PSS®SINCAL Platform 21.5 is a comprehensive simulation software designed for the planning, analysis, and operation of electric, gas, water, and district heating/cooling networks. It offers a wide array of features to support engineers in various aspects of network management.

Here are some of the key features of PSS®SINCAL 21.5:

·       Power Flow Analysis: Calculates the distribution of currents, voltages, and power in symmetrical and asymmetrical three-phase systems, including 4-wire systems. It supports complex load modeling, user-defined models, phase shifters, and asymmetrical transformers.

·       Short Circuit Calculation: Analyzes short-circuit currents, including asymmetric fault scenarios, with improved algorithms for dynamic voltage support even in networks with low short-circuit power.

·       Harmonics Analysis: Assess harmonic distortion limits and filter sizing requirements.

·       Stability Analysis (RMS and EMT): Provides simulation capabilities for dynamic and transient stability, including electromagnetic transients (EMT) and RMS simulations. It features new generic models for grid-forming and grid-following converters, crucial for modern power systems with high renewable energy penetration.

·       Protection Coordination: Offers interactive tools for monitoring and managing protection devices and their settings. It facilitates protection performance assessments, including stepped-event fault clearance analysis and dynamic fault sequence simulation.

·       Arc Flash Hazard Analysis: Calculates arc flash risks, a critical safety feature.

·       Motor Start Simulation: Analyzes the impact of motor starting on the network.

·       Contingency Analysis and Resupply: Automates the analysis of network contingencies and the planning of resupply strategies through switching operations, load shedding, and load reduction.

·       Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Integration: Includes a “Maximal Hosting Capacity” module that automates calculations for DER integration, such as load flow, short-circuit analysis, and voltage fluctuations. It supports time-series load flow, harmonic distortion analysis, and unbalanced RMS/EMT simulations for DERs.

·       Grid-Forming and Grid-Following Converter Models: Dedicated models for converters that enhance dynamic behavior in modern power systems, providing frequency support, voltage control, and virtual inertia.

·       Extended Feeder Tracing and Evaluation: Supports the design and planning of distribution systems by tracing network models, identifying feeders, determining configurations (radial, open ring, mesh), and performing evaluations of input data and power flow results per feeder.

·       Optimization Modules: Includes tools for optimal network structures, optimal branching, compensation optimization, Volt/Var Optimization (VVO), and load balancing to enhance network efficiency and reduce costs.

·       Reliability Analysis: Offers probabilistic reliability assessment to evaluate network resilience.

·       Network Reduction: Tools for simplifying complex network models while maintaining accuracy.

·       Master Database Concept: Enables multi-user project management, allowing multiple users to work on a network simultaneously with conflict management and synchronization functions to ensure data consistency.

·       Open Architecture and Interfaces: Supports seamless data exchange with other systems through open or commercial databases. It offers programming interfaces for automation using scripting languages ​​like VBA, VBS, C++, .Net, Python™, and Java.

·       CIM Import/Export: Facilitates data exchange with other systems using the Common Information Model (CIM) standard, with corrections for processing dynamic data from CGMES.

·       GIS Integration: Integrates with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for enhanced visualization and data management.

·       SCADA and Metering Database Integration: Smart interface capabilities allow integration with SCADA systems and metering databases.

·       Geographical Visualization: Provides a geographical visualization capability that interacts like a GIS application.

·       Interactive Network Editor: Features an integrated network editor for intuitive model creation and modification.

·       Enhanced Highlighting: Improved highlighting functionality allows users to create custom highlights directly from the network browser, with dynamic sizing options and the ability to save custom filters as highlights.

·       User-Friendly Workflow: Enhancements focus on usability and introduce new user-friendly workflows, including improved highlighting integration into module result views.

·       New Tabular View: Offers a new tabular view with enhanced filtering capabilities for selective data evaluation.

·       Hybrid Network Simulation: Beyond electrical networks, PSS®SINCAL supports the planning of gas, water, and heating district/cooling networks. It enables linked simulations between these different network types for optimized efficiency.

PSS®SINCAL 21.5 is designed to address the evolving challenges in power systems, from transmission and distribution to industrial networks and the integration of renewable energy sources, offering a robust and flexible platform for engineers.