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OpenDSS-only elements
Part of the element reference. The PF, SC, OPF and MS abbreviations and the ๐ด ๐ก ๐ข markers in the parameter tables are explained under Element Details.
These palette elements are included only when the simulation engine is set to OpenDSS. They are not sent to Pandapower; if any are on the diagram during a Pandapower calculation, Electrisim warns that they will be skipped.
- PVSystem โ photovoltaic array and inverter
- Load 1ph, Source 1ph, Generator 1ph, Line 1ph, Transformer 1ph โ explicit single-phase (
phases=1) distribution elements
Single-phase distribution modeling
Use the five 1ph elements to build radial feeders such as: Source 1ph โ Transformer 1ph โ Line 1ph โ Load 1ph, with optional Generator 1ph for distributed generation. Each exposes Phase (1, 2, or 3) and Connection (wye L-N or delta L-L) so the correct OpenDSS bus terminal (bus.1, bus.1.2, etc.) is used.
Tip: On radial single-phase lines, prefer wye (L-N) for loads and generators. Delta connection requires two energized phase nodes on the bus; if only one node is energized (typical for Line 1ph with wye connection), delta-connected loads may draw little or no power. Electrisim automatically switches delta loads and generators to wye on radial feeders and reports a warning in the load-flow results.
PVSystem
OpenDSS
The PVSystem element combines the photovoltaic (PV) array and the PV inverter in a single model. It assumes that the inverter tracks the maximum power point (MPP) of the panel quickly, making it suitable for quasi-static time-series (QSTS) simulations with time steps of at least one second. This model is adequate for most interconnection impact studies.
Documentation References: ๐ OpenDSS PVSystem ๐ OpenDSS PVSystem Properties
Note: PVSystem is an OpenDSS-only element. Pandapower has no direct equivalent; it can be approximated using a static generator.
Parameters
Parameters are organized by analysis type in the Electrisim PVSystem dialog:
PV Array Properties
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Property | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Name identifier for the PV system element | string | - | name | ๐ด PF |
| irradiance | Present irradiance value in kW/mยฒ. Used as base for shape multipliers. | float | โฅ 0 | irradiance | ๐ด PF |
| pmpp | Rated max power of the PV array for 1.0 kW/mยฒ irradiance at selected array temperature (kW) | float | > 0 | Pmpp | ๐ด PF |
| temperature | Present temperature (ยฐC). Used with P-TCurve to determine net array output. | float | - | Temperature | ๐ก PF |
PV Inverter Properties
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Property | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| phases | Number of phases. Power is evenly divided among phases. | integer | 1โ3 | phases | ๐ด PF |
| kv | Nominal rated (1.0 pu) voltage in kV | float | > 0 | kV | ๐ด PF |
| pf | Power factor for output power. Sets CONSTANT POWER FACTOR MODE. Negative when kW and kvar have opposite signs. | float | -1 to 1 | pf | ๐ก PF |
| kvar | Present kvar value. Setting forces CONSTANT KVAR MODE. | float | - | kvar | ๐ก PF |
| kva | kVA rating of inverter. Base for dynamics and harmonics. | float | > 0 | kVA | ๐ก PF, SC, Harmonics |
| cutin | % cut-in power โ % of kVA. Inverter turns on when array power exceeds this. | float | 0โ100 | %Cutin | ๐ข PF |
| cutout | % cut-out power โ % of kVA. Inverter turns off when array power drops below this. | float | 0โ100 | %Cutout | ๐ข PF |
| conn | Connection type: wye or delta | string | wye, LN, delta, LL | conn | ๐ก PF |
Operating Conditions
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Property | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| model | Power output variation with voltage: 1=Constant kW/kvar, 2=Constant Admittance, 3=User Model | integer | 1โ3 | model | ๐ก PF |
| vminpu | Minimum per unit voltage for model application. Below this, reverts to constant impedance. | float | > 0 | Vminpu | ๐ก PF |
| vmaxpu | Maximum per unit voltage for model application. Above this, reverts to constant impedance. | float | > 0 | Vmaxpu | ๐ก PF |
| in_service | Specifies if the PV system is in service | boolean | True/False | enabled | ๐ก PF |
Time-dependent Load Flow (Load Shapes)
| Parameter | Description | Type | OpenDSS Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| yearly | Dispatch shape for yearly simulations | string (Loadshape name) | yearly |
