DigSILENT PowerFactory 2025: Integrated Power System Analysis Software

DigSILENT PowerFactory 2025 is a leading high-end, integrated software solution for the analysis of electrical power systems. Used by utilities, grid operators, consultants, and research institutions worldwide, it provides a comprehensive suite of tools for planning, operating, and analyzing generation, transmission, distribution, and industrial networks.

Core Philosophy: An Integrated Digital Twin

Unlike a collection of separate tools, PowerFactory is built on a unified platform. A single network model serves as a digital twin for all analysis functions, from basic load flow to real-time simulation, ensuring consistency and saving significant engineering time.

Key Features & Capabilities in PowerFactory 2025

The 2025 version continues to build on its robust core with enhancements focused on the transition to modern, renewable-heavy power systems.

1. Core Analysis Functions (The Foundation)

  • Load Flow Analysis: The fundamental calculation for determining steady-state voltages, power flows, and losses.

  • Short-Circuit Calculation: Comprehensive analysis according to major international standards (IEC, VDE, ANSI).

  • Protection Coordination: Model and simulate protection devices (relays, fuses) to verify selectivity and grading.

  • Harmonic Analysis: Analyze harmonic distortions, filter design, and compliance with grid codes.

2. Dynamic & Stability Analysis

  • Transient Stability: Simulate the dynamic response of the system to faults, generator trips, and other disturbances.

  • Small-Signal Stability (Eigenvalue Analysis): Assess the oscillatory stability of the system.

  • Frequency Stability: Analyze the system’s ability to maintain frequency after a generation-load imbalance.

  • Detailed Component Models: Includes advanced models for generators, renewables, HVDC, FACTS, and controllers.

3. Focus on Renewable Integration & Power Electronics

  • Wind & Solar Farm Modeling: Specialized models for Type 1-4 wind turbines, solar PV plants, and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

  • Grid-Forming Inverter Capabilities: Advanced models to simulate the behavior of grid-forming inverters, which are critical for networks with high renewables penetration.

  • RMS-EMT Co-Simulation: Allows coupling of RMS (transmission-level) and EMT (electromagnetic transient, for power electronics) simulations for detailed, system-wide studies.

4. Planning & Operational Studies

  • Optimal Power Flow (OPF): Determine the most economical and secure operating point.

  • Contingency Analysis (N-1, N-k): Automatically assess system security against single or multiple outages.

  • Connection Studies: Perform rigorous studies for connecting new generation or large industrial loads to the grid.

  • Cable & OHL Sizing: Tools for the thermal and electrical sizing of cables and overhead lines.

5. Automation & Digitalization

  • Python Integration & Scripting: Powerful built-in DIgSILENT Programming Language (DPL) and Python scripting for automating complex, repetitive studies and creating custom workflows.

  • Co-Simulation Interfaces: Interfaces with other tools like MATLAB/Simulink, RSCAD (for real-time simulators), and GIS/BIM systems.

  • Data Management & Reporting: Strong project data management, batch calculation modes, and customizable reporting features.