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Pandapower-only elements
Part of the element reference. The PF, SC, OPF and MS abbreviations and the 🔴 🟡 🟢 markers in the parameter tables are explained under Element Details.
These palette elements are included only when the simulation engine is set to Pandapower. If you run load flow or short circuit with OpenDSS, they are excluded and Electrisim shows a warning listing any unsupported elements on the diagram.
Static Var Compensator (SVC)
pandapower
Static Var Compensators are FACTS devices used for dynamic voltage support and reactive power control. They can rapidly adjust reactive power output.
Documentation References: 📘 pandapower SVC 📗 OpenDSS Documentation
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Equivalent | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Name of the SVC | string | - | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| bus | Bus the SVC is connected to | integer | - | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| x_l_ohm | Inductive reactance in Ohm | float | > 0 | XL (Reactor) | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| x_cvar_ohm | Variable capacitive reactance in Ohm | float | > 0 | kvar (Capacitor) | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| set_vm_pu | Voltage setpoint in per unit | float | > 0 | kvarlimit (CapControl) | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| thyristor_firing_angle_degree | Thyristor firing angle in degrees | float | 0-180 | - | 🟡 PF, OPF |
| min_angle_degree | Minimum thyristor firing angle in degrees | float | 0-180 | - | 🟡 PF, OPF |
| max_angle_degree | Maximum thyristor firing angle in degrees | float | 0-180 | - | 🟡 PF, OPF |
| controllable | Whether the SVC is controllable | boolean | True/False | - | 🔴 OPF |
| in_service | Specifies if the SVC is in service | boolean | True/False | - | 🟡 PF, OPF |
Thyristor-Controlled Series Capacitor (TCSC)
pandapower
TCSCs are FACTS devices that provide controllable series compensation to regulate power flow and improve transmission capacity.
Documentation References: 📘 pandapower TCSC 📗 OpenDSS Documentation
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Equivalent | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Name of the TCSC | string | - | name | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| from_bus | Starting bus | integer | - | Bus1 | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| to_bus | Ending bus | integer | - | Bus2 | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| x_l_ohm | Inductive reactance in Ohm | float | > 0 | XL (Reactor) | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| x_cvar_ohm | Variable capacitive reactance in Ohm | float | > 0 | C (Capacitor) | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| set_p_to_mw | Power flow setpoint at receiving end in MW | float | - | - | 🔴 OPF |
| thyristor_firing_angle_degree | Thyristor firing angle in degrees | float | 0-180 | - | 🟡 PF, OPF |
| min_angle_degree | Minimum firing angle in degrees | float | 0-180 | - | 🟡 PF, OPF |
| max_angle_degree | Maximum firing angle in degrees | float | 0-180 | - | 🟡 PF, OPF |
| controllable | Whether the TCSC is controllable | boolean | True/False | - | 🔴 OPF |
| in_service | Specifies if the TCSC is in service | boolean | True/False | enabled | 🟡 PF, OPF |
Static Synchronous Compensator (SSC / STATCOM)
pandapower
Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM) are advanced FACTS devices that use voltage source converters to provide dynamic reactive power support. They offer superior voltage control compared to traditional SVCs. In the palette this element appears as SSC(STATCOM).
Documentation References: 📘 pandapower SSC 📗 OpenDSS Documentation
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Equivalent | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Name of the SSC | string | - | name | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| bus | Bus the SSC is connected to | integer | - | Bus1 | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| r_ohm | Internal resistance in Ohm | float | ≥ 0 | R (Generator) | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| x_ohm | Internal reactance in Ohm | float | > 0 | X (Generator) | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| set_vm_pu | Voltage setpoint at connection bus in per unit | float | > 0 | Voltage (InvControl) | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| vm_internal_pu | Internal voltage magnitude in per unit | float | > 0 | kV (Generator) | 🟡 PF, OPF |
| va_internal_degree | Internal voltage angle in degrees | float | -360 to 360 | Angle (Generator) | 🟡 PF, OPF |
| controllable | Whether the SSC is controllable | boolean | True/False | Enabled (InvControl) | 🔴 OPF |
| in_service | Specifies if the SSC is in service | boolean | True/False | enabled | 🟡 PF, OPF |
DC Line
pandapower
DC lines represent high-voltage direct current (HVDC) connections between AC systems. They provide controlled power transfer and can connect asynchronous networks.