| daily | Dispatch shape for daily simulations (typically 24 hrs) | string (Loadshape name) | daily |
| duty | Load shape for duty cycle (e.g., solar ramp rate) | string (Loadshape name) | duty |
| tyearly, tdaily, tduty | Temperature shapes for Pmpp vs T curve | string (TShape name) | Tyearly, Tdaily, Tduty |
| dutystart | Starting time offset (hours) into duty cycle shape | float | DutyStart |
Short Circuit
| Parameter | Description | Type | OpenDSS Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| r_percent | Equivalent percent internal resistance (ohms) | float | %R |
| x_percent | Equivalent percent internal reactance (ohms). Limits fault current to ~2 pu. | float | %X |
| basefreq | Base frequency for ratings (Hz) | float | basefreq |
| balanced | Force balanced current for 3-phase (zero/negative sequence = 0) | boolean | Balanced |
Harmonic
| Parameter | Description | Type | OpenDSS Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| spectrum | Name of harmonic voltage/current spectrum | string | spectrum |
| class_ | Class number for PVSystem segregation | integer | class |
| debugtrace | Capture PVSystem model progress per iteration | boolean | debugtrace |
Dynamic (Control Mode)
| Parameter | Description | Type | OpenDSS Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| controlmode | GFL (Grid Following) or GFM (Grid Forming). GFM for islanded microgrids. | string | ControlMode |
| kvarmax | Maximum reactive power generation (kvar) | float | kvarMax |
| kvarmaxabs | Maximum reactive power absorption (kvar) | float | kvarMaxAbs |
| kvdc | Rated DC voltage at inverter input (kV) | float | kVDC |
| safevoltage | Voltage level (%) for safe mode threshold | float | SafeVoltage |
| limitcurrent | Limit current magnitude to Vminpu | boolean | LimitCurrent |
| amplimit | Current limiter per phase for GFM mode | float | AmpLimit |
| wattpriority | Watt priority instead of var priority | boolean | WattPriority |
| varfollowinverter | Reactive power follows inverter on/off status | boolean | VarFollowInverter |
Electrisim Implementation
In Electrisim, the PVSystem element is configured via the PVSystem dialog with parameters organized into tabs:
- Snapshot Load Flow: PV array (irradiance, Pmpp, temperature), inverter (phases, kV, pf, kvar, kVA), and operating conditions (model, Vminpu, Vmaxpu)
- Time-dependent Load Flow: Load shapes (yearly, daily, duty), temperature shapes (Tyearly, Tdaily, Tduty)
- Short Circuit: Internal resistance/reactance (%R, %X), base frequency, balanced mode
- Harmonic: Spectrum, class, debug trace
- Dynamic: Control mode (GFL/GFM), reactive limits, PI controller, safety limits
- Inverter Control: OpenDSS InvControl modes โ NONE / Fixed Q / Fixed PF / Volt-VAR / Volt-Watt / Watt-PF / Watt-VAR / DynamicReacCurr (requires Control Mode = Time in OpenDSS load flow)
Load 1ph
OpenDSS
Single-phase constant-power load connected to one bus. Power is entered in kW and kVar (not MW/MVar). Results show actual kW/kVar, optional setpoint, and bus voltage in pu.
Documentation References: ๐ OpenDSS Load
Note: OpenDSS-only. Not available in pandapower.
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Property | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Element name | string | - | name | ๐ด PF |
| bus | Connected bus | reference | - | Bus1 | ๐ด PF |
| p_kw | Active power demand (kW) | float | โฅ 0 | kW | ๐ด PF |
| q_kvar | Reactive power demand (kVar) | float | - | kvar | ๐ก PF |
| kv | Rated voltage (kV L-N or L-L). Empty = bus nominal. | float | > 0 | kV | ๐ก PF |
| pf | Power factor (UI helper when deriving Q from P) | float | 0โ1 | pf | ๐ข PF |
| phase | OpenDSS phase node (1, 2, or 3) | integer | 1โ3 | Bus1 terminal | ๐ด PF |
| conn | Wye (L-N) or delta (L-L) | string | wye / delta | conn | ๐ด PF |
| spectrum | Harmonic spectrum name | string | - | spectrum | ๐ข HA |
| pctSeriesRL | Series R-L percentage for harmonics | float | 0โ100 | %SeriesRL | ๐ข HA |
| in_service | Include in simulation | boolean | True/False | enabled | ๐ก PF |
Source 1ph
OpenDSS
Single-phase slack source (OpenDSS Vsource). The first Source 1ph in a model configures the circuit source (Vsource.source); additional sources create named Vsource objects. Equivalent to a single-phase external grid.
Documentation References: ๐ OpenDSS Vsource ๐ External Grid (three-phase)
Note: OpenDSS-only. Not available in pandapower.
