 300 1 1000
≥ 35 & < 110 LF_OutRange_Impedance_110kV 300 1 1000
≥ 110 LF_OutRange_Impedance_P110kV 300 1 1000
11192 Impedance of this branch, based on the voltage level, is near limit.
This message appears when the impedance of cable, impedance or transmission line is greater than 80% of the limit.
11196 Impedance of this transformer is larger than the limit.

This message appears when the impedance of a transformer is larger than the limit as set below when load flow does not converge or is larger than 2 times of the limit as set below when
load flow converges.

INI Variable
(%) (%) (%)
LF_OutRange_Impedance_Transformer 7 3 10
11198 Impedance of this transformer is near limit.

This message appears when the impedance of a transformer is less than but greater than 80% of the limit.
11200 Impedance of this branch (Line, Cable and Impedance) compared to average of other branch impedances is larger than the limit.
This message appears when the impedance of a Cable, Impedance or Transmission Line is larger than 2 times of the limit. The limit is calculated based on the average impedance of all
other branches.
11210 Susceptance of this branch (Line, Cable and Impedance), based on the voltage level, is larger than the limit.
This message appears when the susceptance of cable, impedance or transmission line is larger than the limit as set below.

INI Variable
(kV) (p.u.) (p.u.) (p.u.)
<1 LF_OutRange_Susceptance_1kV 0.5 0.0001 10
≥ 1 & < 35 LF_OutRange_Susceptance_35kV 1 0.0001 10
≥ 35 & < 110 LF_OutRange_Susceptance_110kV 2 0.0001 10
≥ 110 LF_OutRange_Susceptance_P110kV 4 0.0001 10
11212 Susceptance of this branch, based on the voltage level, is near limit.
This message appears when the susceptance of cable, impedance or transmission line is greater than 80% of the limit.
11220 Susceptance of this branch, compared to average of other branches, is larger than the limit.
This message appears when the susceptance of a Cable, Impedance or Transmission Line is larger than 2 times of the limit. The limit is calculated based on the average susceptance of all
other branches.
11230 Load flow may not have converged due to system R/X ratio being higher than limit.
Branches with high R/X ratio or zero X cause difficulty in the load flow converge. Thus, this message appears when the R/X of branches of the entire network is larger than the limit as set
below.
INI Variable Default Value Minimum Maximum
LF_R_X_Average 10 0.1 100
11232 R/X ratio of the connected branches to this bus is higher than limit.
If the R/X ratio of the entire network is higher than the limit as set above, message 11232 could appear. Load flow calculation reports individual buses that have R/X ratio higher than 2
times of the R/X ratio of the entire network.
11240 Directly connected load at this bus is larger than the MW transfer capability limit of all directly connected branches.
When the real part of directly connected load at an individual bus, is larger than maximum capability limit of all branches that is connected to it, this message appears.
11242 Directly connected load at this bus is near the MW transfer capability limit of all directly connected branches.
When the real part of directly connected load at an individual bus, is larger than 80% the maximum capability limit of all branches that is connected to it, this message appears.
11244 Directly connected load at this bus is larger than the Mvar transfer capability limit of all directly connected branches.
When the reactive part of directly connected load at an individual bus, is larger than maximum Mvar capability limit of all branches that is connected to it, this message appears.
11246 Directly connected load at this bus is near the Mvar transfer capability limit of all directly connected branches
When the reactive part of directly connected load at an individual bus, is larger than 80% of the maximum Mvar capability limit of all branches that is connected to it, this message
appears.
11250 Directly connected load at this bus is larger than the branch MW transfer capability limit.
When the real part of directly connected load at an individual bus, is larger than maximum MW capability limit of a branch that is connected to it, this message appears.
11252 Directly connected load at this bus is near the branch MW transfer capability limit.
When the reactive part of directly connected load at an individual bus, is larger than 80% of the maximum MW capability limit of a branch that is connected to it, this message appears.
11254 Directly connected load at this bus is larger than the branch Mvar transfer capability limit.
When the reactive part of directly connected load at an individual bus, is larger than maximum Mvar capability limit of a branch that is connected to it, this message appears.
11256 Directly connected load at this bus is near the branch Mvar transfer capability limit.
When the reactive part of directly connected load at an individual bus, is larger than 80% of the maximum Mvar capability limit of a branch that is connected to it, this message appears.
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Analyzer