Documentation References: 📘 pandapower DC Line OpenDSS: Not Available
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Equivalent | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Name of the DC line | string | - | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| from_bus | Starting bus (rectifier side) | integer | - | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| to_bus | Ending bus (inverter side) | integer | - | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| p_mw | Active power transmitted from from_bus to to_bus in MW | float | - | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| loss_percent | Relative transmission loss in percent | float | ≥ 0 | - | 🟡 PF, OPF |
| loss_mw | Fixed transmission loss in MW | float | ≥ 0 | - | 🟡 PF, OPF |
| vm_from_pu | Voltage setpoint at the from bus in per unit | float | > 0 | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| vm_to_pu | Voltage setpoint at the to bus in per unit | float | > 0 | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| in_service | Specifies if the DC line is in service | boolean | True/False | - | 🟡 PF, OPF |
DC Bus
pandapower
DC buses represent connection points in DC networks, similar to AC buses but for direct current systems. They serve as nodes where DC components like DC loads, DC sources, and DC lines can be connected.
Documentation References: 📘 pandapower DC Bus OpenDSS: Not Available
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Equivalent | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Name of the DC bus | string | - | - | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| vn_kv | Rated voltage in kV | float | > 0 | - | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| in_service | Specifies if the DC bus is in service | boolean | True/False | - | 🟡 PF, SC, OPF |
Load DC
pandapower
DC loads represent power consumption in DC networks. They consume active power from the DC system.
Documentation References: 📘 pandapower Load DC OpenDSS: Not Available
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Equivalent | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Name of the DC load | string | - | - | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| bus | DC bus the load is connected to | integer | - | - | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| p_mw | Active power consumption in MW | float | ≥ 0 | - | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| in_service | Specifies if the DC load is in service | boolean | True/False | - | 🟡 PF, SC, OPF |
Source DC
pandapower
DC sources represent voltage sources in DC networks, similar to external grids in AC systems. They provide voltage reference and power injection into the DC network.
Documentation References: 📘 pandapower Source DC OpenDSS: Not Available
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Equivalent | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Name of the DC source | string | - | - | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| bus | DC bus the source is connected to | integer | - | - | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| vm_pu | Voltage magnitude setpoint in per unit | float | > 0 | - | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| in_service | Specifies if the DC source is in service | boolean | True/False | - | 🟡 PF, SC, OPF |
Switch
pandapower
Switches represent circuit breakers, load break switches, or disconnectors that can connect or disconnect network elements (lines, transformers, or buses). In pandapower, a switch connects a bus to a line, transformer, three-winding transformer, or another bus. In OpenDSS, open switches are modeled by opening the corresponding line or transformer element.
Documentation References: 📘 pandapower Switch 📗 OpenDSS Documentation
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Equivalent | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Name of the switch | string | - | name | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| bus | Bus the switch is connected to | integer | - | Bus1 | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| element | Name/index of the element the switch controls (a line, transformer, three-winding transformer, or bus) | string/integer | - | - | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| et | Element type the switch is connected to: "l" (line), "t" (transformer), "t3" (three-winding transformer), "b" (bus-bus) | string | l, t, t3, b | - | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| closed | Whether the switch is closed (True) or open (False) | boolean | True/False | open/close action | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| type | Type of switch: "CB" (Circuit Breaker), "LS" (Load Switch), "LBS" (Load Break Switch), "DS" (Disconnector) | string | CB, LS, LBS, DS | - | 🟡 PF, SC, OPF |
| z_ohm | Impedance of the switch in Ohm (when closed) | float | ≥ 0 | - | 🟡 PF, SC, OPF |
| in_ka | Rated current of the switch in kA | float | > 0 | normamps | 🟡 PF, SC, OPF |
| in_service | Specifies if the switch is in service | boolean | True/False | enabled | 🟡 PF, SC, OPF |
| ansi_device_class | ANSI/IEEE C37 device class for duty comparison: auto (from voltage), HV C37.010, LV C37.13, MCCB UL 489, or generator C37.013. Short Circuit tab. See ANSI/IEEE C37. | string | auto, hv_c37_010, lv_c37_013, mccb_ul_489, generator_c37_013 | - | 🟡 SC (ANSI) |
| interrupting_rating_ka | Breaker interrupting rating in kA (ANSI duty check) | float | ≥ 0 | - | 🟡 SC (ANSI) |
| momentary_rating_ka | Breaker momentary / close-and-latch rating in kA (ANSI duty check) | float | ≥ 0 | - | 🟡 SC (ANSI) |
Short Circuit tab (ANSI/IEEE C37 duty)
When running ANSI/IEEE C37 short circuit (beta), use the Switch dialog Short Circuit tab to set device class and ratings. The results dialog then compares calculated interrupting and momentary duties against those ratings (pass/fail).
