PowerEarth delivers power system studies and protection system design for electrical networks across Australia’s most critical infrastructure sectors. Our studies provide the analytical foundation for safe, reliable and efficient electrical systems — giving asset owners, network operators and project managers the quantified data they need to make sound investment and operational decisions.
With over 30 years of experience in power and utilities, rail, mining, defence, renewables, water, tunnels and industrial facilities, we bring deep sector knowledge to every study — understanding not just the electrical engineering, but the operational context in which your system performs.
Our System Studies Capability
Using industry-standard power system modelling software including ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory and SKM Power*Tools, our engineers deliver accurate, standards-compliant results across the full range of steady-state and dynamic study types.
AC and DC Fault Studies
Fault studies calculate the prospective short-circuit currents at every point in your electrical system. These values are essential for verifying that switchgear fault ratings are adequate, sizing protective devices correctly and ensuring that your system can safely interrupt faults under all operating configurations. Our fault analyses cover both AC systems (in accordance with IEC 60909 and AS 3851) and DC traction and battery systems, providing make, break and steady-state fault current values for each scenario.
Load Flow and Voltage Drop Studies
Load flow analysis verifies that your electrical system can supply all connected loads within acceptable voltage limits under normal, contingency and emergency operating conditions. Our studies model real and reactive power flows throughout the network, identify voltage regulation issues, assess power factor performance and evaluate the impact of proposed changes such as new loads, generation connections or network reconfigurations. Voltage drop calculations are performed in accordance with AS/NZS 3008.1.1 to ensure compliance at the point of supply and throughout the distribution network.
Cable and Equipment Sizing
Correct cable sizing is fundamental to a safe and efficient electrical installation. Our engineers select and specify cables based on calculated load currents, fault current withstand ratings, voltage drop limits and installation conditions — including ambient temperature, cable grouping, soil thermal resistivity and installation method — in accordance with AS/NZS 3008.1.1. We also size and specify switchgear, transformers and other major equipment to ensure ratings are appropriate for both normal operation and fault conditions.
Harmonics Analysis
Non-linear loads such as variable frequency drives (VFDs), rectifiers, UPS systems and LED lighting inject harmonic currents into the electrical network. If unmanaged, these harmonics can cause overheating of transformers and cables, nuisance tripping of protection devices, interference with sensitive equipment and non-compliance with network operator connection agreements. Our harmonic studies model the injection and propagation of harmonics throughout your system, assess compliance with AS/NZS 61000 limits and the relevant network operator requirements, and design mitigation measures including passive filters, active filters and system reconfiguration where required.
Protection Coordination and Settings
Protection coordination ensures that the correct protective device operates to clear a fault, while upstream devices remain stable — minimising the extent of any outage and preventing unnecessary disruption. PowerEarth develops protection grading studies for networks from low voltage distribution through to high voltage transmission systems, covering overcurrent, earth fault, differential and distance protection schemes. We calculate and specify relay settings, produce coordination time-current curves and provide implementation-ready settings schedules for site commissioning.
Arc Flash Hazard Assessment
An arc flash is a dangerous release of energy caused by an electrical fault through an air gap. The resulting explosion can produce temperatures exceeding 19,000°C and cause severe burns, blast injuries or fatalities. PowerEarth’s arc flash assessments calculate incident energy levels at each point in your system in accordance with IEEE 1584 and AS/NZS 4836, determining the required PPE category, arc flash boundary distances and safe working practices for each item of equipment. Our assessments also identify opportunities to reduce incident energy through protection system improvements, enabling safer maintenance practices and reduced PPE burden.
Traction Power System Modelling
For rail and transport projects, PowerEarth provides specialist traction power modelling services. Our simulations model train movements along the route, calculating traction substation loading, rail voltage profiles, stray current levels and regenerative braking energy recovery. These studies inform substation sizing and spacing decisions, identify voltage compliance issues and optimise the design of traction power supply systems for both new lines and upgrades to existing networks.
When You Need a System Study
System studies are required at many points in the life of an electrical asset. Common scenarios where PowerEarth’s study capability adds value include:
- New installations — Verifying that a proposed electrical design will perform safely and within standards before construction begins
- Network connections — Meeting network service provider requirements for connection applications, including fault level assessments and harmonic compliance
- Capacity upgrades — Understanding the impact of adding new loads or generation to an existing system and identifying any reinforcement requirements
- Safety compliance — Meeting obligations under AS/NZS 4836 and workplace safety legislation through arc flash assessments and protection system reviews
- Fault investigation — Analysing the root cause of protection operations, equipment failures or power quality issues
- Renewables integration — Assessing the impact of solar, wind or battery storage connections on network stability, fault levels and power quality
- Asset lifecycle management — Informing investment decisions about ageing infrastructure through condition-based studies and capacity assessments
How We Deliver System Studies
PowerEarth follows a structured process to ensure that every study delivers accurate, actionable results tailored to your project’s specific requirements:
- Requirements definition — We work with you to understand the objectives, scope and constraints of the study, ensuring the analysis addresses your actual decision-making needs.
