Development of Data Translators for Interfacing Power-Flow Programs With EMTP-Type Programs: Challenges and Lessons Learned

This paper describes the challenges and lessons learned when developing industrial-grade data translators aimed for the interfacing of power-flow programs with Electromagnetic Transients Program-type programs. It has been found that the greatest challenges to overcome include: 1) the lack, in the databases used in power-flow programs, of vital pieces of information necessary to perform transient studies; 2) inconsistency in the format of data files; 3) the presence of data entry mistakes in very large databases; 4) the validation of the translated data; and 5) the analysis of the large amount of data that transient simulations provide. Several examples are presented to show the implemented solutions. Finally, recommendations based on experience are made to help future developers of interfacing tools.