Protection tab (Protection Coordination Study)
When running the Protection Coordination Study, assign a device on the Switch dialog Protection tab. Key fields:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| protection_type | none, ocr, fuse, earth_fault, directional, differential, or distance |
| fuse_type, rated_i_a, fuse_custom_std_json | Library fuse name or custom I–t curve JSON and rated current (fuse mode) |
| oc_relay_type | DTOC (definite time), IDMT (inverse), or IDTOC (combined). Manual grading and manual pickup (A) are supported for all three, including a complete IDTOC TCC. See Overcurrent relays (OCR). |
| curve_type, tms, t_grade, t_g, t_gg, t_diff | IEC 60255 or IEEE C37.112 inverse curve and timing / grading settings (OCR mode) |
| pickup_mode, I_s_a, I_g_a, I_gg_a | Automatic (from line ratings) or manual pickup currents in amperes: Is (IDMT/IDTOC), I> (DTOC/IDTOC), I>> (DTOC/IDTOC) |
| overload_factor, ct_current_factor, safety_factor | Factors for automatic pickup calculation |
Voltage Source Converter (VSC)
pandapower
Voltage Source Converters are power electronic devices that connect AC and DC networks. They enable bidirectional power flow and provide voltage control capabilities, making them essential for HVDC systems and renewable energy integration.
Documentation References: 📘 pandapower VSC OpenDSS: Not Available
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Equivalent | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Name of the VSC | string | - | - | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| bus | AC bus the VSC is connected to | integer | - | Bus1 | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| bus_dc | DC bus the VSC is connected to | integer | - | - | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| p_mw | Active power setpoint at the AC bus in MW | float | - | kW | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| vm_pu | Voltage magnitude setpoint on the AC side in per unit | float | > 0 | kV | 🔴 PF, SC, OPF |
| sn_mva | Nominal power of the VSC in MVA | float | > 0 | kVA | 🟡 PF, SC, OPF |
| rx | R/X ratio of the VSC coupling transformer | float | ≥ 0 | R/X | 🟡 PF, SC, OPF |
| max_ik_ka | Maximum short-circuit current in kA | float | > 0 | - | 🟡 SC |
| in_service | Specifies if the VSC is in service | boolean | True/False | enabled | 🟡 PF, SC, OPF |
Back-to-Back Voltage Source Converter (B2B VSC)
pandapower
In Electrisim, the B2B VSC cell models a dual–DC–bus back-to-back converter: one AC connection plus two DC buses (plus and minus) for detailed DC grid or metallic-return style studies. In pandapower v3.3.2 this maps to the B2B VSC element (create_b2b_vsc, net.b2b_vsc).
Alternatively, a single–AC–to–single–DC connection uses the VSC element and DC Bus per side as needed.
Documentation References: 📘 pandapower B2B VSC OpenDSS: Not Available
Parameters (Load Flow / OPF; connections from the diagram):
| Parameter | Description | Type | Value Range | OpenDSS Equivalent | Simulation Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| name | Name of the B2B VSC | string | - | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| (topology) | One AC bus and two DC buses (plus / minus) are set from the diagram edges (not a form field). | - | - | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| r_ohm / x_ohm | Series resistance and reactance of the VSC coupling branch (Ω), per pandapower b2b_vsc. |
float | ≥ 0 | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| r_dc_ohm | Internal DC path resistance component (Ω). | float | ≥ 0 | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| control_mode_ac / control_value_ac | AC control mode (vm_pu or q_mvar) and corresponding setpoint (p.u. or MVAr). |
string / float | see pandapower | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| control_mode_dc / control_value_dc | DC control mode (vm_pu or p_mw) and setpoint (p.u. or MW). |
string / float | see pandapower | - | 🔴 PF, OPF |
| in_service | Whether the device is in service | boolean | True/False | enabled | 🟡 PF, OPF |
Last updated: October 2026