The Load Flow Result Analyzer allows you to view the results of various load flow studies in one screen so you can analyze and compare the different results. You can compare the results
of general information about the project or more specific information such as the results contained from buses, branches, loads or sources in a load flow study. The Load Flow Result
Analyzer is a time saving tool that allows you to compare and analyze different reports coming from different projects, within the same directory, in a single display.
Export
Export Load Flow Analyzer Data and create a report in Microsoft Excel format.
Report and Result Selections

Study Reports:
Select which Load Flow study reports to compare by clicking on the check box. The results of the selected study report(s) will appear in the display table.
Ref
Select the study report that is used as the reference. The Display table also indicates which study report is used as the reference by a green highlight on the study report name.
Report Type
Select which Report Type you would like displayed.
General Info
Selecting General will display the general information contained in the study report such as number of elements, system generation, loads and losses, and conversion parameters.
Bus Results
Selecting Bus will display the bus information contained in the study report.
Branch Results
Selecting Branch will display the branch information contained in the study report.
Loads
Selecting Load will display the load information contained in the study report.
Sources
Selecting Source will display the source information contained in the study report.
Project Report
Select which project report(s) you would like active.
Active Project
The first selection is defaulted to the open project file. This will limit you to all the reports generated from this project.
All Projects in Active Directory

This allows the user to compare reports from different projects that are located within the directory that the current (open) project file resides.
General Info
Under this category, general information that summarizes the study and the information that is reported in the first and last page of the output reports are displayed. When “General Info” is
selected, the Display Table is changed to show the following:
Study Case ID
Study case ID: unique name up to 25 characters.
Data Revision
This field indicates the name of the Data Revision used for the selected study report.
Configuration
This field indicates the configuration status being used for the selected study report.
Loading Cat
Display the name of the Loading Category used for the selected study report.
Generation Cat
Display the name of the Generation Category used for the selected study report.
Diversity Factor
Display the Load Diversity Factor used for the selected study report.
Buses
Total number of Energized Buses that exist in the selected study report.
Branches
Total number of Branches that exist in the selected study report.
Generators
Total number of Generators that exist in the selected study report.
Power Grids
Total number of Power Grids that exist in the selected study report.
Loads
Total number of Loads that exist in the selected study report.
Load-MW
Total Load in MW that exists in the selected study report.
Load-Mvar
Total Load in Mvar that exists in the selected study report.
Generation-MW
Total Generation in MW that exists in the selected study report.
Generation-Mvar
Total Generation in Mvar that exists in the selected study report.
Losses-MW
Total losses in MW that exist in the selected study report.
Losses-Mvar
Total losses in Mvar that exist in the selected study report.
Mismatch-MW
Total mismatch in MW that exists in the selected study report.
Mismatch-Mvar
Total mismatch in Mvar that exist in the selected study report.
Bus Results
Under this category, bus information and the load flow results for the buses are displayed. When “Bus Results” is selected, the Result Analyzer display is changed to show the following:
Bus Type
This section determines what type of buses to display in the table.
Source Buses
Buses that are connected to a Generator or Power Grid.
Nodes
Buses that have been graphically displayed as Nodes.
MCC & SWGR

Buses that have MCC or SWGR as the type selected in the Rating page.
Load Buses
Buses that have loads connected to them.
Bus Info
This section determines which bus information to display in the table.
Nominal kV
Display the bus nominal voltage in kV of the selected bus.
Amp Rating
Display the ampere rating of the selected bus.
Type
Display the bus type information: Gen, SWNG, or Load.
Unit
This section determines the measurement unit used to display the bus loading results and operating bus voltages.
Load Flow Results

