Load Flow and Demand Analysis using DAPPER

This study determines the steady-state operating conditions of the power system, including voltage magnitude and phase angle at each bus, real and reactive power flow through branches, and transformer tap optimization. It supports peak load planning, contingency scenario testing, and economic dispatch planning. The study also helps identify overloaded components and voltage violations to ensure optimal system operation and long-term infrastructure planning.

Software Tools: SKM Power*Tools (DAPPER), ETAP, EasyPower

BPSCO Services Include: Network modeling validation, diversified demand factor application, capacitor/reactor bank placement studies, voltage sensitivity analysis, and report generation for interconnection applications and utility planning approvals.

Protection Coordination and TCC Curves using CAPTOR

Protection coordination ensures selective isolation of faults using well-coordinated settings of overcurrent, ground fault, and differential relays. TCC (Time-Current Characteristic) curves are plotted to visually confirm coordination among series protective devices over a wide range of fault currents. Studies assess pickup settings, time delays, instantaneous elements, and ensure discrimination between protective layers under varying system topologies.

Software Tools: SKM CAPTOR, ETAP STAR, EasyPower, ASPEN

BPSCO Services Include: Development of coordination studies for medium-voltage and low-voltage networks, motor protection coordination, fuse-melting curve overlay analysis, high-speed breaker coordination, and detailed documentation of relay settings and coordination margins.

Arc Flash Studies per IEEE 1584 / NFPA 70E

Arc flash hazard analysis evaluates incident energy at working distances, arc flash boundary, and required PPE categories using IEEE 1584-2018 models, including enclosure size, electrode configuration, and system voltage. The study simulates bolted and arcing fault conditions to identify the highest risk locations and recommends mitigations. Compliance with NFPA 70E ensures workplace safety, electrical hazard labeling, and incident energy reduction techniques.

Software Tools: SKM Arc Flash, ETAP Arc Flash, EasyPower

BPSCO Services Include: Comprehensive arc flash boundary calculation, PPE category labeling, equipment risk categorization, flash hazard reduction via maintenance modes, arc reduction relays, and NFPA 70E-compliant one-line diagrams and training documentation.

Harmonic Analysis and Resonance Checks

This study identifies harmonic distortion sources from non-linear loads (VFDs, rectifiers, UPS) and evaluates the harmonic spectrum across the system. It includes THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) analysis, harmonic propagation modeling, and frequency scanning to detect parallel or series resonance conditions that could amplify harmonic levels. Corrective measures such as filter tuning and reconfiguration are proposed for compliance with IEEE 519.

Software Tools: SKM Harmonics, ETAP Harmonics, PSCAD

BPSCO Services Include: On-site measurement integration, model tuning to match measured THD levels, impedance scans for resonance identification, specification of passive/active filters, and validation against IEEE 519-2022 limits.

Short Circuit and Equipment Duty Evaluation

Short circuit studies calculate symmetrical and asymmetrical fault currents using ANSI C37, IEC 60909, or user-defined methods. Fault types (3P, L-G, L-L-G, L-L) are simulated to determine fault duty at each node. Equipment duty evaluation ensures that all switchgear, cables, and protective devices can withstand or interrupt expected fault currents during their service life, including consideration of X/R ratios and DC offset effects.

Software Tools: SKM DAPPER, ETAP, EasyPower

BPSCO Services Include: Bolted and arcing fault current estimation, breaker interrupt rating validation, transformer withstand assessment, and bus fault duty comparison with equipment nameplate ratings and manufacturer specs.

Voltage Drop and Panel Feeder Calculations

This study ensures voltage regulation within limits by calculating voltage drop for feeders and branch circuits under full-load and starting conditions. It includes correction for power factor, cable impedance, ambient temperature, and installation conditions. The objective is to meet NEC 210.19 and 215.2 requirements while optimizing cable size and minimizing losses.

Software Tools: SKM DAPPER, ETAP, Excel/NEC calculators

BPSCO Services Include: Feeder-by-feeder voltage drop modeling, transformer secondary voltage regulation check, panel board tap location analysis, and cost-benefit comparison of conductor size upgrades.

Reliability Assessment (MTBF, Redundancy Evaluation)

Reliability studies quantify Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), availability, and critical failure paths for substations, control systems, or backup networks. Redundancy modeling evaluates N+1, N+2, and fully redundant configurations. Analysis includes component failure rate libraries, maintenance impact modeling, and system restoration path identification.

Software Tools: SKM Reliability Module, ETAP Reliability, MIL-HDBK-217, IEEE Gold Book references

BPSCO Services Include: Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), system MTTR/MTBF reports, critical load path identification, reliability block diagram creation, and recommendations for hardware redundancy or architecture reconfiguration.

Selective Coordination for Breakers and Fuses

Selective coordination ensures that for any fault event, only the device closest to the fault operates. Studies evaluate coordination between upstream and downstream protective elements using TCC plots and manufacturer time-current curves. This is especially critical for life-safety systems under NEC 700, 701, and 708 where continuity is mandated by code.

Software Tools: SKM CAPTOR, ETAP STAR, EasyPower

BPSCO Services Include: Detailed TCC curve analysis, coordination margin calculations, evaluation of time selectivity for normal and backup paths, and submittal-ready documentation packages for AHJ and owner review.

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