Validation of KESTREL EMT for Industrial Capacitor Switching Transient Studies

TL;DR

This paper validates the open-source KESTREL EMT solver for industrial capacitor switching transient studies, demonstrating its accuracy and reproducibility through case studies aligned with IEEE benchmarks.

Contribution

It introduces a validated methodology for using free, open-source EMT tools in industrial transient analysis, filling a gap in accessible simulation options.

Findings

KESTREL EMT produces responses consistent with analytical and IEEE benchmarks.

The methodology enables accurate transient studies using free tools.

Case studies cover energization, resonance, and VFD interactions.

Abstract

Electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation is essential for analyzing sub-cycle switching phenomena in industrial power systems; however, commercial EMT platforms present significant cost barriers for smaller utilities, consultancies, and academic institutions, particularly in developing regions. This paper validates KESTREL EMT, a free and open-source electromagnetic transient solver with Python integration, through three progressive case studies involving industrial capacitor switching transients. This work investigates energization, switching resonance and VFD interactions with capacitor banks. The results demonstrate that KESTREL, when supported by appropriate circuit modeling techniques, produces EMT responses consistent with analytical predictions and established IEEE benchmarks. This work establishes a validated and reproducible methodology for conducting industrial EMT studies using freely available, open-source tools.