specialist international power system consultants
Select one of our services for more information or see below for more details about MPE
Power system studies & modelling
MPE has extensive experience of modelling and simulation all power system or power station components for steady state & contingency, quasi-dynamic, short circuit, RMS, EMT, frequency domain / harmonic, protection, or SSR studies. This includes building models suitable for individual power station grid code compliance, G5/4, G5/5, P28, P29, or G74 requirements, or full power system grid integration / expansion planning type studies. Please click in this box for more information on the individual services, then say hello to have a chat with us to see how we can help you with your modelling needs.
Developer design and planning services
MPE can provide preliminary & detailed design services for onshore and offshore wind, PV, battery storage, and conventional power plants. This includes substation layout, cable routing & sizing (including thermal analysis), harmonic filter design, earthing design, tender & owner’s engineer support. If you have a need for some or all of these services as a package, then please say hello and we would be happy to discuss how we can help you deliver your project. Click anywhere in this box for more details about each service.
Offshore wind services
One of MPE's main activities in the current market is to provide consultancy & design services for large HVAC and HVDC connected offshore wind farms and offshore transmission networks. Our range of services cover concept design, reactive power optimisation, RMS & EMT studies, operational principles, loss analysis. Please click in this box to find out more about the typical services we provide for offshore wind. Alternatively say hello to let us know what your specific requirements are, and we will do our very best to help you with your project.
Power system consulting
MPE’s national and international consulting activities include grid integration of renewable generation, connection of offshore wind farms, operational and planning support to system operators, transmission and distribution system owners, techno-economic studies, and site measurements and testing. Please click anywhere in this box for some examples of the types of services we can provide in this area. Even if you don’t see your required service, please say hello to see how we can help you with your project.
Engineering software development
Through providing consultancy services to our international clients, MPE has developed multiple different stand-alone pieces of software. Often programmed in Python, these have custom user interfaces, standalone executables, ability to process large volumes of data, optimisation routines, particle swarm / genetic algorithms, control of other software (e.g. DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ATP, PSCAD etc.). To see some examples, please click anywhere in this box, but if you have a need for this type of application then please say hello and we would be happy to discuss how we deliver a custom software product for you.
International power system support
Right from our foundation, MPE has been heavily active providing international services. Our special focus if to assist emerging countries who are starting on their path to deploy utility scale renewable generation. This includes grid integration studies, power system expansion planning, grid code development support, power system operation concept development, general training advice and support services to name a few. We have worked extensively with international aid organisations such as GIZ, IADB, USAID, ICASA. We are also happy to partner with complimentary organisations for tenders which require a wide skill set, with MPE either as lead or in a subcontract. If you require our skills for such a project, then please say hello and we will be happy to discuss how we can help you. Please click anywhere in this box for more information about the types of services we typically provide for international projects.
Complete list of MPE services
MPE offers a wide range of power system engineering services. Please click anywhere in this box for a full list. If you require support with something which is not on this list, then please still say hello and discuss your requirement with us. We regularly develop new capabilities and thrive on new technical challenges. However, in rare circumstances where we don’t have a specific capability, we can often recommend someone from our partner network.
Real time digital simulation (RTDS)
MPE is the RTDS country representative in UK, Ireland and Germany. We provide sales, support and consultancy activities. If you are interested in real time simulation please click anywhere in this box for more information, and then say hello to organise a demonstration or to discuss your specific project.
example projects
The countries highlighted in green show the extent of where MPE have provided services. We bring this worldwide experience to all of our projects, big or small.
Click through these slides to see some examples of some of the projects MPE has been working on.
If you would like to discuss how this expertise can be used on your project then please come and say hello
software capabilities
MPE's engineers have extensive experience of many different types of software, software development, and coding, with several members of our team having worked in power system software providers. The following list details a few of the power system analysis packages, and coding languages, our engineers have used on a regular basis. However, we can always apply our expertise to new packages should there be a client need.
If you need personalised standalone software developed, then please say hello to discuss your requirements, or take a look at some of our examples here.
DIgSILENT PowerFactory
MPE has a rich history with DIgSILENT and the PowerFactory software. We have extensive experience in using this tool for many purposes including:
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Load flow
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Contingency analysis
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Optimal power flow / optimisation
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Short circuit (e.g. IEC 60909 or G74 etc.)
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RMS & EMT simulations
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Small signal stability (eigenanalysis),
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Harmonic studies and filter design
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Protection coordination
We are specialists in studies for large and small networks, all types of stability assessments, data verification & component modelling, and program automation (e.g through DPL or Python).
PSCAD
MPE utilises the PSCAD software extensively - particularly for insulation coordination purposes for large offshore wind farms. One of the main drivers is the availability of detailed EMT wind turbine models which are typically available in this software.
Our expertise includes detailed cable, overhead line, transformer, shunt compensation, and wind turbine modelling.
We are able to execute all required insulation coordination, ferroresonance, and TRV studies.
We have also performed detailed comparisons between this and other EMT software to ensure suitability and accuracy of models.
ETAP
We have experience using ETAP software for delivering analysis including load flow, short circuit, RMS stability studies, protection coordination, and motor starting.
XGSLabs
For performing grounding calculations and earthing system design, MPE uses XGSLabs software. This utilises frequency domain calculation methods for optimal and safe, yet efficient design of earthing systems. MPE can also perform the required earth resistivity and fall of potential onsite testing if required.
Siemens Simaris
When low voltage networks are to be investigated, MPE use Siemens Simaris or Schneider Ecodial for rapid and efficient LV cable sizing and protection coordination.
