ETAP 2023 (Version 22.5) – Smarter, Safer, and More Efficient Power System Design

ETAP 2023, also known as Version 22.5, is a significant upgrade that brings smarter tools, enhanced safety, and improved efficiency to electrical power system analysis and operation. This release focuses on digital twin technology, intelligent automation, and advanced simulation capabilities, serving industries such as data centers, utilities, transportation, oil and gas, and power generation.

Key Features and Enhancements

1. Improved Safety and Compliance

• Energy Reducing Line Side Isolation (ArcBlok™): ETAP now supports digital twin modeling of ArcBlok™ technology, which enhances arc flash safety by isolating line-side conductors.

• Zone Selective Interlock (ZSI): A new graphical ZSI Manager makes it easier to visualize and manage interlock coordination between protective devices, improving fault isolation and reducing incident energy.

• Arc Suppression (Peterson Coil): The inclusion of arc suppression coil modeling allows accurate simulation of resonant grounding systems, helping to reduce ground fault currents.

2. Advanced Power System Analysis

• Unbalanced Network Load Flow: Enhanced analysis capabilities for AC and DC unbalanced systems, offering more accurate simulations under unbalanced operating conditions.

• Unbalanced Network Short Circuit Analysis: Complies with IEEE, IEC, and GOST standards, and includes modeling of asymmetrical faults in complex network topologies.

• Flicker Meter: Now includes IEC 61000-4-15-based flicker calculations to evaluate voltage fluctuation impacts on sensitive equipment and system performance.

3. Renewable Energy and Grid Compliance Tools

• Smart Inverter Models: ETAP adds support for various smart inverter control modes such as Volt-Var, Volt-Watt, and constant power factor. These help ensure grid code compliance including IEEE 1547 and CA Rule 21.

• GridCode™ Compliance Module: Automatically assesses generator capabilities, fault ride-through, frequency response, and reactive power compliance based on utility and international standards.

4. Automation and Digital Intelligence

• etapPy™ Python Interface: Automate workflows using Python scripts to perform large-scale simulations and studies with parallel processing, improving efficiency and flexibility.

• eOTS™ (Operator Training Simulator): Simulate real-world operations and faults to train operators in a risk-free environment.

• AFAS™ (Automated Fault Analysis System): Quickly identify and analyze system faults, visualize fault locations, and automatically generate reports for corrective actions.

5. Enhanced User Experience

• eLabel Maker: Create customizable arc flash labels with QR codes for easy access to safety documentation and real-time system data.

• Lightning Risk Assessment Tool: Assess and quantify lightning strike risks based on NFPA 780 guidelines and global lightning density maps.

• etapAPP™ 7.0: The updated mobile application now includes real-time result previews, dark mode, enhanced ergonomics, and more efficient data collection in the field.