This section determines which results to display in the table.
Note: When multiple study reports are selected, Calculated Results section becomes Radial buttons.
Voltage
Display operating voltage based on the result voltage unit (kV, % of Bus nominal kV, or Volts).
kW Loading
Display total bus loading (kW or MW).
kvar Loading
Display total bus loading (kvar or Mvar).
Amp Loading
Display Ampere Loading of the load directly connected to the bus.
% Loading
Displays the percent loading based on the calculated ampere loading and ampere rating of the bus.
Alert
This section allows you to enter the marginal and critical limits on the display table.
Note: The results will be highlighted based on these limits, not based on the limits set from the study case.
Loading
Highlights bus loading alerts.
OverVoltage
Highlights bus over voltage alerts.
UnderVoltage
Highlights bus under voltage alerts.
Display Options
Actual Value
Display the actual value of the results.
Differences with Ref.

Display the delta differences between the calculated results with respect to the values from the reference report.
Skip if Same - Delta is less than

Data that has the same results or a value within the delta limit, as the reference study will not be displayed.
Find
Select any bus from the Bus ID list and click find to locate that bus on your One-Line Diagram.
Branch Results
Under this category, branch information and the load flow results for the branches are displayed. When “Branch Results” is selected, the Result Analyzer display is changed to show the
following:
Branch Type
Select the Branch type(s) to display on the table. The list of branch types is below:
 Transformer
 Cable
 Line
 Reactor
 Impedance
 Equipment Cable
Branch Info
This section determines which branch information to display in the table.
Bus 1
Display “From Bus” connection in that element editor.
Bus 2
Display “To Bus” connection in that element editor.
Type
Display the element type on the display table.
Rating 1 and Rating 2

Display the Rating for each branch. See table below for each Rating:
Type Rating 1 Rating 2

2-W Transformer Primary kV / Secondary kV Primary Winding Rating MVA/kVA
3-W Xfmr Primary Rated kV Primary Winding Rating MVA/kVA
3-W Xfmr Secondary Rated kV Primary Winding Rating MVA/kVA
3-W Xfmr Tertiary Rated kV Primary Winding Rating MVA/kVA
Cable Length Meters Size
Line Length Meters Size
Positive sequence impedance
Reactor Reactor rating Amps
ohms
Positive sequence resistance Positive sequence reactance
Impedance
ohms/percent ohms/percent
Equipment Cable Length Meters Size
Unit
This section determines the measurement unit used to display the branch loading results and operating branch voltages.
Load Flow Results

kW Flow
Display power flow (kW or MW)
kvar Flow
Display power flow (kvar or Mvar)
Amp Flow
Display ampere flow from one bus to another.
% PF
Display Power Factor (%)
% Loading
Display loading (%)
% Voltage Drop
Display voltage drop (%)
kW Losses
Display branch losses (kW or MW)
kvar Losses
Display branch losses (kvar or Mvar)
Alert
Note that the results will be highlighted based on these limits, not based on the limits from the study case.
Loading
Highlight branch loading alerts.
Voltage Drop
Highlight branch voltage drop alerts.
Display Options
Actual Value


Find
Select any branch from the ID list and click find to locate that element on your One-Line Diagram.
Loads
Under this category, load information and the load flow results for the loads are displayed. When “Loads” is selected, the Result Analyzer display is changed to show the following:
Load Type
Select the Load type(s) to display on the table. The list of load types is below:
 Induction
 Synchronous
 Lumped
 Static
 MOV
 Capacitor
 SVC
 Filter
Load Info
This section determines which load information to display in the table.
Terminal Bus
Bus connected to the load.
Type
Display the load type on the display table.
Rating and Rating kV

Display the Rating for each load. See table below for each Rating:
Type Rating Rating kV

