A parametric, end-to-end power systems analysis project modeling a complete industrial distribution system from a 69kV utility source down to a standard IEEE distribution test feeder, with real-time grid data integration and protection coordination verified against IEEE standards.
Models a complete T&D system in one continuous circuit: Utility (69kV, 5000 MVA fault level WACM/WAPA, Fort Collins CO) │ T1: 69kV/13.8kV, 10 MVA, Delta/Wye-Grounded (IEEE C57.12.10) │ 13.8kV Substation Bus │ Bridge: 13.8kV/4.16kV, 7500 kVA (IEEE C57.12.36) │ IEEE 13-Bus Distribution Test Feeder (Kersting/IEEE PES, 4.16kV) │ SEL-351 relay protection coordinated end-to-end (IEEE C37.112, IEEE 242)
Runs a full analysis pipeline in one command:
- Config validation against IEEE/ANSI design parameter limits
- Real-time EIA WACM grid demand data fetch with outlier cleaning
- 24-hour time-series load flow (OpenDSS)
- Three-phase short circuit study across all key buses
- Protection coordination with TCC curve generation
- Regression testing to catch model breakage automatically
- Scenario analysis (normal / ONAN contingency / unbalanced loading)
- Sensitivity sweep (bridge transformer %Z vs voltage, fault current, relay timing)
- Every design parameter traces to a real IEEE/ANSI standard, no assumed or AI-generated values. See docs/design_basis.md.
- Load profile uses real hourly demand data from the EIA Open Data API (WACM balancing authority, the actual grid region for Fort Collins, CO), not assumed static loads.
- The IEEE 13-bus feeder uses the official EPRI/Kersting published test case, with the idealized infinite-bus source replaced by a real finite-impedance substation, showing the actual voltage impact of source impedance on feeder performance.
- The entire pipeline is config-driven and parametric: change one value in config/system_parameters.py and regenerate everything.
- All buses within ANSI C84.1 Range A (0.95–1.05 pu) across all 24 hours under real WACM demand profile
- Three-phase fault current at 13.8kV bus: 5068 A (121 MVA), verified against hand calculation within 0.6%
- Protection coordination passes at all fault current levels: minimum CTI = 0.631s (requirement: 0.3s per IEEE 242-2001)
Scenario Analysis (Phase 8A):
- Normal operation: all buses 0.96–1.03 pu, no violations
- ONAN contingency (cooling fans failed): min voltage drops to 0.9538 pu — system survives with reduced margin
- Unbalanced loading (Phase A at 140%): Bus 652 violates ANSI limits across all 24 hours (min 0.8999 pu) — single-phase lateral identified as most voltage-sensitive point
Sensitivity Sweep (Phase 8B):
- Bridge transformer %Z swept from 3% to 9% (design point 6.5% per IEEE C57.12.36-2017)
- Protection coordination boundary: %Z < 4.5% risks CB2 tripping too fast for coordination with CB1
- Voltage margin boundary: %Z > 8.5% approaches ANSI lower limit
- Design point of 6.5% confirmed optimal — voltage margin and coordination both maintained
| Tool/Standard | Purpose |
|---|---|
| OpenDSS (opendssdirect.py) | Power flow and fault study solver |
| Python (pandas, numpy, matplotlib) | Data processing, analysis, plotting |
| EIA Open Data API | Real-time WACM regional demand data |
| IEEE C57.12.00/10/36/90/91 | Transformer design basis |
| IEEE C37.112-1996/2018 | Relay curve equations and constants |
| IEEE Std 141 (Red Book) | Industrial power system design |
| IEEE Std 242 (Buff Book) | Protection coordination |
| ANSI C84.1 | Voltage tolerance limits |
| NEMA MG1 | Motor voltage class justification |
├── config/
│ └── system_parameters.py ← single source of truth for all parameters
├── models/
│ ├── substation_core.dss ← utility source + T1 transformer
│ ├── ieee13_original/ ← untouched official EPRI/Kersting reference
│ ├── ieee13_bridged.dss ← modified feeder (idealized source removed)
│ ├── master_combined.dss ← top-level: ties the whole system together
│ └── loadshape_wacm.dss ← generated from live EIA data
├── scripts/
│ ├── validate_config.py ← parameter sanity checks
│ ├── build_loaddemand.py ← EIA data fetch + LoadShape generation
│ ├── regression_test.py ← automated voltage benchmark check
│ ├── run_loadflow.py ← 24-hour time-series load flow
│ ├── run_short_circuit.py ← fault study across key buses
│ └── run_protection_coordination.py ← TCC + CTI verification
│ ├── run_scenarios.py ← three-scenario analysis (normal/ONAN/unbalanced) │ └── run_sensitivity.py ← bridge transformer %Z sensitivity sweep
├── docs/
│ ├── design_basis.md ← IEEE/ANSI reference for every parameter
│ └── results.md ← analysis outputs and observations
├── results/ ← generated plots and CSV exports
├── calculations/ ← per-unit base values spreadsheet
├── run_all.py ← single entry point: runs full pipeline
└── requirements.txt ← pinned dependencies
# 1. Clone the repo
git clone https://github.com/hardhik03/substation-feeder-protection-study.git
cd substation-feeder-protection-study
# 2. Create and activate virtual environment
python3 -m venv dss_env
source dss_env/bin/activate # Mac/Linux
dss_env\Scripts\Activate.ps1 # Windows PowerShell
# 3. Install dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt
# 4. Add your EIA API key (free at https://www.eia.gov/opendata/)
echo "EIA_API_KEY=your_key_here" > .env
# 5. Run the full pipeline
python run_all.py- IEEE PES Distribution Test Feeder Working Group, 13-Node Test Feeder, approved at 2000 PES Summer Meeting. W.H. Kersting, NMSU.
- IEEE Std C57.12.00-2021, C57.12.10-2017, C57.12.36-2017, C57.12.90, C57.91 — Transformer standards
- IEEE Std C37.112-2018 : Inverse-Time Overcurrent Relay Equations
- IEEE Std 141-1993 (Red Book) : Industrial Power Distribution
- IEEE Std 242-2001 (Buff Book) : Protection and Coordination
- ANSI C84.1-2020 : Voltage Ratings
- NEMA MG1 : Motor and Generator Standards
- EIA Open Data API : https://www.eia.gov/opendata/
- Stojanovic & Djuric, Journal of Electrical Engineering, Vol 65, No. 4, 2014 : relay curve constants verification