Welcome to Keentel Engineering. Here, we answer your most pressing questions about power flow analysis—what it is, why it matters, which software we use (ETAP, PSS®E, PowerWorld), data requirements, deliverables, and how often studies should be refreshed. Dive in to get expert guidance for optimizing your high- and medium-voltage networks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is a Load Flow Study?
A Load Flow Study (or power flow analysis) evaluates the steady-state operation of an electrical network, calculating voltages, active/reactive power flows, and system losses to ensure voltage stability and efficient power delivery.
Q2: Why are Load Flow Studies essential for HV/MV systems?
They help you:
- Verify voltage compliance with ANSI/IEC standards
- Optimize conductor sizing and transformer tap settings
- Prevent overloads and voltage drops
- Support protection coordination, arc-flash, and short-circuit studies
- Plan for future DER or renewable integrations
Q3: Which software platforms do you use?
We leverage ETAP, Siemens PSS®E, and PowerWorld for scalable, high-fidelity simulations across HV and MV networks.
Q4: What data does Keentel need to begin?
- Single-Line Diagrams (SLDs)
- Bus & line impedance, length, ampacity
- Transformer and generator specs
- Load profiles (kW/kVAR)
- Renewable resource data (PV, wind, BESS)
- Contingency and switching scenarios
Q5: What are the typical deliverables?
Our detailed report includes:
- Bus voltage profiles
- Branch power flows & losses
- Transformer loading & recommended tap settings
- Color-coded one-line diagrams
- System efficiency metrics
- Actionable improvement recommendations
Q6: How often should studies be refreshed?
Update whenever you add major loads/generation or reconfigure the network—and at least every 3–5 years for critical or NERC-jurisdictional facilities.
Q7: Do you handle renewable interconnection studies?
Yes. We perform load flow analysis for solar, wind, and utility-scale BESS interconnections, ensuring compliance with ISO and utility requirements.
Q8: Are load flow studies required for permitting?
Often—utilities, ISOs, and permitting bodies typically mandate power flow analysis for grid impact assessments and interconnection approvals.
Q9: Can load flow be integrated with other studies?
Absolutely. We bundle Load Flow with Short-Circuit, Protection Coordination, Arc-Flash, Harmonics, and Stability analyses for turnkey project support.
See our full Power System Studies services.