Induction HP/ kW Rated voltage
Synchronous HP/ kW Rated voltage
Lumped MVA/kVA Rated voltage
Static MVA/kVA Rated voltage
MOV HP/kW Rated voltage
Capacitor Capacitor rated Mvar/kvar Rated voltage
SVC Rated inductive/capacitive var kvar/Mvar Rated voltage
Filter Capacitor rated Mvar/kvar per phase Rated voltage
Unit
This section determines the measurement unit used to display the operating load and load terminal voltage results.
Load Flow Results

kW Loading
Total operating load (kW or MW)
kvar Loading
Total operating load (kvar or Mvar)
Amp Loading
Display the current loading results.
% PF
Display the Power factor (%).
% Loading
Displays the percent loading based on the calculated ampere loading and ampere rating of the load.
Terminal Voltage
Display the load terminal voltage results.
Alert
Note that the results will be highlighted based on these limits, not based on the limits from the study case.
Loading
This highlights loading alerts for loads.
OverVoltage
This highlights over voltage alerts for loads.
UnderVoltage
This highlights under voltage alerts for loads.
Display Options
Actual Value


Find
Select any load from the ID list and click find to locate that load on your One-Line Diagram.
Sources
Under this category, source information and the load flow results for the sources are displayed. When “Sources” is selected, the Result Analyzer display is changed to show the following:
Source Type
Select the Source type(s) to display on the table. The list of source types is below:
 Power Grid
 Synchronous
 Wind Turbine
Source Info
This section determines which source information to display in the table.
Terminal Bus
Display the bus connected to the source.
Type
Display the source type.
Rating and Rating kV

Display the rating for each source. See table below for each Rating:
Type Rating Rating kV

Power Grid 3 phase Short Circuit MVAsc Contribution Rated voltage
Synchronous Rated Real Power MW/ kW Rated voltage
Wind Turbine Rated Real Power MW/kW Rated voltage
Unit
This section determines the measurement unit used to display the total operating source generation and the rating for each source.
Load Flow Results

kW Generation
Total operating source generation (kW or MW).
kvar Generation
Total operating source generation (kvar or Mvar).
Amp
Source current results
% PF
Power factor of the source (%)
% Generation
Source generation (%)
Display Options
Actual Value


Find
Select any source from the ID list and click find to locate that source on your One-Line Diagram.
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Analyzer
Load Analyzer
The Load Analyzer module is designed as a generalized load-list to report load-schedules for power system components such as switchgear, MCC, transformers, cables, lines, panels, etc.
Different reports provide informative data regarding all loads connected downstream to equipments.
This tool is helpful during the operating phase of a project, as well as design/planning phase where system studies may not be possible due to incomplete one-line diagram or data.
Reports include the following user options:
1. Base or Revision Data

2. Configuration
3. Loading Category
4. Connected / Operating Loads
5. Continuous / Intermittent / Spare Loads
6. Continuous / Non-Continuous Loads
7. Load Demand Factors
8. Global and Individual Bus Diversity (Deviation) Factors
In addition and in contrast with the regular Load Flow analysis, the Load Analyzer allows a deeper study of the different loads present in a system. This gives the user more flexibility in
analyzing individual loads using Minimum/Maximum Bus Loading, or to simply determine the actual connected and operating loads in a given system.
Notes:
 Looped configurations or systems with two swing sources (utility or generator) are not currently handled by the Load Analyzer. Only radial systems are handled.
 In case the load voltage from the nameplate of an element is different from the upstream Bus voltage, the Load Analyzer will not adjust the voltage of the element. Therefore, the
Load Analyzer results will be different from the Load Flow results.
 Wind turbines, MG sets, Harmonic Filters (HF), and Static var Compensators (SVC) loads are not considered by the Load Analyzer. These loads will be added in the future.
 3-phase and 1-phase loads below an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) are not considered by the Load Analyzer. Only the internal load of the UPS is considered.
 Feeder losses and branch losses are ignored by the Load Analyzer. The Load Flow program considers all branch losses.
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Analyzer
Load Analyzer Editor

The Load Analyzer module is launched from the Load Flow mode and by clicking on the Load Analyzer icon, which is located on the right hand side toolbar.
Once the module is launched, the Load Analyzer Editor opens. Following is a list and description of the different fields available in this editor.
Project
The project name is displayed in this field. This filed is for your information and cannot be edited.
Revision
The project revision is displayed in this field. This field is for your information and cannot be edited. To change the revision you must close this editor, go to the Revision toolbar and
select another revision.
Configuration
The project configuration is displayed in this field. This field is for your information and cannot be edited. To change the configuration you must close this editor, go to the Configuration
toolbar and select another configuration.
Output File Name