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Property | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Element name | string | - | name | ๐ด PF, SC |
| bus | Connected bus | reference | - | Bus1 | ๐ด PF, SC |
| vm_pu | Voltage magnitude setpoint (pu) | float | > 0 | pu | ๐ด PF, SC |
| va_degree | Voltage angle (degrees) | float | -360 to 360 | angle | ๐ก PF |
| s_sc_max_mva | Short-circuit MVA for Thevenin impedance | float | > 0 | mvasc3 / R1,X1 | ๐ด SC |
| phase | OpenDSS phase node (1, 2, or 3) | integer | 1โ3 | Bus1 terminal | ๐ด PF, SC |
| conn | Wye (L-N) or delta (L-L) | string | wye / delta | conn | ๐ด PF, SC |
| in_service | Include in simulation | boolean | True/False | enabled | ๐ก PF, SC |
Generator 1ph
OpenDSS
Single-phase dispatchable generator with constant P/Q (OpenDSS Generator, phases=1). Power is entered in kW and kVar.
Documentation References: ๐ OpenDSS Generator ๐ Generator (three-phase)
Note: OpenDSS-only. Not available in pandapower.
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Property | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Element name | string | - | name | ๐ด PF |
| bus | Connected bus | reference | - | Bus1 | ๐ด PF |
| p_kw | Generated active power (kW) | float | โฅ 0 | kW | ๐ด PF |
| q_kvar | Generated reactive power (kVar) | float | - | kvar | ๐ก PF |
| kv | Rated voltage (kV). Empty = bus nominal. | float | > 0 | kV | ๐ก PF |
| sn_kva | Rated apparent power (kVA), optional | float | > 0 | kVA | ๐ก PF |
| model | OpenDSS generator model (1 = constant P&Q) | integer | 1, 3, โฆ | Model | ๐ด PF |
| phase | OpenDSS phase node (1, 2, or 3) | integer | 1โ3 | Bus1 terminal | ๐ด PF |
| conn | Wye (L-N) or delta (L-L) | string | wye / delta | conn | ๐ด PF |
| spectrum | Harmonic spectrum name | string | - | spectrum | ๐ข HA |
| in_service | Include in simulation | boolean | True/False | enabled | ๐ก PF |
Transformer 1ph
OpenDSS
Two-winding single-phase transformer (phases=1 Windings=2). HV/LV sides are determined from bus nominal voltages. LV winding is always wye-connected; HV uses wye or delta according to the connection setting.
Documentation References: ๐ OpenDSS Transformer ๐ Transformer (three-phase)
Note: OpenDSS-only. Not available in pandapower.
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Property | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Element name | string | - | name | ๐ด PF |
| busFrom / busTo | HV and LV buses (auto-sorted by voltage) | reference | - | Buses | ๐ด PF |
| sn_kva | Rated apparent power (kVA) | float | > 0 | kVAs | ๐ด PF |
| vk_percent | Short-circuit voltage (%) | float | > 0 | XHL | ๐ด PF |
| vkr_percent | Resistive part of vk (%) | float | โฅ 0 | %Rs | ๐ก PF |
| vn_hv_kv | HV rated voltage (kV) | float | > 0 | kVs (HV) | ๐ด PF |
| vn_lv_kv | LV rated voltage (kV) | float | > 0 | kVs (LV) | ๐ด PF |
| phase | OpenDSS phase node (1, 2, or 3) | integer | 1โ3 | Bus terminals | ๐ด PF |
| conn | HV connection: wye or delta | string | wye / delta | Conns | ๐ด PF |
| tap_pos | Tap changer position | integer | - | Taps | ๐ก PF |
| in_service | Include in simulation | boolean | True/False | enabled | ๐ก PF |
Line 1ph
OpenDSS
Single-phase series impedance between two buses (phases=1). Uses per-km R, X, and optional shunt C with a length in km.
Documentation References: ๐ OpenDSS Line ๐ Line (three-phase)
Note: OpenDSS-only. Not available in pandapower.
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Property | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Element name | string | - | name | ๐ด PF |
| busFrom / busTo | From and to buses | reference | - | Bus1, Bus2 | ๐ด PF |
| length_km | Line length (km) | float | โฅ 0 | Length (units=km) | ๐ด PF |
| r_ohm_per_km | Series resistance (ฮฉ/km) | float | โฅ 0 | R1 | ๐ด PF |
| x_ohm_per_km | Series reactance (ฮฉ/km) | float | - | X1 | ๐ด PF |
| c_nf_per_km | Shunt capacitance (nF/km), 0 = ignored | float | โฅ 0 | C1 | ๐ข PF |
| phase | OpenDSS phase node (1, 2, or 3) | integer | 1โ3 | Bus terminals | ๐ด PF |
| conn | Wye (L-N) or delta (L-L) at both ends | string | wye / delta | โ | ๐ด PF |
| in_service | Include in simulation | boolean | True/False | enabled | ๐ก PF |
Last updated: October 2026