Virtual lab for power system simulation. I. Interactive design of power networks and load flow analysis

Improvements in the speed of PC microprocessors have enhanced the possibilities of building PC-based simulation tools in the area of power systems. This article describes a low-cost PC-based tool that can be used in college laboratory simulation of networks and systems, as a continuing training programme for professional engineers and as a system design and analysis tool. The tool provides the user with the capability of drawing one-line diagrams and interactively enters component parameters and saves data into a file. The tool also includes load-flow analysis packages using the methods available (Gauss-Seidel, Newton-Raphson, Jacobi, Fast Decoupled) for comparative purposes in laboratories and training sessions.