288 / 2022-03-15 03:51:31

Software development for parametric simulations using ATP-EMTP

ATP-EMTP,electromagnetic transients,lightning,overhead lines,parametric simulations,substations

The Alternative Transients Program – Electromagnetic Transients Program (ATP-EMTP) [1]-[3] is a widely used and powerful software for performing mainly time-domain simulations of electromagnetic transients in power systems. The ATP-EMTP software package consists of several separate programs, which perform different tasks and communicate with the main program through files with specific extensions. One of the most important of these programs is the graphical preprocessor called ATPDraw used for designing the simulation model, producing input files necessary for ATP-EMTP simulations, executing the ATP-EMTP simulation, and calling an appropriate program for viewing and analyzing results. Newer ATPDraw versions provide a tool for studying the effects of parameter variations. However, in many cases, a more flexible approach may be required. This work deals with the development of a versatile software for parametric simulations using ATP-EMTP.

Modeling methods

The new software is developed using MATLAB. Initially, it reads ATP-EMTP input files, locates the required variables for the parametric analysis, modifies these variables accordingly, executes the parametric simulations, reads the result files and extracts required data; then, the latter may be further processed.

Results/discussion

Applications of the developed software in fast-front transient studies are presented. Parametric simulations are performed for lightning transients in overhead transmission lines and substations, including cases associated with the computation of energy stress of surge arresters.

Conclusions

The developed software is expected to facilitate parametric investigations in ATP-EMTP software by providing versatility in the modification of parameters and the analysis of the obtained simulation results. This is demonstrated through its application to lightning transient simulations.

References

[1] Canadian-American EMTP Users Group, “ATP Rule Book,” 1997.

[2] H. W. Dommel, “Electro-Magnetic Transients Program (EMTP) Theory Book,” Bonneville Power Administration (B.P.A.), 1986.

[3] H. K. Høidalen, L. Prikler, and F. Peñaloza, ATPDraw version 7.0 for Windows Users’ Manual, NTNU Norway, 2019.