Enter the output report database filename. By default, ETAP enters the same name as the project name. The output file name can contain upto 250 characters.
Note: Very long filenames can cause text wrapping on the report headers and affect the report format. It is recommended to use up to 25 characters for the filename.
Loading Category
Select one of the ten Loading Categories for the current Load Analyzer study. With the selection of any category, ETAP uses the percent loading of individual motors and other loads as
specified for the selected category. Note that you can assign loading to each one of the ten categories from the Nameplate page of the induction machine and synchronous motor editors
and the Loading or Rating page of other load component editors.
Load Diversity Factory

In the Load Analyzer editor, you can choose the desired Load Diversity Factor applied to each of the three Demand Factors for each load (i.e. Continuous, Intermittent, and Spare). The
different Load Diversity Factors are the following:
 None (no load diversity factor is applied)

 Bus Max (individual Bus Max diversity factor is applied to directly connected loads)
 Bus Min (individual Bus Min diversity factor is applied to directly connected loads)
 Global Value (Global load diversity factor is applied to all loads)
For each Bus in the system, the user can define the upper and lower bounds of the Load Diversity Factor that will apply to the loads directly connected to that Bus. These individual Load
Diversity Factors are applied when Bus Max or Bus Min is selected from the Load Analyzer editor under each category - Continuous, Intermittent, and Spare. These values will not be
taken into account for loads since Load Diversity Factors are set to a Global Value. For instance, if the user selects Continuous Load to have a Global Value equal to 90%, then all
Continuous Loads in the system will be multiplied by that unique Global Value.
Demand Factor
In ETAP, operation of loads fall under three status categories:
 Continuous (default is set to 100%, which means the load operates continuously)
 Intermittent (default is set to 50%, which means the load operates for 12 hours)
 Spare (default is set to 0%, which means the load is not operating)
The accounted percentage of the load falling under each category, called the Demand Factor, can be set for individual loads from each editor in the Info page.
Apply Bus Diversity Factor to Non-Directly Connected Loads

The Load Analyzer program allows the user to apply Load Diversity Factor to non-directly connected loads in the system. This means that if the Apply Bus Diversity Factor to Non-
Directly Connected Load option is checked, then the Load Diversity Factor of all buses in the system will be considered (i.e. multiple dipping is applied at all levels).
PF & EFF
For all induction and synchronous motors in the system, the user can select to either use the Rated Power Factor (PF) and Efficiency of motors, or to use interpolated values for the
specified motor % loading.
If the Rated PF and/or Eff options are selected, then Rated PF and Eff will be used for synchronous motors, and PF and Eff of 100% loading will be used for induction machines.
If the Interpolate at Specified % Loading option is selected, then the program interpolates the Power Factor and Efficiency entered for both induction and synchronous motors at the
specified % Loading. The interpolation occurs linearly based on the Power Factor and Efficiency values entered at 100, 75, and 50 % Loadings. The Power Factor and Efficiency values
can be entered for individual motors from their editor and Nameplate page.
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Analyzer
Load Analyzer Reports

Once the different settings have been selected from the Load Analyzer interface, click OK and the Load Analyzer Report Manager will open to display the results of the study. The user
has the choice to select different reports from the following tabs:
 Bus Loading
 Bus Summary
 Load List
 Schedules
Report Manager also displays the Output Report Name and the Path where project files are located. As a reminder, Load Analyzer is the only module that skips reporting of nodes in some
of its reports. For other ETAP modules, nodes and buses are treated the same way in output reports.
Load Analyzer reports can export into Viewer (Crystal Reports format), PDF, MS Word, Rich Text Format, and MS Excel and allows choosing any of these formats to be Set As Default.
For the Load Analyzer reports, ETAP creates database files with the extension of <filename>.LA1. This database is used to produce load analyzer output reports.
All reports include a header, which displays project name, business location, contract number, the engineer’s name, filename, ETAP logo, ETAP version number, report name, page
number, date, serial number (SN), revision number, configuration, and remarks with up to 120 characters. The project name, location, contract number, engineer’s name, and remarks can
be set from the ETAP toolbar Project/Information. The filename is set in the Output Filename given in the Load Analyzer Editor.
Bus Feeder (FDR) Loading Reports