MPE's operational reserve tool (ORT)
The Operational Reserve Tool (ORT) is a Windows-based software tool, developed and used by MPE, and licensed to MPE’s clients. The ORT calculates the required operating reserve (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary) considering:
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contingencies
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continuous variations of load and generation
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system imbalance (forecast errors)
In order to model different ancillary service markets, the software provides enough flexibility to consider different definitions of operating reserve (e.g. different activation times, dispatch cycles, prediction intervals).
Furthermore, the ORT integrates tools to emulate prediction errors of wind and PV based on historic wind speed or solar irradiation data.
The output of the ORT can be used as an input to MPE’s production cost optimiser.
If you would like a demo of the ORT or to discuss any of MPE’s software solutions, please say hello below and we will get in contact to arrange a discussion.
MPE's short circuit tool
Although many power system software tools have short circuit calculation functions built in, MPE has developed a tool that can be set to perform any standard (e.g. IEC 60909 (2016) or ER G74) or non-standard short circuit calculation method.
This tool was developed in order to assess the impact of different short circuit methods during the recent update of the ER G74 short circuit standard in the UK. This flexibility can be used for detailed investigations prior to updating standards, for performing short circuit calculations where standards have been updated but software updates lag behind, or for software checking and comparison purposes.
If you would like to hear more about this tool then please say hello and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.
Python
MPE utilises Python programming on a day to day basis. This can include:
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Control of power system analysis software
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Processing of large data volumes
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Development of stand-alone software tools
If you have a project which could benefit from our software skills, then please say hello and we will arrange a discussion.
Siemens PTI PSS/E
MPE can use Siemens PTI's PSS/E software for load flow, contingency analysis, short circuit studies, and RMS simulations (including construction of dynamic models). We are also experts at converting software from PSS/E format to other power system analysis software packages (and vice versa).
If your project requires studies in PSS/E, or conversion to/from PSS/E then say hello to see how we can help.
ATP
ATP (Alternative Transients Programme) is a software tool used for detailed EMT simulations. MPE has extensive experience using this tool for insulation coordination, TRV studies, PIR design, as well as delivering training internationally in the use of this software.
Say hello to discuss the use of this tool for your project or training needs.
NEPLAN
MPE's engineers have experience in using NEPLAN software for load flow, contingency analysis, short-circuit studies, RMS dynamic studies, harmonic analysis, and protection coordination.
If you require this tool for your project then say hello and we will be happy to discuss.
Schneider Ecodial
When low voltage networks are to be investigated, MPE use Siemens Simaris or Schneider Ecodial for rapid and efficient LV cable sizing and protection coordination.
RTDS RSCAD
RSCAD is the proprietary software from RTDS for building detailed EMT networks for simulation on the real time simulator. These networks run in real time with a time-step between 2-50 micro seconds.
As the country representative for RTDS, we have extensive experience in this software. If you are interested in a simulator, or RTDS consultancy activities provided by MPE, then please say hello below. Please also see our RTDS page here for more information about the simulator.
MPE's production cost optimiser (PCO)
The production cost optimisation model, developed by MPE, is based on a MILP (Mixed Integer Linear Programming) model using IBM/CPLEX as the solver. The production cost optimisation model balances flexibility requirements and flexibility resource and calculates overall production cost over a period (e.g. one year) while respecting all constraints, including flexibility constraints and grid constraints.
Production costs include:
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Cost of fuel
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Cost of start-ups and shut-downs
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Cost of significant load ramps
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Start-up/shut-down cost
Cost of significant load ramps can include both direct cycling costs (e.g. for start-up fuels) and indirect cycling costs (accelerated ageing, increased maintenance costs).
The production optimisation model has been specifically implemented for the execution of flexibility studies of systems with a large share of variable renewable sources. It integrates the following, special capabilities required for this type of application:
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Simulation of large power systems over long periods (typically one year) with high resolution (15min, 30min).
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Simultaneous optimisation of generator dispatch and allocation of Operating Reserves (optimized allocation of primary, secondary and tertiary reserve on individual units, including contributions from wind and PV).
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Consideration of stability constraints (must-run units, minimum inertia, maximum rate of change of frequency/ROCOF).
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Constraints can be added or removed fully flexibly.
Besides these special capabilities the model includes all typical cost contributions and constraints:
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Max/min level of stable operation
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Max/min load following ramps
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Max start-up times
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Maximum number of start-ups per year
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Min. up-time, min. down-time etc.).
The model makes special provision for large hydro systems, including a long-run pre-dispatch to optimise water consumption within given constraints.
Grid constraints are considered using PTDFs (Power Transfer Distribution Factors). If available, relevant PTDFs for inter-regional power transfers can be delivered by the client. Otherwise, they can be calculated using a load flow model (e.g. in PSS/E or DIgSILENT PowerFactory).
If you would like to discuss our PCO tool, or our consultancy services, then please say hello below.
MPE's cable ampacity tool
MPE can provide ampacity calculations for conventional and unconventional cable environments and laying arrangements e.g. for submarine cables and non-homogeneous cable groupings.
Additionally MPE has developed a methodology for transient ampacity calculation, which has been implemented into our own software tool. This allows us to assess the ampacity even for load profiles which are not covered by traditional cable ampacity standards, e.g. load profiles of wind or photovoltaic farms.
Say hello if you require accurate ampacity calculations for cable selection / heating purposes and we will be happy to help.
DIgSILENT PowerFactory DPL, DSL, & Q-DSL
DPL and DSL are two of the main built-in programming languages within DIgSILENT PowerFactory. DPL is used for automation of studies and data processing, whereas DSL is used for building custom RMS and EMT dynamic models.
Q-DSL is a quasi-steady state language which can be used for scripting special controls in load flow, and for long term power system studies (e.g. energy based or techno-economic studies over 1 year).
If you require models or scripts to be built using these tools, please say hello to discuss how we can help you deliver your project.
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