PSCAD Power System Studies: Four Real-World Case Studies

PSCAD (Power Systems Computer Aided Design) is the industry standard for high-fidelity electromagnetic transient (EMT) and dynamic studies. At Keentel Engineering, our PSCAD modeling services help utilities, renewable developers, and independent power producers validate grid interconnection performance, ensure ride-through compliance, and optimize protection schemes. Below are four detailed case studies showcasing how our PSCAD-driven power system studies delivered actionable insights and millions in cost savings.

Case Study 1
Transient Stability Analysis for a 345 kV Renewable Interconnection

Client: Confidential Renewable Energy Developer (Midwest, USA)
Scope: 600 MW combined wind + BESS interconnection at a 345 kV POI adjacent to a weak grid.
Challenge: Verify ride-through capability, critical clearing times, and voltage recovery under fault conditions per NERC PRC-024-2.

Keentel Solution

• Developed detailed PSCAD models for wind turbines, BESS converters, collector system, and substation.
• Simulated three-phase, single-line-to-ground, and double-line-to-ground faults.
• Determined breaker critical clearing times and evaluated dynamic reactive support needs.

Results

• Demonstrated full compliance without adding reactive support equipment.
• Saved the client $2 million in avoided hardware upgrades.

Case Study 2
EMT Simulation of Inverter-Based Resources in a Weak 115 kV Grid

Client: Confidential Utility Company (Southwest, USA)
Scope: 200 MW solar PV plant interconnection to a low-SCR 115 kV network.
Challenge: Identify sub-synchronous oscillations and high-frequency instabilities that RMS tools couldn’t capture.

Keentel Solution

• Built a full EMT PSCAD model of PV inverters, plant controller, and grid-tie transformer.
• Conducted VSC interaction and high-frequency stability analyses.
• Developed mitigation strategies: PLL tuning and passive damping filters.

Results

• Detected and neutralized damaging resonances early.
• Kept the project on schedule without costly reactive power over-design.

Case Study 3
PSCAD Lightning Surge Study for a 500 kV Transmission Line

Client: Confidential Transmission Owner (Southeast, USA)
Scope: Validate insulation coordination for new 500 kV line and associated substations under direct lightning and back-flashover.
Challenge: Ultra-high voltage levels required precise energy-absorption modeling beyond standard arrester sizing.

Keentel Solution

• Created a PSCAD model including tower geometry, insulator strings, and ground wire.
• Simulated lightning strikes and storm variations across different soil resistivities.
• Optimized surge arrester ratings and insulation levels.

Results

• Reduced equipment capital cost by 8% while improving surge protection margins.
• Minimized outage risk from lightning events.

Case Study 4
Controlled-Switching & TRV Analysis for 345 kV Circuit Breakers

Client: Confidential IPP (Texas, USA)
Scope: Evaluate transformer inrush, transient recovery voltage (TRV), and restrike risk at a new 345 kV/138 kV switching station.
Challenge: Insurance underwriter required proof that controlled switching would mitigate high inrush currents and TRV stresses.

Keentel Solution

• Modeled station transformers, reactors, and breakers in PSCAD.
• Ran point-on-wave switching simulations per IEEE C37.011 and IEC 62271-100.
• Tuned controlled-switching device parameters and specified mitigation hardware.

Results

• Achieved a 40% reduction in inrush current and guaranteed TRV compliance.
• Secured favorable insurance terms and avoided costly breaker upgrades.

Our Service

Learn more about our full PSCAD Modeling Services and how we can tailor dynamic, EMT, and transient analyses to your project’s needs.

Next Steps

Ready to leverage PSCAD for your next interconnection or protection study?