The Bus FDR Loading-1, 2 & 3 reports are sorted alphabetically by Bus ID.
Bus FDR Loading-1 Report selected from Bus Loading tab in the Report Manager
Bus Loading Summary Reports

The Bus Loading Summary-1 & 2 reports provide the sum of all loads for all Buses including Connected and Operating Loads. These reports are sorted alphabetically by Bus ID.
Bus Loading Summary-1 report selected from Bus Summary tab of the Report Manager
Bus Loading Summary-2 report selected from Bus Summary tab of the Report Manager
Load List Report

The Load List reports provide load information ordered by Bus Loading Summary, by Bus, by Status, and by Load. As a note, Panels are not included in Load List by Status Report. These
reports are sorted alphabetically by Bus ID.
Load-List Bus Summary report selected from Load List tab of the Report Manager
Load-List by Bus report selected from Load List tab of the Report Manager
Load-List by Status report selected from Load List tab of the Report Manager
Schedule Reports
The Bus Loading Schedule report displays the total load at each Bus including the effect of all multiplying parameters (i.e. % Loading, Demand Factor, and Load Diversity Factor). This
Report tabulates only downstream Buses and Loads (no equipment). This report is sorted by Bus kV first and then Bus ID.
The Cable Schedule Report tabulates all Equipment and Branch Cables present in the system. This report also provides information about the Connected Buses, kV, and other physical
parameters for each Cable.
Transformer Loading Schedule-1 & 2 reports tabulate all Transformers present in the system. These reports also provide information about the Connected Buses, Impedance, and other
electrical parameters for each transformer.
Bus Loading Schedule Report selected from Schedules tab of the Report Manager
Cable Schedule Report selected from Schedules tab of the Report Manager
Transformer Loading Schedule-1 report selected from Schedules tab of the Report Manager
Transformer Loading Schedule-2 report selected from Schedules tab of the Report Manager
Load Flow Analysis

Toolbar
Study Case Editor
Display Options
Calculation Methods
Required Data
Output Reports
Alert View
Messages
Load Analyzer

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Load Flow Analysis Page 1 of 53

Load Flow Analysis

Load Flow Analysis

Load Flow Toolbar

Run Load Flow Studies

 A PD has changed its status.

Halt Current Calculation

Load Flow Report Manager

• Adjustments Indicates tolerance and temperature correction adjustments

Load Flow Result Analyzer

Load Flow Comparator

Load Flow Display Options

Unit Display Options

Power Flow Display Options

Voltage Display Options

Load Terminal Voltage

Line/Cable Voltage Drop

Panel/Single Phase System

Get Online Data

Get Archived Data

Load Flow Analysis

Load Flow Study Case Editor Overview

Load Flow Analysis

Info Page - Load Flow Study Case Editor

Apply XFMR Phase-Shift

Calc. 1-Ph/Panel Systems

Initial Bus Voltage

Inverter Operating Load

Operating Load & V

Cable Load Amp

Bus Operating Voltage In

Equipment Cable Losses and Vd

Initial Voltage Condition

Bus Initial Voltages

User-Defined Fixed Value

Determination of Initial Bus Voltage Angle

Load Flow Analysis

Loading Page - Load Flow Study Case Editor

Mode Generation Category Control

Load Diversity Factor

Global Diversity Factor

Load Flow Analysis

Adjustment Page - Load Flow Study Case Editor

Apply Neg. Tolerance and Min. Temp. Correction

Transformer Impedance Adjustment

Reactor Impedance Adjustment

Overload Heater Resistance

Cable Length Adjustment

Transmission Line Length Adjustment

Resistance Temperature Correction

Temperature Correction for Cable Resistance

Temperature Correction for Transmission Line Resistance

Load Flow Analysis

Alert Page - Load Flow Study Case Editor

Critical and Marginal Alerts

Protective Device Alert

Protective Devices Monitored parameters in percent of Condition reported