- Data collection and model build — Our engineers gather system data from single-line diagrams, equipment nameplates, protection relay settings and network operator information to build an accurate power system model.
- Analysis and simulation — Using industry-standard software, we simulate the behaviour of your electrical system under the agreed operating scenarios, identifying issues and quantifying performance.
- Reporting and recommendations — We present results in clear, practical reports that include findings, compliance assessments, recommended actions and supporting data for your records.
- Implementation support — Where required, we provide protection relay settings schedules, equipment specifications and ongoing support through to commissioning and site testing.
Our system studies integrate seamlessly with PowerEarth’s electrical system design, earthing design and testing and consulting and advisory services, providing a complete engineering solution from analysis through to implementation.
Sector Applications
System study requirements differ across industries. PowerEarth’s multi-sector experience means we understand the specific standards, network configurations and operational challenges that shape the scope of each study:
- Power & utilities: Transmission and distribution network studies, zone substation protection coordination, connection application studies for network operators
- Rail & transport: Traction power supply modelling, signalling power fault studies, stray current analysis
- Renewables & battery storage: Generator performance studies, fault level impact assessments, harmonic compliance for grid-connected solar, wind and BESS installations
- Mining & industrial: Surface and underground fault studies, motor starting analysis, arc flash assessments for switchrooms and substations
- Defence: Power system studies for secure and resilient defence electrical infrastructure
- Water & tunnels: Pump station motor starting studies, tunnel ventilation power system analysis, treatment plant fault studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a power system study?
A power system study uses computer-based modelling to simulate the behaviour of an electrical network under various conditions. Study types include fault analysis, load flow, harmonics, protection coordination and arc flash assessment. The results quantify system performance and identify any issues that need to be addressed through design changes, equipment upgrades or modified protection settings. PowerEarth uses industry-standard software including ETAP and DIgSILENT PowerFactory to deliver all major study types.
What Australian Standards apply to power system studies?
The applicable standards depend on the study type. Key standards include AS/NZS 3008.1.1 for cable sizing and voltage drop calculations, AS 2067 for substation design, AS/NZS 61000 for harmonic limits, AS/NZS 4836 and IEEE 1584 for arc flash hazard assessment, and IEC 60909 for short-circuit current calculations. Network operators may also impose additional requirements through their connection agreements and technical standards. PowerEarth’s engineers are experienced in applying all relevant standards across multiple jurisdictions.
What is an arc flash assessment and is it required in Australia?
An arc flash assessment calculates the potential incident energy released during an electrical fault at each point in your system. The results determine the required PPE category, safe working distances and arc flash boundary for each item of equipment. While Australia does not yet have a standalone mandatory standard for arc flash assessment, AS/NZS 4836 provides guidance, and workplace health and safety legislation requires duty holders to identify and control electrical hazards — making arc flash assessment a practical requirement for most industrial and commercial electrical installations.
How long does a system study take?
The duration depends on the scope and complexity of the system and the availability of input data. A straightforward fault study and protection coordination for a single substation may take two to four weeks, while a comprehensive study covering a large industrial facility or distribution network — including fault analysis, load flow, harmonics, protection coordination and arc flash assessment — may take six to twelve weeks. PowerEarth provides a detailed scope and programme before commencing any study.
What data is needed for a power system study?
Typical inputs include single-line diagrams, equipment nameplates and datasheets (transformers, switchgear, cables, generators, motors), existing protection relay settings, network operator fault level information and details of the operating scenarios to be analysed. Where documentation is incomplete, PowerEarth can assist with on-site data collection and verification to ensure the power system model is accurate.
What is the difference between a fault study and a protection coordination study?
A fault study calculates the prospective short-circuit currents at each point in the system, which are needed to verify equipment ratings and provide inputs for other studies. A protection coordination study uses the fault study results (along with load currents and equipment characteristics) to determine the settings for protective devices — ensuring that the device nearest to a fault operates first while upstream devices remain stable. Both studies are typically performed together, as protection coordination relies on accurate fault current data.
Talk to Our System Studies Team
Whether you need a fault study for a new substation, an arc flash assessment across an existing facility, protection coordination for a network upgrade, or traction modelling for a rail project, PowerEarth’s engineers have the expertise and tools to deliver. With 30 years of experience across Australia’s most demanding sectors, we provide system studies that are accurate, standards-compliant and focused on giving you the information you need to make confident decisions.
Contact us today to discuss your system study requirements, or call us on 1300 POWEREARTH.