IEEE 1584 · Engineering
Power System Study & Analysis
## Power System Study and Analysis
What We Deliver
Four Studies, One Integrated Engagement
Every real-world power system analysis combines multiple studies. Running them together in a single ETAP model produces results you can act on across your Colombian operations.
Load Flow Analysis
Steady-state voltage and current calculations at every bus under normal and contingency operating conditions.
Short Circuit Calculations
IEC 60909 fault current computations for 3-phase, L-G, L-L, and L-L-G faults at every switchgear location.
Protection Coordination
Time-current curves for every relay, fuse, and breaker to ensure selectivity and verify ratings against calculated fault current.
Voltage Regulation
Identifies tap-changer settings, capacitor placement, and voltage profile improvements that keep every bus within ±5% limits.
Power Factor Correction
Sizes and places capacitor banks to reach 0.95+ PF at the utility meter without exciting harmonic resonance.
System Capacity Evaluation
Quantifies available capacity at each substation for future loads, identifying bottlenecks before you commit to an expansion.
How We Work
Our Process
Single-Line Review
Collect existing single-line diagrams, nameplate data, relay settings, and utility fault data.
System Modeling
Build the complete ETAP model with verified impedances and protective device characteristics.
Multi-Study Analysis
Run load flow, short circuit, and coordination studies in sequence on the same model for consistent results.
Integrated Report
Deliver a single report package with findings ranked by severity plus recommended relay settings.
System Reliability
Prove Your Power System Can Survive Its Worst Day
A power system that works on a normal afternoon may not survive a motor start at shift change or a fault at a remote feeder. Analysis shows you where the margins are.
- Verifies every breaker interrupting rating against calculated fault current
- Ensures voltage regulation stays within ±5% at every critical bus
- Confirms protection coordination is selective across all fault types
- Documents the electrical baseline for RETIE audits and insurance
- Identifies equipment nearing thermal or interrupting capacity limits
Deliverables
Power System Report Contents
One engagement, one report, everything you need for insurer audits, regulatory filings, and internal engineering review.
- 1Updated single-line diagram with every component modelled
- 2Load flow results bus-by-bus under normal and contingency scenarios
- 3Short-circuit fault currents and breaker-duty comparisons
- 4Protection coordination curves with every device plotted
- 5Ranked list of findings with proposed remediation and estimated cost
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a power system study?+
A power system study is an engineering analysis of an electrical network that combines load flow, short circuit, and protection coordination into a single integrated assessment. The study quantifies how the system performs under normal operation, fault conditions, and switching events. It provides the technical baseline for capacity planning, protection upgrades, and RETIE compliance.
What's included in a Carelabs power system study?+
Every Carelabs power system study includes a load flow analysis at normal and contingency conditions, short circuit calculations per IEC 60909, protection coordination with time-current curves, voltage regulation assessment, and a ranked findings list. We build the model in ETAP and deliver a single integrated report rather than separate deliverables.
How often should a power system study be updated?+
Refresh the study every 5 years or immediately after any material change — new transformer, new generation source, significant load addition, or upstream utility upgrade. Stale studies are a common audit finding under RETIE. The Colombian electrical code requires that protective devices match current system conditions, which only a current study can verify.
What software is used for the analysis?+
Carelabs engineers use ETAP (Electrical Transient Analyser Program) — the industry-standard power system analysis platform. ETAP handles load flow, short circuit, protection coordination, arc flash, transient stability, and harmonic studies in a single environment. The output includes one-line diagrams, time-current curves, and compliance reports.
Is a power system study required by RETIE?+
RETIE requires employers to ensure electrical installations are safe, properly rated, and coordinated with protective devices. A power system study is the engineering document that proves compliance. Ministerio de Minas y Energía auditors typically request the most recent study during inspections. Carelabs delivers studies that meet RETIE and international best practices.
Get a Baseline Your Operations Team Can Build On
Carelabs engineers deliver full power system studies across Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla Load flow + short circuit + coordination + transients in one engagement.
Request a Free Quote