System Modeling and Studies
Apply detailed insights and analysis to optimize your power system.
Plan for the reliability, safety, and efficiency of your power system by using modeling and studies performed by SEL Engineering Services (ES). Modeling and studies help you identify potential issues, optimize design and operation, and analyze fault responses to guide planning, updates, and regulatory compliance.SEL ES also applies best-known methods and decades of experience to perform simulations that assess power system resiliency. We use a variety of tools to perform an analysis, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) studies to simulate “what if” scenarios before your solution arrives onsite.
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We will schedule a time for you to talk with our experts about how we can meet your needs.
Our Services
System modeling and studies are part of the foundation of an SEL ES solution. We perform modeling in real time by running HIL simulations, or we conduct offline modeling using a wide array of power system analysis tools, including phasor domain and Electromagnetic Transients Program modeling.Protection system modeling entails running detailed simulations to see how protective devices react to specific conditions. Our engineers use this modeling to improve power system performance in critical applications, validate protective relay performance, and optimize relay settings. Our key testing and validation offerings include:
- Series compensation testing.
- Single-pole tripping analysis.
- Communications-assisted schemes testing.
- Grounding studies.
- Motor start studies.
- Transformer inrush studies.
- Machine parameter estimation.
- Transient response analysis.
- Phase-shifting transformer controller testing.
- Photovoltaic control systems.
- Battery control systems.
- Wind farm control systems.
- Conventional generation control systems.
- Steam control systems.
- Autosynchronization schemes.
- Load-shedding schemes.
- Generation-shedding and runback schemes.
- Islanding detection and decoupling schemes.
- Remedial action schemes.
- Fast motor bus transfer schemes.
Protection studies are used to identify power system deficiencies, improve relay coordination, and recommend improvements to system reliability. SEL protection study options include:
- Real and reactive power flow and optimization.
- Voltage drop and regulation analysis.
- Short-circuit analysis.
- Circuit breaker and bus rating evaluation.
- Protection coordination, settings, and conversions.
- Arc-flash hazard analysis.
- Harmonic and power quality assessment.
- Power factor improvement.
- Transient stability analysis.
- Wires-to-wires interconnection.
- Import/export.
- Load shedding.
- Underfrequency load shedding.
- Undervoltage load shedding.
- Transient/dynamic stability.
- Small signal stability.
- Voltage stability.
- Congestion.
Closed-loop testing decreases commissioning times to get your system online faster. For large systems and complex solutions, we perform extensive factory acceptance testing in our state-of-the-art testing lab. We run our validated models with your system hardware installed in our RTDS test bed and test a multitude of fault cases in a short time—including adverse events too disastrous to test in the field—so you know exactly how your system will perform. We invite your operators and engineers to participate in these tests.When site visits are not possible, we combine our validated models and your system data to provide remote testing and technical support for your operators and engineers, via video conference.
“TDX was excited about the opportunity to work with SEL on our microgrid development project, but we have been overwhelmed by the expertise, professionalism, capability, and friendliness of the entire organization. They have exceeded our expectations. The RTDS test environment and race car drivers [SPS engineers] who put it through its paces provided one of the richest succinct learning experiences in my professional career.”
SEL Solutions in Action
Our Approach
Through extensive testing in our RTDS facility and decades of experience with power system protection, we have developed one of the most comprehensive libraries of validated software models in the industry.Validated models confirm that the simulated response to a disturbance or event closely matches the measured response to a similar real-world disturbance. They produce better and more accurate results than standard models—allowing us to provide better analysis and insight for you.Our engineering teams have the software and equipment necessary to model any power system and operating scenario. We can systematically test a multitude of faults and adverse scenarios, providing the equivalent of years of operational history in only a few days. The result is fewer risks in planning and commissioning, better reliability, and a lower lifetime operating cost.
All of our products are designed, tested, and manufactured in SEL-owned and -operated facilities in the United States.The SEL ES team follows rigorous engineering procedures for design, development, testing, and commissioning of electric power systems. We continually identify, monitor, and improve best practices to ensure your satisfaction.We practice secure supply chain management, including verified chains of custody, responsible sourcing, and keeping quantities of critical parts in reserve. Our quality management system is certified to ISO 9001 requirements.
SEL ES approaches all projects with an unwavering commitment to safety.Employees working in the field receive comprehensive safety training that includes real-world scenario exercises, hands-on performance, and thorough review from qualified individuals.We also integrate human performance improvement tools into our everyday work practices and have a comprehensive event reporting and investigation process to bolster safety procedures and promote awareness among employees.Learn more about safety and procedures.
Our Support
When you choose SEL, you get more than products and services—you get a partnership. Our customer support teams are experts in power system products and applications, and they’re available for the entire life of your SEL solution.SEL ES project engineers are ready to assist you in various project stages, from planning through final commissioning of the system. Afterward, ES teams around the globe will assist with any ongoing needs, and you have access to no-cost product support from highly skilled SEL application engineers.More about SEL quality and support
Every device we manufacture comes with free lifetime technical support. SEL application engineers are stationed around the world and are ready to provide support and expertise for virtually all power system applications. No matter how often you need to call or how long your SEL products have been in service, our customer service and technical support professionals are ready to help.
Security Bulletins and Updates
We notify product owners of updates and security patches for the full life of the product. We distribute software and firmware updates directly to our customers via a secure file transfer. The authenticity and integrity of the updates are verifiable through digital signatures and cryptographic hashes.More about security notificationsSEL provides complete cybersecurity support for every solution, system, and product we create.
Cybersecurity Bulletins and Updates
We thoroughly review and test the code in our products, which gives us greater control over their quality, security, and functionality. Customers are notified of updates and security patches for the full life of every SEL product.Cybersecurity Services and Support
From system assessment and baselining to cyber-defense solution development and ongoing system management, our full suite of security services can help strengthen your defenses and streamline the demands of maintenance and compliance.Cyber services support contracts include incident response, audits, system hardening, patch and update management, and more.SEL meets your workforce training and continuing-education needs through seminars, conference and tradeshow presentations, and SEL University courses.SEL University courses and many of our seminars provide Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for maintaining Professional Engineering licenses. Courses and seminars can be delivered in various formats, including self-paced online learning, virtual classrooms, live and recorded webinars, and in person.We can also work with you to develop training that is customized to the specific needs of your workforce.Training and Education offeringsSEL University CoursesConferences and TradeshowsSeminars and Webinars