OpenDSS

OpenDSS is a comprehensive application designed to help you create and simulate electrical power systems. The utility was designed to work with most types of power distribution planning systems, especially since it supports resource integration and grid modernization features.

While you may not have this impression at first sight, this is an advanced app designed for users who have some experience with frequency-domain simulations that are usually performed on the utility electric power systems.

While the script-based interface is not exactly user-friendly, you should know that the application comes with an extensive help section along with various guides and tutorials on how to create and simulate a power circuit system.

If you are really interested in learning more on how to perform power distribution analysis for grid modernizations, you should take the time to browse through the numerous guides, personal examples and tutorials available.

It is necessary to mention that the app works with TXT and DSS files that it creates. It would be helpful if the application allowed you to work with your own files in a more user-friendly manner. For the time being, you can use automation, dynamic linking or scripting to create and define your own model.

Once you overcome this step, you should know that the app includes numerous tools to help you interpret the potential problems your electric power system might have. In fact, the app enables you to visualize currents, voltages and powers separately along with plots that display all the components you want to include in your power system.

On a side note, after executing a command or script, the app opens a results window where you can analyze the possible errors and omissions you made.

Created as an open-source app, the program aims to improve the modeling capabilities of research laboratories and universities, both private and government-owned. Since the idea here is to encourage the collaboration between professionals from various fields and who may face specific challenges.