Modelling of an electricity supply grid for a nuclear power station

Published by Capsim on

Requirement

The operator of the nuclear power station wanted to be able to predict the impact, from an electrical point of view, of particular configurations of the grid, while avoiding the need to perform on-site tests which are costly and complex to set up.

Realization

First, a numerical model of the grid was constructed using ETAP software. This included several configurations of the plant and allowed calculation of all the maximum and minimum short-circuit currents of the main panels.

A database was also designed. It calculates and regroups the power consumed within each panel. The nature of the power consuming devices is taken into account so as to be able to represent the impact of a variation in the load on the consumed power and to consider their contribution to short circuit currents.

Finally, Capsim produced a training course for the tool so that the operator becomes autonomous for possible updates and for taking account of new configurations.

Model produced using ETAP: selection of an unfavourable configuration for the calculation of the maximum short-circuit current

Model produced using ETAP: selection of an unfavourable configuration for the calculation of the maximum short-circuit current

Results

The power station owner now possesses a tool which allows him to predict the power flows and the voltage levels within the grid in the principal configurations (normal mode, maintenance, emergency mode, maximum consumption, etc.).

Excerpt from the database produced: connections to one of the electrical panels of the power plant

Excerpt from the database produced: connections to one of the electrical panels of the power plant
Categories: short-circuit