Knowledge Base

Time-Step Weather Example

This example shows how historic and forecast ERA5 weather files can be loaded into PowerWorld Simulator and be used to determine the Max MW capability of wind and solar generation. Features such as contouring and geographic data views (GDV) are also applied to enhance visualization and interpretation. The files may be downloaded here. Here is […]

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February 20, 2024

Simple Weather Example

This example introduces the basic functionality of PowerWorld Simulator’s weather integration capability and how other features, such as contouring and geographic data views (GDV), can enhance visualization and interpretation of how the weather can impact wind and solar generation. The files may be downloaded here. To apply the weather data and visualize results: Open the […]

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February 12, 2024

Power Transfer Limit Exceeded by OPF

The Optimal Power Flow (OPF) solution involves iteration between a linear program (LP) to adjust controls (usually generation) and a non-linear power flow. If an AC OPF is performed over a very large Area (or Super Area), the LP may attempt to dispatch generators in a manner that exceeds voltage stability margins (PV) or maximum […]

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October 17, 2023

EMP Waveforms Based on Published Research

The newest builds of PowerWorld Simulator with the GIC add-on no longer contain a function to calculate time-varying series voltage inputs for EMP E3A and E3B time and spatial functions based on Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) research [1] and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. Going forward, non-uniform time and spatially varying electric fields will […]

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October 5, 2023

Historic North American GMD Events

PowerWorld Simulator supports binary and text file formats for time and spatially-varying geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) surface electric field inputs. This format allows development of detailed solar storm scenarios based on historic events or 3D earth conductivity models. Surface electric field models developed by NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center with Empirical Magnetotelluric Transfer Functions (EMTF), which […]

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August 14, 2023

WECC Area Interchange Diagram

These files include one-line diagrams and support files to show area interchange in WECC cases. A description of each file is as follows: WECCAreaDIagramGE.pwd: a one-line diagram similar to those developed in the GE PSLF program. (Interface quantities are complete in the Northwest region but may need to be added elsewhere for completeness.) WECCAreaDiagramGE.aux: auto-inserts […]

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July 26, 2023

NOAA SWPC Geoelectric Field Models

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) offers geoelectric field inputs that can be used with PowerWorld Simulator GIC. Data are accessed from the  SWPC Geoelectric Field Model landing page.  The tabs at the top allow viewing of E-fields computed from 1D (EPRI) or 3D (NSF EarthScope USArray project) Earth resistivity […]

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July 11, 2023

PJM Base Case Setup Process

Motivation: PJM Network Model power flow cases typically have a large generation/load imbalance that result in large positive or negative generation at the island slack bus and distorted flows on nearby lines and transformers. The island slack bus is often located within PJM. A recent example has -6.6 GW at Peach Bottom (PEACHBOT 22.00 kV). […]

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February 17, 2023

Add GIC-Related Object Data Fields to Displays

This auxiliary file (updated October 4, 2022) will modify Case Information Displays for the following objects to include GIC-related data fields: Bus Generator Load Branch Inputs Transformer Controls Switched Shunts Line Shunts Substation DC Transmission Line MTDC Converters VSC DC Lines This enables easy viewing, editing, and sharing of GIC-related data between Simulator users, without […]

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October 4, 2022

3D File Format for GMD/HEMP Event Inputs

The B3D binary file format uses little-endian order and holds two-dimensional, time-varying data such as electric fields on the surface of the earth. Because the magnitude and direction can be non-uniform in time and space, it can be used where a 3D earth resistivity model is assumed. Applications in PowerWorld Simulator include geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) […]

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January 31, 2022