Hi Mahmoud,

What sort of studies do you have in mind ? Techno-economic, steady state, or time-dynamics?

-Sanjay

Why don't you use matlab simulink.  you can built your own model and study all parameters of your power system not only the current and voltage.

Dear Snjoy, 

Actually I am looking forward techno-economic and time dynamics. Both fields are interest of mine.

Dear Yasser,

I am looking for advanced Software, MATLAB cant support some features such as line targeting or economical simulations.

Thank you for your answer.

Mahmoud,

For time dynamics, if you have access to PSCAD/EMTDC, then that should serve your purpose.

The techno-economic part is more tricky, because most software would let you analyse according to some set logistics. That is OK for a utility engineer, but not for optimisation type of work that you may want to do as part of your research !

Would you like to consider the GAMS package ? It is extremely flexible, and though ready renewable planning models and optimisation may not be directly available, it is very user friendly, and easy to build your own models on ! A whole range of optimisation solvers are available with it...

I suggest you have a look at both the software websites and then take a call. Just try doing a keyword search on Google ?

Cheers !

-Sanjay

Dear Sanjay,

Thank you for your reply and I appreciate your advice.

both suggested software are very useful for my research purposes. 

Kind Regards

Mahmoud Dhimish

Mahmoud,

Please don't hesitate to shoot questions on either software, if required.

With best wishes.

-Sanjay

For techno-economical analysis you can use HOMER software. For stady state analysis; power flow, losses and volatge drop in network with PV you can use DIgSILENT or EasyPower software . For dynamical analysis as Sanjay told you PSCAD/EMTDC or ATP/EMTP software

Dear Srete,

Thank you, your comment is very helpful.

Kind Regards

Mahmoud,

I can suggest PSIM for that. You can use the available built-in models of PV and Wind. Also, you have the flexibility to build any model you like. The only restriction is the simulation time is short (in seconds). So, it is useful in transients, faults and short-time steady-state analysis.

regards

Dear Mahmoud,

If you are looking for techno-economic software, I suggest using one of the following energy system analysis:

• Homer : created by NREL that assess design options for both off-grid and grid-connected power systems for remote, stand-alone, and distributed generation applications.  (http://homerenergy.com/)
• RETScreen (excel based) : created by Natural Resources Canada. It is a clean Energy Management Software system for energy efficiency, renewable energy and cogeneration project feasibility analysis as well as ongoing energy performance analysis. (http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/software-tools/7465)

For more Also, you may find the attached paper a useful guide to select your most beneficial one. All the best,

Hassan  

Dear Ahmad, Thanks for your contribution with me.

Dear Hassan,

Homer software is really helpful for my research.

Thank you once again.

-Mahmoud

Hassan,

Depending on precisely the type and depth of studies you may intend to do on techno-economic aspects of PV, HOMER may or may not be a little restrictive !

I feel you will be in a position to decide for yourself once you plan out your work.

With best wishes.

-Sanjay

Sanjoy,

That's right !

Nowadays, different software and models available on the shelf which are varying in their capabilities and outcomes. Always, choosing the right one depends on the intended studies and the required analysis.

Best Regards,

-Hassan

Hassan,

If you know the configuration of the designed system, The best software is MatLab Simulink.

If not, you can use Homer or PVSYST.

Use Matlab/Simulink 2015 or PSIM, please see this publication :

http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.4399.5764